International students

We understand that studying abroad is a big step, which is why we have a dedicated team to help make your transition as smooth as possible, from making your enquiry, through to registration, and throughout your time at Bedfordshire.

Every year we welcome over 2,000 international students, from more than 120 countries, to the University of Bedfordshire. Based in our International Office at our Luton campus, we have a specialist point of contact for all of our EU and international students. Whether you need advice on matters such as your registration, guidance regarding your visa, or information about accommodation, our team will be able to assist you or direct you to someone who can. If you are based at one of our other campuses, you can book an appointment with one of our international advisers by email or phone. For more information visit: beds.ac.uk/international

Making the most of University life

We welcome our international students with a special week of orientation, including your academic induction and registration.

Communication skills

The University of Bedfordshire provides mandatory communication skills classes for all first year international students. Your communication skills unit supports you in adjusting to, and taking advantage of, the UK higher education culture. Your classes will help you to become an effective communicator and maximise your grades in assessments and exams on your main course. Your ability to communicate effectively will also enable you to achieve greater success in your professional life. Depending on your academic and English language needs, you will study between two and six hours of weekly timetabled classes. For more information visit:

beds.ac.uk/commskills

Our pre-sessional courses aim to improve your communication skills in written and spoken English and also your receptive skills of reading and listening, if required. You will therefore enter your chosen University programme with the confidence to communicate effectively. All aspects of English are covered, including pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. Sessions involve a high level of student interaction. English Language courses at Bedfordshire are accredited by the British Council, giving you assurance of the quality of our English language provision.

Courses run throughout the year and the length of course will vary depending on your level of English on entry. The durations are between two and 24 weeks. We use a variety of assessment methods during and at the end of your course. Please be aware that UK visa and immigration regulations stipulate that students must have achieved an English level of B2 (IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band or equivalent) to be eligible to study a Master’s degree course at the University.

Part-time work

If you are an international or EU student studying at degree level or above on a Student or Tier 4 Visa, you will be allowed to work a maximum of 20* hours per week (part-time) during term time. It is important you check your visa to ensure you have been granted this work condition before you start work. EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status are permitted to work the same number of hours as UK students. To work in the UK, you will need to apply for a National Insurance (NI) number. *Subject to the conditions of your visa.

Cultural and faith support

Our Community and Faith support teams are able to provide information about local places of worship for all faiths, as well as providing on-campus prayer and quiet rooms. Beds SU also has a number of societies based on culture, faith, interests and more, where you can meet like-minded people. If you have a particular interest and cannot find a society to share it, you can form your own. For more information, visit:

beds.ac.uk/community

Full-time students who are registered on a course of at least six months’ duration are entitled to receive free medical treatment through the National Health Service (NHS).

International students will be required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their Tier 4 visa application. The University is in partnership with a local health centre and during induction week you should register with the health centre. You will need to bring your medical history. Once you have completed a HC1 form, you will be entitled to free medical prescriptions and reduced fees for optical and dental treatment. Short-stay students will have to pay for treatment as private patients. Private healthcare without medical insurance cover can be expensive, so it is important to arrange medical insurance before leaving home to come to the UK.

Shiqi Yin

Dance Performance & Choreography MA “I feel like the University really cares for their international students. There are classes to help build upon our English and communication skills, which have been really helpful. I feel that my independence has grown, I’m able to use my initiative and I’m braver than I was before.”