International students

Welcome to the University of Derby, an applied university located in the heart of the UK. We are proud to welcome more than 2,000 international students from over 100 countries studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

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International students in the Atrium
Top20in the UK for teaching qualityThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Top25in the UK for overall student satisfactionComplete University Guide 2025
1stUniversity Housing (UK and Ireland)Global Student Living Awards 2023

Study at Derby this January

If you'd like to get the new year off to a great start and take your first step towards a rewarding career, look no further. Here at the University of Derby, we have a range of full-time, part-time and online courses starting in January 2025.

Discover our courses starting this JanuaryDiscover our courses starting this January
Student at Derby University smiling with book open
Study with us in January 2025

Pursue your passion and transform the direction of your career this January. Start your new year studying for a postgraduate qualification at the University of Derby.

Students smiling in front of Derby University building
Explore our Scholarships

Find details of the scholarships, bursaries and discounts available to international students which can be used together to reduce your tuition fees.

Students at Derby University crowded together around a laptop
Life at Derby

When you choose to apply here, you’re choosing much more than a course. You’re choosing to be part of our student community, you’re choosing Derbyshire as a place to live.

Welcome to the University of Derby - a much-loved second home to more than 2,000 international students from over 100 countries.

Excellent teaching and real-world learning prepare you for a successful, fulfilling career. Our courses are closely linked to industry, and students can benefit from our strong relationships with employers and professional accreditations.

For example, this year our international students were personally invited by the University’s Chancellor, Lord Burlington, to an exclusive event in the grounds of his magnificent stately home, Chatsworth House (pictured below).

We are currently offering scholarships and discounts totalling up to £3,000 for international students joining in January 2025 – visit our scholarships webpage to check if you are eligible.*

If you need support, we will make sure you get it. From our award-winning accommodation, Union of Students and Careers and Employment Service, we've got you covered.

Derby is a diverse and welcoming city. The Purple Flag awarded the city of Derby as a safe and inclusive place where international students can immerse themselves in British culture and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

*For further details on the £2,000 Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and £1,000 Full Payment Discount please visit our Scholarships, Bursaries and Discounts webpage and note that Terms and Conditions apply.

  • Students pose for a group photo in the grounds of Chatsworth House
  • An image of the back of Chatsworth House
  • Students take a selfie and Chatsworth
  • Lord Burlington greets students outside the entrance to Chatsworth House

The Graduate Route visa 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. 

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.

Two international students studying in University of Derby accommodation
Accommodation for international students

Our award-winning accommodation gives international students a safe, welcoming home away from home. We have 3 offers available across 7 halls, depending on your budget.

Region specific information

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

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 more about scholarships and fees, entry requirements and what it's like to live and study in Derby.

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.

Two international students
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 using a surveying instrument

Take a virtual tour

Can’t make it to our Open Day in person? Don’t worry, our virtual tour is the next best thing. Explore the University of Derby from wherever you are in the world and catch a glimpse of your new student life.

Start your virtual tourStart your virtual tour
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

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
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.

International student at the University of Derby smiling whilst speaking to someone
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.

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.

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.