International students

Welcome to the University of Derby, an ambitious modern university in the heart of the UK. We are proud to welcome more than 1700 international students from over 100 countries studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level with award winning support services. Find out more about where we are and what our current international students say about living and studying at Derby. 

Top50UK University**The Guardian University Guide 2023
No 1UK Modern University for multi-cultural learning**UK Modern ISB Benchmark Group 2018
Top10in the world for international student learning experience**Global ISB Benchmark Group 2018

A warm welcome

Welcome to the University of Derby. We’re an ambitious, modern university with two campuses in Derbyshire, central England. We’re also a much-loved second home to more than 1,700 international students from 100 countries studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Excellent teaching that really prepares you for a successful, fulfilling career: this is what we focus on. Our courses will develop your academic knowledge, practical experience and employability skills such as communication and leadership.

If you need support – either with your course or with life as an international student – we’ll make sure you get it. We came out on top in the International Student Barometer (ISB) 2018 rankings among the UK Modern Universities group for the formal welcome given to students arriving at the University from overseas, and first among the UK Modern Universities group for multi-cultural learning and faith support.

The Purple Flag awarded city of Derby is a welcoming and safe place with lots going on for international students to really experience British culture.

Journalism student Cristina
Guidance for International Applicants

If you are already an applicant, you can find out information about visa and welfare support, fees and finance, travelling here, accommodation and welcome events.

Students talking in a meeting room at the Derby Campus
Fees and finance

All the information you need to know about fees for University of Derby courses and the different ways you can fund your studies.

Student interacting with other students in classroom
Contact us

Our dedicated enquiry team can help to answer any questions you have about studying with us and can offer guidance and support with your application.

Studying as an international student

In this clip from our recent Open Day Live, our international students and staff are asked about what it’s like to move to the UK to study.

Chatting to international students about life at Derby

View Asking our international students video transcript

Country specific information

Discover more information about the entry requirements, scholarships available, student stories and how to contact our representatives in your country.

International students sitting and talking
Africa

Welcome to students from Africa. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

A student from China at our International Welcome
China

Welcome to students from China. Find out about scholarships for eligible international students, fees and entry requirements.

Students in a classroom setting
Europe

Welcome to students from Europe. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

A young international student from India having a go at archery
India

Welcome to students from India. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

Manaal Mulla from UAE
Middle East

Welcome to students from the Middle East. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

Osama Qayyum Janjua, a student from Pakistan
Pakistan

Welcome to students from Pakistan. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

A international student beside her fashion course project work
South East Asia

Welcome to students from South East Asia. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

A group of students enjoying our international welcome event
USA

Welcome to students from the USA. Find out more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

A student doing archery

Scholarships and discounts for international students

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

Find out more about scholarships for international studentsFind out more about scholarships for international students
International students sitting at laptop

International Foundation Programme

Our International Foundation Programme is designed to give you a recognised English language qualification so you can progress onto your chosen degree.

Find out more about applyingFind out more about applying

The UK government has recently announced a new Graduate Route visa that allows international students to work, or look for work, at any skill level for a period of two years after completing their courses in the UK. 

Entrance view of Kedleston Road campus in the daytime.

Discover Derby Uni as an International student

We understand that joining us from outside the UK affects what you need to know about studying with us, so here are all the digital ways you can find out more about our University.

Find out how you can Discover Derby UniFind out how you can Discover Derby Uni

Where is Derby?

An animated video about where the University of Derby is located in the heart of England.

View Where is Derby? video transcript

International student Ioana Batcu

Derby is a compact but versatile city, the ideal size. Located in the Midlands, it’s in the heart of the UK, so you can explore the rest of the country. Just get in the car, jump on the bus or take the train to start your new adventure.

Ioana Batcu
On where Derby is in the UK
A photo of international student Mohika Shankar

Studying in the UK is good value for money; the average cost is lower than studying in the USA or Australia. While living expenses are set by lifestyle, spending habits and accommodation, it has been estimated that students spend a minimum of £1,015 a month.

Mohika Shankar
On studying in the UK and the expenses to consider
Students at an Open Day

Chat to our students

Want to know more about what it's like to be an international student at the University of Derby? Chat to one of our online ambassadors to find out more about life at Derby.

Speak to our student ambassadorsSpeak to our student ambassadors
#1for formally welcoming international students**UK ISB Benchmark Group 2018
Top100for teaching excellence in Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings 2018
Smiling student with arms crossed

Being an international student

Moving to the UK was a life-changing experience for Sam Chikowore, who was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship. Hear about his time as an international student in Derby.

Read Sam's blog about starting university and feeling welcomeRead Sam's blog about starting university and feeling welcome
Students outdoors
International student life

At Derby, we offer a warm welcome, lots of support and interesting places to discover – from bright, busy cities to peaceful countryside.

Supporting international students at a drop-in session
International student support

If you need support – either with your course or with life as an international student – we’ll make sure you get it. Our highly-rated international support services will be here for you.

A student writing
English language support

Derby English Language Centre (DELC) offers you the opportunity to develop your English language skills at one of the UK’s top performing universities for fair access.

Group of students sat around a table laughing
Meet our international recruitment team

We have a team of recruitment officers, representatives and agents who can help you with your application and help answer any questions you have about studying and living in Derby.

Spa lecturer in conversation
Meet us in your country

We visit many countries through the year with advice for you and your parents about choosing your course and what it’s like to be a student in Derby.