Study in Liverpool, The United Kingdom

About Liverpool

Liverpool is a port city in the North West of England. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), its population grew from just over 466,400 in 2011 to around 486,100 at the 2021 census. The University of Liverpool describes it as a hub for art, music, sport and culture, with over 50,000 students in the city.

For students, Liverpool combines a compact, walkable centre, a large student population and good rail links to Manchester and London.

Studying in Liverpool

SpainExchange lists two schools in Liverpool: one university with a campus in the city and one online programme. Teaching is in English.

• Liverpool Hope University was formed from three church colleges, the first of which was founded in 1844, and received university title in July 2005. It describes itself as the only university foundation in Europe where Catholic and Anglican colleges have come together. Its main teaching campus, Hope Park, is in Childwall, a suburb of Liverpool; the Creative Campus in the city centre is home to its creative and performing arts degrees, and Aigburth Park provides accommodation for continuing, postgraduate and international students.
• University of Liverpool Online runs fully online, part-time postgraduate programmes of the University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group of research-led UK universities. Most master's programmes take 24 months, and the online MBA 30 months. According to the university, its online degrees have the same standing in the UK as degrees earned on campus.

Cost of living for students

Housing is the largest cost for most students. The ONS reports an average monthly private rent of £913 in Liverpool in August 2026, and £686 for a one-bedroom home. Many students share a house or live in a hall of residence rather than renting alone.

For a Student visa, students on courses outside London must show £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) in addition to their course fees. This is a minimum for the visa, not a full budget.

Visas for students

Courses of up to 6 months at an accredited institution, including English language courses, can usually be taken as a Standard Visitor. English courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa, which costs £228. Degree courses need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK. After a degree, the Graduate visa allows 2 years in the UK 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.

Students who take a fully online course from home do not need to move to the UK.

Getting around and daily life

Liverpool is compact, and the University of Liverpool notes that Forbes named it the 12th most walkable city in the world. Buses run regularly, with operators including Arriva and Stagecoach. Merseyrail trains run every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday, and a Merseyrail Day Saver ticket for the whole network starts at £4.55.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 8 miles from the city centre, and the 500 bus runs every 30 minutes from the airport to the centre. By train, the journey from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street takes about two hours 30 minutes, and Manchester Piccadilly is about an hour away.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Liverpool?

SpainExchange lists Liverpool Hope University, which teaches on campuses in Childwall and the city centre, and University of Liverpool Online, which runs online postgraduate programmes of the University of Liverpool.

How much does it cost to rent in Liverpool?

According to the ONS, the average private rent in Liverpool was £913 a month in August 2026, and £686 for a one-bedroom home.

Can I study at a Liverpool university online?

Yes. University of Liverpool Online offers fully online, part-time master's programmes, such as an MBA over 30 months, which can be taken from outside the UK.

How do I get from the airport to Liverpool city centre?

The 500 bus runs every 30 minutes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, 8 miles away, to the city centre.