Study in UK
Canterbury
Education and quality of academic institutions and community
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) is a leading institution dedicated to delivering high-quality education and fostering student success. Awarded a Silver rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), CCCU is recognised for consistently exceeding national quality standards and offering exceptional teaching and learning experiences.
The university is particularly known for its commitment to social mobility, ranking among the top 25 universities in the UK for helping students achieve their full potential. With a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, CCCU emphasises practical learning, industry connections, and personalised support.
The university’s welcoming academic community provides international students with excellent resources, modern facilities, and a strong focus on employability. Located in the historic and vibrant city of Canterbury, CCCU ensures an enriching and supportive environment for students from around the world.
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
Tuition fees for international students in the UK are generally lower than in the USA, but can still be a significant expense. The UK has a tiered fee system where tuition fees vary depending on the level of programme, but also varies significantly depending on the institution. Undergraduate fees for international students can range from £10,000 – 35,000 GBP per academic year. Meanwhile, postgraduate degrees typically have higher tuition fees, and can range from £10,000 – 50,000 GBP per academic year.
Generally, scholarships for undergraduate study are offered directly through institutions. These can be searched for on a specific university’s website. Scholarships are generally awarded based on academic merit and excellence. A good resource for finding scholarships based on subjects, institutions or nationality is the Study UK website.
Additionally, the UK offers a range of scholarships to help students cover the cost of their education. Notable scholarships for international students wanting to study in the UK are listed below:
Chevening
Chevening Scholarships provide opportunities for international students from a wide range of countries to attend a fully-funded master’s degree in the UK. Offering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and networking opportunities, the program empowers scholars to drive positive change in their home countries while experiencing the best of UK education and society.
GREAT Scholarships | Study UK
Great Scholarships are offered at a variety of institutions across the UK, and offer nationals from 18 countries the opportunity to have £10,000 GBP towards their tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course. In the 2025-2026 academic year, over 200 scholarships will be offered by over 70 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commision in the UK (CSC) offers citizens of low and middle income Commonwealth countries scholarships to attend higher education in the UK. Funded by the UK government, CSC supports academic excellence and professional development, allowing recipients of the scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies and research through PhD programmes.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) – Erasmus+
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship programme is a unique and prestigious scholarship programme for international students to pursue a joint master’s or PhD at multiple universities across the UK and Europe. They typically include periods of study, research, traineeship and thesis preparation, with a range of scholarships going towards tuition, visa costs and living expenses. Use the search tool on the Erasmus website to find scholarships specific to the UK.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Canterbury is relatively affordable compared to larger UK cities. On average, students can expect to spend around £25-£30 per week on groceries. Eating out is also reasonably priced, with meals at budget-friendly restaurants costing about £10-£15. Public transport is quite affordable, with bus fares around £2-£3 per trip. For leisure activities, students can enjoy cinema tickets starting at £7-£10, while gym memberships typically range from £20 to £30 per month. These costs make Canterbury a manageable and student-friendly place to live.
Student Visa and immigration policies
If you are over 18 and undertake a degree-level course, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a student visa. After this, you can switch to a Graduate visa which will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years after successfully completing your course (or 3 years if you hold a doctoral qualification). You can apply for a graduate visa if you meet the following criteria.
- Acceptance of a course from a licensed institution
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Valid passport and travel documents
- English language test results (SELT, English GCSE or proof of completing a degree-level qualification in English)
- Parent consent if you are under 18
Applications can be made up to six months before the start date of your course, with a decision on your visa typically being given 3 weeks after completing the application. A student visa costs £490 GBP to apply from outside the UK.
Post-Study Immigration Policies
If you are over 18 and undertake a degree-level course, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a student visa. After this, you can switch to a Graduate visa which will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years after successfully completing your course (or 3 years if you hold a doctoral qualification). You can apply for a graduate visa if you meet the following criteria
- You are in the UK
- You current hold a UK student visa
- You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa
- You institution has told the UK Home Office you have successfully completed your course
You must apply before your Student visa expires. You will need to provide your identity documents. If you are ineligible for a Graduate visa, you can check the Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK website for other types of visas that the UK offers.
Job opportunities (during and after studies)
When on a Student visa, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during the holidays. While studying, popular part-time jobs for students are tutoring, retail and hospitality, as they offer flexibility and help to cover living expenses. Universities may also provide on-campus job opportunities or internships relevant to students’ fields, such as student ambassador roles or research assistant positions.
The UK has a diverse economy and offers a wide range of opportunities across industries such as healthcare, technology, finance and beyond. The Graduate visa allows students to work or look for employment for up to 2 years after graduating (3 years for doctoral qualifications).
A common route of employment following the completion of your studies are through graduate schemes. These are entry level training programmes available to individuals with degrees, which provides you with hands-on experience, a structured training programme and a route to develop your talent and skills as a future leader at a company. These schemes generally last from 1 to 4 years and recruitment generally begins in the summer, while some companies recruit all year round or when a position becomes available.
- Student and graduate websites for vacancies and tips for applying
- Your university careers service
- Employer events or careers fairs at your university
- National recruitment exhibitions – network and build your professional reputation
- Follow companies on social media
- Speak to someone at a company you’re interested in
Safety and security
The UK is generally a safe destination for students, and Canterbury in particular is a safe and student-friendly city with low crime rates. Both the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) prioritise student safety, offering 24/7 campus security and safety apps like CCCU’s “Safezone” for instant assistance. Students are encouraged to stay in well-lit areas at night and secure their belongings. The city’s public transport is reliable, and the local police maintain a visible presence, ensuring a safe environment for students to study and enjoy their time in Canterbury.
Language requirements
The language primarily spoken in the UK is English, with countries having other native languages as well such as Welsh, Irish or Gaelic. All UK universities teach and assess their programmes in English. International students wishing to study at UK institutions are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English speaking, reading and writing with a qualification equivalent to the CEFR level B2, or a 5.5 – 6.0 IELTS score. Please note however, that some universities or colleges may require higher scores and some programs may have specific language requirements.
The UK offers international students a vibrant multicultural society which fosters inclusivity and global connections. Canterbury offers a vibrant social and cultural lifestyle, blending rich history with modern student life. The city’s iconic Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit, along with the historic Westgate Towers and medieval streets. Students can explore cultural hubs like The Marlowe Theatre, hosting plays, concerts, and comedy shows, or enjoy live music at local venues such as The Penny Theatre and The Ballroom.
For food lovers, Canterbury boasts a mix of international cuisines and independent cafés, such as Kitch and Tiny Tim’s Tearoom. Shopping is made easy at Whitefriars Shopping Centre, and students can relax in green spaces like Dane John Gardens.
Universities in Canterbury also offer a buzzing student life with clubs, societies, and events like cultural festivals and open mic nights. With its rich cultural scene and lively student community, Canterbury provides an exciting and inclusive lifestyle for students.
Accommodation availability and options
The cost of accommodation in the UK varies widely depending on location, type of housing, and lifestyle preferences. Canterbury offers a variety of accommodation options for students, ranging from university-managed halls to private rentals. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), students can choose from modern halls of residence with en-suite rooms starting at around £145 per week and standard rooms starting at £125 per week, including bills and internet.
Private housing options are also abundant, with shared houses averaging £100–£130 per week per room, depending on the location and amenities. For students seeking more privacy, studio apartments are available, starting at approximately £170 per week.
With its range of affordable and conveniently located options, Canterbury ensures that students can find accommodation to suit their needs and budgets, whether living on campus or in the city.
Healthcare system and student insurance
The UK healthcare system provides international students access to the National Health Service (NHS), which offers comprehensive medical services, including general practitioner (GP) consultations, emergency care, and hospital treatment. To access the NHS, students need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This covers most healthcare services but excludes dental and optical treatments, which may require additional payment.
Students are encouraged to register with a local GP upon arrival for easy access to healthcare. For added protection, many students opt for private health insurance to cover services not included in the NHS, such as specialised treatments, faster access to elective procedures, or private consultations. Universities often provide guidance on securing insurance and navigating healthcare options.
The NHS emphasises preventive care and public health, ensuring students have access to vaccinations, mental health support, and chronic illness management. Pharmacy services are also widely available, offering both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Climate and weather conditions
Connectivity to home country (flights and travel costs)
International students in Canterbury benefit from convenient travel options to their home countries, primarily through London airports, such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted and London Luton. All are relatively simple to travel to from the city centre, with buses, trains and shuttles servicing the airports at regular intervals. which are easily accessible via train services.
These airports offer numerous low-cost carriers which make it more affordable to travel to visit your home country or to travel during your studies. Return flights to London, depending on early booking and season, are typically £600 to Hong Kong, £350 to Jordan and £100 to Morocco.
Recognition of degrees internationally
The recognition of degrees can vary significantly from one country to another, depending on several factors. These include the mode of study (such as online or in-person programmes) and the specific list of approved universities and degree programmes as outlined by a country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority. Therefore, students should ensure that the degree they pursue is recognised both in their home country and in any other regions where they might plan to work or further their education.
The UK national agency for international qualifications and skills is a useful resource to determine whether your existing credentials, and the program you wish to pursue, are recognisable in and outside of the UK.