Why Chester?

Join one of our 200+ courses at Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Research Degree level, and enjoy student life in one of the UK’s greatest cities!

Download our 2025 International Guide

Best UK university for International Students

After achieving the joint highest number of nominations in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), Chester has been named the best for Student Support, International and Postgraduate students, and presented with the silver award for University of the Year!

The University was placed 2^nd University of the Year, 1^st for Student Support and 1^st for Postgraduate, Top 5 for Student Life, Top 5 for Facilities, Top 5 for Career Prospects, Top 5 for Lectures and Teaching Quality, Top 10 for Students' Union and Top 10 for University Halls.

International Scholarships

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fees. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when submitting an application and any award given will be shown on your offer letter.

We have a number of merit-based and country-specific scholarships available.

Voted 'Most Welcoming UK City'

In January 2025, our beautiful city Chester was been named the UK’s 'Most Welcoming City' in the Booking.com 2025 Traveller Review Awards!

A spokesperson at Booking.com said: “In the northwest of England, lies the historic gem of Chester which offers a captivating blend of Roman, Medieval, and Tudor architecture. Known for its friendly locals and vibrant community spirit, Chester exudes a warm, inviting charm that leaves visitors feeling truly at home.

Courses Accredited by Professional Bodies

Our courses are accredited by professional and prestigious bodies.

Accredited courses provide students with a guarantee of quality and can count towards professional qualifications or registration with a professional body. This not only benefits a student’s career but can also be a legal requirement in some professions.

Work Based Learning

The University of Chester has a national reputation for its Work Based Learning module which is offered to undergraduate students in their second year of study. Almost all level five students will undertake the WBL module which involves spending 5 weeks (May-June) working for an organisation. In addition to the project outcomes or work tasks completed during the placement, each student will produce a reflective report that focuses on their skills development.

We have links with a wide variety of organisations that offer a broad range of placement opportunities.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

All our sites offer a range of modern, on-site learning facilities including:

Specialist libraries, laboratories, studios, and workshops.
The Chester Students’ Union and bar.
Indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, squash and tennis court, running track, and two floodlit pitches.
Learning pods for quiet study.
State-of-the-art simulation suites and virtual reality technology.
Modern computer suites, multimedia rooms and lecture theatres.
And much more!

A group of students in the African Society

100+ Sports and Societies

The Chester Students’ Union and Athletics Union is home to over 100+ sports and society groups! Whether you're looking to develop an existing hobby or try something new, joining a group is a great way to explore an interest and make new friends!

Additionally, we have a range of international societies including:

African Students’ Society
Bangladesh Students’ Society
Chinese Students’ Society
Indian Society
Middle Eastern Society
Pakistani Society
Nepalese Society
And more!

High Graduate Employability and Support

91.5% of our most recent graduates are in employment and/or in further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/1).

We will provide you with a range of opportunities to gain the experience, skills, and knowledge you need to succeed during your time at university and beyond. You will also be supported by information, advice, and guidance services that have been nationally commended; ranking first for ‘Student Support’ in the WhatUni? Student Awards 2024.

Two students walking together smiling and laughing with each other

Exceptional Student Feedback

Every year, the University of Chester consistently receives exceptional feedback from our international students.

In the International Barometer Survey 2023, the university was named in the top ten nationally in 20 categories including a top three and four top five category placings. It also performed strongly in the global rankings with five top 15 category placings and a placing in the top ten.

A Great Location

Chester is a modern and contemporary city, rich in history and culture. Ideally placed in the North West of England, it is less than an hour from Manchester and Liverpool, just a two-hour direct train journey to London, and close to both the beautiful Welsh coast and mountains. The ancient Roman walls still surround Chester’s city centre, with the renowned Cathedral, Eastgate Clock, and Roman Amphitheatre, demonstrating its 2000-year-old heritage.

Sense of Community

The university, as well as our student race advocates, international societies, student groups, and staff members, host a variety of cultural events throughout the academic year bringing together our student community.

From Holi, Eid, Diwali, Nepalese New Year, Noroze, and many more, you'll never be short of opportunities to get involved at the University of Chester!