Welcome
students
from
Africa

Welcome to the University of Derby, an ambitious, modern university in the heart of the UK. We have a growing African student community and here you will find important information for African students on entry requirements, who to speak to and when and where you can meet our representatives in your country. You can also get in touch with our dedicated International Recruitment Officer for Africa.

At the University of Derby, we are proud to welcome more than 1,700 international students from 100 countries studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, with award-winning support services. 

Top50UK University**The Guardian University Guide 2023
Top10in the world for international student learning experience**Global ISB Benchmark Group 2018
Top 11Postgraduate Student Experience**Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2021

Scholarships for students from Africa

As a student from Africa, you could be eligible for one of our scholarships and discounts, which can be used together to offer a reduction in fees during your first year of study. You can apply for our scholarships once you have an offer from us.

You must be applying for a full-time degree. Applications for postgraduate research, online studies, foundation and pre-sessional language programmes are not eligible for a discount or scholarship. Terms and conditions apply.

Our scholarships

Here are our available scholarships for the September 2023 intake. You can apply for all four scholarships, but will only be awarded one if your application is successful. Successful scholarship applicants will be contacted via email to confirm their award.

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT British Campaign, this scholarship programme offers financial support of £11,000 to eligible students pursuing one year postgraduate study at the University of Derby, as part of our September 2023 intake.

A separate application is required through an online form once you have received your offer. Applicants must be from one of the following eligible countries:

  • China
  • Ghana
  • Pakistan (2 scholarships available)
  • India
  • Nigeria
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand

Please note, the deadline for this scholarship has passed. The outcome of applications will be announced after 15 June 2023.

GREAT Scholarships full details

£5,000 scholarship to a limited number of eligible undergraduate and postgraduate international students from the following countries who can demonstrate excellence in their application.

  • South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore)
  • China (including Hong Kong)
  • South Asia (India, Pakistan)
  • Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe)
  • Europe (Norway, Switzerland)

If you are from a country not listed above, you may still be awarded a scholarship at the discretion of the University.

You will need to achieve high academic results exceeding the entry criteria for the course and demonstrate excellence in extracurricular activity, either in your own time or through your employment in the last two years in your personal statement.

You can only apply for this scholarship once you have an offer from us. This is an ongoing process and we will advise successful applicants throughout the year. Please read our terms and conditions for full details.

The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship provides one full year’s tuition fees to a limited number of eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Students will need to achieve high academic results exceeding the entry criteria for the course and demonstrate exceptional achievements in extracurricular activity, either in your own time or through your employment in the last two years in your personal statement.

Please note, the deadline for this scholarship has passed. The outcome of applications will be announced after 1 July 2023. Please read our terms and conditions for full details.

 

Full tuition fee and stipend for talented and motivated postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries:

  • Bangladesh
  • Cameroon
  • Eswatini
  • Gabon
  • Ghana
  • India
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • The Gambia
  • Togo
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Vanuatu
  • Zambia

Please note, the deadline for this scholarship has passed. The outcome of applications will be announced after 31 March 2023. More information can be found on the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship website

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
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
Daniel Nang-Tege from Ghana

To all prospective students joining us from the region and beautiful African continent. I want to assure you that the UoD is incredible, the lecturers very supportive and the city lovely. So, when you arrive, be yourself and live your dream.

Daniel Nang-Tege
Current student from Ghana
Mercy from Nigeria

Are you excited to join our beautiful community? We have lots of activities lined up to make your study time fun and relaxing. Welcome to Derby, our home away from home.

Mercy Oluchi Okorie
Current student from Nigeria

General entry requirements

Click on your country below to find the entry requirements. If you have specific questions about your qualifications you can contact the international recruitment officer.  You can also check the course page for any specific requirements.

International Foundation Programme

West African Senior School Certificate Examination, NECO Senior School Certificate or General Certificate of Education Ordinary.

Students with five passes at grade C or above would usually be eligible for the IFY.

UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required.

Undergraduate

Students with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in the National Diploma can typically be considered for direct entrance onto Bachelor programmes.

Students with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in the Ordinary National Diploma can typically be considered for direct entrance to the first year of Bachelor programmes.

Students with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in the Higher National Diploma can typically be considered for direct entrance onto the final year of Bachelor programmes.

The West African GCE Advanced Levels are comparable in terms of grading and equivalence to UK A levels.

Postgraduate

Bachelor degrees from NARIC or government recognised institutions can normally be accepted for master’s studies.

A score of 60-70% or Second Class Honours (Upper Division) is considered comparable to a UK 2:1

A score of 50-59% or Second Class Honours (Lower Division) is considered comparable to a UK 2:2

English

Undergraduate

WAEC C6 – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.0)
WAEC C4 – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.5)
WAEC B3 - (Equivalent to IELTS 7.0)

Postgraduate

We accept WAEC C6 for an IELTS equivalent of 6.0 or 6.5 for PG plus 4 years study at University taught in English
For IELTS 7 or above an IELTS is required
If you do not meet the criteria above then you will require an Academic IELTS

 

International Foundation Programme

West African Senior School Certificate Examination / General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level.

Student with five passes at Grade C in either of the above awards would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year.

UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required.

Undergraduate

Students with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in the Ordinary National Diploma can typically be considered for entrance to the first year of Bachelor programmes.

Students with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 in the Higher National Diploma can typically be considered for entrance to the final year of Bachelor programmes.

The General Certificate of Education Advanced Levels is comparable in terms of grading and equivalence to UK A levels.

Postgraduate

We require a Bachelor degree from a NARIC or government recognised institution. The majority of universities use the UK grading system.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology do not have a 3rd class descriptor.

English

Undergraduate

WASSCE C6 – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.0)
WASSCE C4 – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.5)
WASSCE B3 - (Equivalent to IELTS 7.0)

Postgraduate

We accept WASSCE C6 for an IELTS equivalent of 6.0 or 6.5 for PG plus 4 years study at University taught in English
For IELTS 7 or above an IELTS is required
If you do not meet the criteria above then you will require an Academic IELTS

International Foundation Programme

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Students with minimum grades of C in five subjects would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year.

UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required.

Undergraduate

Students with a minimum score of 60% in the University Diploma / Ordinary Diploma / Ordinary Technician Diploma can typically be considered for direct entrance to bachelor programmes.

Students who have successfully completed one year of a Kenyan degree programme can typically be considered for direct entrance to bachelor programmes.

Students with a minimum score of 60% in the Higher Diploma / Higher Technician Diploma can typically be considered for entrance to the final year of a Bachelor programme.

Postgraduate

We require a Bachelor degree from a NARIC or government recognised institution, a typical offer would be:

A score of 60% is considered comparable to a UK 2:1
A score of 50% is considered comparable to a UK 2:2

Degrees issued by private institutions must have national recognition from CHE. You can download the list of approved private degrees here.

English 

The following awards offer English language exemptions:

Undergraduate

KCSE with a grade C – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.0)
KCSE with a grade C – (Equivalent to IELTS 6.5)
KCSE with a grade B - (Equivalent to IELTS 7.0)

Postgraduate


Accept KCSE with a C for an IELTS equivalent of 6.0 or 6.5 for plus 3/4 years study at University taught in English
For IELTS 7 or above an IELTS is required

N.B. Some programmes will require IELTS with no exemptions.

 

Tuition fees

Below is a summary of our annual tuition fees for international students in UK pounds before any scholarship, bursary or discount has been applied. 

Course level 2022 / 2023 2023/2024
Foundation £14,045 £14,900
Undergraduate* £14,045 £14,900
Postgraduate* £14,700 £14,900
MBA £15,450 £16,500
MBA Block Delivery £19,800 £20,500
MSc GeoEnergy £19,950 £19,950
DBA £27,000 To be confirmed

* Some course fees may vary so please check the course webpage for details.

Chris Wyke International Officer

Christopher Wyke
International Officer

Contact Christopher if you want to know more about what it's like to live and study in Derby or have any questions about making an application.

Email
c.a.wyke@derby.ac.uk

Contact us:
Message our Enquiry Team
Titobi, our national rep in Africa

Titobi Oshinyimika
National Representative

If you are in Nigeria, you can contact Titobi if you have any questions about making an application.

Email
t.oshinyimika@derby.ac.uk

Address:
Intake Education
2A Louis Solomon Close
Off Ahmadu Bello Way,
Victoria Island Lagos,
Nigeria

Contact us:
Message our Enquiry Team

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. 

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

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
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
Sam sitting on Thorpe Cloud in Dovedale

Uprooting yourself from your familiar surroundings is very daunting, when I moved in 2018, I was feeling very nervous. However, you have made it this far, take each day in your stride, time will whizz by! Have fun on your new adventure!

Sam Chikowore
Current student from Zimbabwe
Nigerian student Mercy O. Okorie

A home away from home

From the big cities of Nigeria to the community spirit of Derby. Find out how Mercy learned to navigate her new home, and how she's learning how to 'Be the Boss' through one of our initiatives.

Read Mercy's storyRead Mercy's story
Law student Nta Nta

Improving my prospects

Lawyer Nta Nta from Nigeria knew a postgraduate degree would increase his knowledge in his chosen specialism and improve his career prospects. He is now studying for our Master of Laws (LLM) at Derby.

Read Nta's storyRead Nta's story
No 1UK Modern University for multi-cultural learning**UK Modern ISB Benchmark Group 2018
No 1UK Modern University for formally welcoming international students**UK ISB Benchmark Group 2018
No 1UK Modern University for faith provision**UK ISB Benchmark Group 2018

Our partners in Africa

Olajamoke from Nigeria

Glasgow's Climate Conference

How a GREAT Scholarship moved climate advocate Olajumoke from Nigeria.

Read Olajumoke's storyRead Olajumoke's story