University of Westminster

The University of Westminster was founded in 1838 as the Royal Polytechnic Institution, the first polytechnic in London and one of the first in the UK. It gained university status in 1992 and retains its founding commitment to accessible, practical education. The university is centred on its historic headquarters at 309 Regent Street in central London and operates across four London campuses, including sites in the West End, Marylebone and Harrow.

The university has more than 21,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes. Its academic work is organised through three colleges: the College of Creative Arts and Technologies, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Westminster Business School. It has a strong profile in the creative industries, media and business, and works with more than 180 partner organisations, from major companies to small businesses and charities. Westminster holds a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 and has been recognised for the quality of its student support.

Information for International Students

Westminster is one of the most internationally diverse universities in the UK, with students from 169 nationalities. The international team offers one-to-one virtual meetings with applicants, and dedicated guidance covers Student visas, pre-arrival preparation, travelling from the airport and arrival in London, with specific information for EU nationals. An International Student Welcome programme introduces new students to living and studying in the UK, with sessions on life in London, safety and wellbeing, visas and work regulations, and the health service.

English language requirements are set for each course as minimum IELTS scores. Pre-sessional English courses of 12 and 7 weeks are available for offer holders who have not yet reached the required level, with summer options on campus or online, and academic English modules continue during degree study. Kaplan International College London delivers a Foundation Certificate leading to a broad range of Westminster bachelor's degrees and a Pre-Master's course leading to selected master's degrees, with guaranteed progression for students who meet the required level. University halls are located across London. Graduates may be eligible for the Graduate Route.