Ulster University

Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland, formed in 1984 through the merger of the New University of Ulster and Ulster Polytechnic. Known for many years as the University of Ulster, it adopted its current name in 2014. It is one of the larger universities on the island of Ireland, with more than 30,000 students.

The university teaches across campuses in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry. The Belfast campus, in the city's Cathedral Quarter, was substantially redeveloped and is now its largest site, while Coleraine sits beside the River Bann on the north coast and the Magee campus in Derry~Londonderry occupies a historic Victorian setting. Jordanstown remains home to the Sports Village, and courses are also delivered at branch campuses in London and Birmingham. Ulster has a strongly applied and professionally focused profile, with recognised strengths in biomedical sciences, nursing and health, law, art and design, and engineering. It places emphasis on graduate employability and was named UK and Ireland University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2024.

Information for International Students

Ulster University welcomes students from many countries and provides a dedicated International Student Advisory Service, together with visa and immigration guidance through its Global team. New international students take part in a compulsory International Student Orientation programme, and during designated arrival periods the university runs a meet and greet service at Belfast City and Belfast International airports.

The typical English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses, although some programmes ask for more. The English for Academic Studies Centre runs a seven-week pre-sessional English and study skills course over the summer, designed for students starting from around IELTS 5.5.

Pathway programmes are delivered through the School of International Education, operated in partnership with Oxford International on the Belfast campus. It offers International Year Zero, a foundation stage leading to undergraduate study, and International Year One, which provides first-year study with additional academic and English support. International students starting a degree in September who submit a complete accommodation application by the published August deadline are guaranteed university accommodation. Eligible graduates may apply for the UK Graduate Route.