Study in Bristol, The United Kingdom

About Bristol

Bristol is a city in the south-west of England, on the River Avon. Its population grew by 10.3% between the last two censuses, from just over 428,200 in 2011 to around 472,500 in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). For students it combines two large universities with a city centre that is easy to reach by bus.

Most international students come to Bristol for a degree or a study abroad semester. Others come for English: the city is the base of a home tuition network and has a large further education college with English courses.

Studying in Bristol

Our directory lists five schools in Bristol: two universities and three English language providers. Teaching is in English.

• The University of Bristol was founded in 1876 as University College, Bristol, and was the first higher education institution in England to admit women on an equal basis to men. In 2024/25 it had 31,132 students, 10,903 of them international. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation and short-term study.
• The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) teaches on three campuses a short bus ride apart. Most students study at Frenchay Campus, four miles north of the centre; health, nursing and midwifery students are often at Glenside Campus. UWE states that it has students from more than 167 countries and regions, and it welcomes exchange students through its study abroad partners.

For English, City of Bristol College runs ESOL courses for people who live in Britain and want to improve their English. Living Learning English, run from Bristol, is a UK-wide network of teachers: students live in their teacher's home and take an intensive one-to-one course. The Bristol Language Centre is also listed in our directory.

Visas for students

Short courses of up to 6 months, including English courses, can usually be taken as a Standard Visitor, which allows study at an accredited institution. English courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa (£228). Degree courses and other longer courses at a licensed sponsor need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK; students aged 18 or over on a degree-level course can usually stay for up to 5 years. After a degree, the Graduate visa gives 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. Always check the current rules on GOV.UK before you apply.

Cost of living for students

Housing is the largest cost. According to the ONS, the average monthly private rent in Bristol was £1,883 in August 2026, and £1,225 for a one-bedroom home. Most students live in university accommodation, a shared house or a homestay.

For a Student visa outside London, the UK government asks students to show £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) for living costs, on top of course fees. This is the minimum for the visa, not a full budget.

Getting around and daily life

First Group runs most local buses in Bristol, and its First West of England routes are part of the national bus fare cap: a single ticket in England costs no more than £3 until the end of 2026, and single tickets will be capped at £2 from 1 January 2027. UWE's Frenchay Campus is about 15 minutes from the centre by Metrobus.

Bristol Airport is about 13 km from the city centre. Great Western Railway trains link London Paddington with Bristol Temple Meads, and National Express coaches, which offer students a 20% discount, connect Bristol with London airports and other cities.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Bristol?

Our directory lists the University of Bristol, founded in 1876, and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Both accept international students on degree and exchange programmes.

Can I learn English in Bristol?

Yes. Living Learning English offers one-to-one courses in which you live in your teacher's home, and City of Bristol College runs ESOL courses for people who live in Britain.

How much does it cost to rent in Bristol?

The ONS reports an average private rent of £1,883 a month in August 2026, or £1,225 for a one-bedroom home. Shared houses and university accommodation are the usual student options.

How do I get to Bristol from London?

Great Western Railway trains run from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads, and National Express coaches run to Bristol, including from Heathrow.