University of Chester

Rank 89
Location Chester, England
Established 1839
International Students 10%
Famous Courses Business and Management, Medicine, Health
International Fees £14,450-44,000
Key Information
Location Chester, England
Established 1839
Famous Courses Business and Management, Medicine, Health
International Fees £14,450-44,000

Overview

The University of Chester is one of the oldest higher education providers in the United Kingdom, having recently celebrated its 185th year of teaching. Established in 1839 as a teacher training college, the university was originally based on a single campus in Chester. Today, it offers more than 200 single and combined honours programmes across several specialist sites.

Over the years, the University of Chester has built a vibrant, diverse, and supportive student community, with 14,000 students from over 123 countries worldwide. For the second consecutive year, the university has been ranked first for International and Postgraduate categories in the 2024 and 2025 WhatUni Student Choice Awards. Additionally, in 2024, it was named Business School of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.

Courses at the University of Chester emphasise practical learning, encouraging students to develop transferable skills and enhance career prospects through industry placements or overseas opportunities. The university is proud of its high graduate employment rate, with 91.5 per cent of graduates securing employment or progressing to further study within six months of graduation. A range of financial support is available at all levels of study, including a generous programme of international and merit-based scholarships.

The city of Chester combines modern living with a rich and vibrant cultural history. As one of eight world-famous British Heritage cities, Chester welcomes over eight million tourists annually. It is home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, the most complete city walls, and a 1,000-year-old cathedral, offering a wealth of must-see beauty and heritage attractions.

Chester is also well connected to the rest of the UK, with Liverpool and Manchester less than an hour away and London only two hours by train.

Graduate Entry Medicine at Chester

International students who wish to begin their careers as outstanding doctors can apply for the University of Chester’s Graduate Entry Medicine programme, which accepts applicants from any academic background holding a Bachelor’s degree. This four-year programme leads to the award of an MBChB degree, enabling graduates to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and practise medicine in the UK and overseas.

As a GMC-accredited course, it represents the quickest route to obtaining a primary medical qualification in the United Kingdom. As one of the newest medical schools in the country, the University of Chester offers a high-quality student experience. Modest year sizes ensure that students are taught in small groups and benefit from close interaction with an enthusiastic and dedicated faculty.

Scholarships at Chester

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing a significant reduction on published tuition fees. Applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships when submitting their application, and any award granted will be clearly indicated on the offer letter.

Services for International Students

The University of Chester takes pride in the quality of support provided to its students. With a wide range of support services available across campuses and dedicated offices, the university offers comprehensive information, advice, and guidance on all aspects of student life.

In 2024, the University of Chester was ranked first for student support in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards, an accolade that reflects its commitment to ensuring every student enjoys an enriching and fulfilling experience during their time at the university. Students benefit from access to outstanding support services throughout their studies.

Before arrival, all students receive a tailored International Welcome designed to help them settle into life in the UK. This includes guidance on setting up a UK bank account, registering with a doctor, understanding visa requirements, and more. Students also have access to a dedicated Careers and Employability team, committed to helping them reach their full potential. The team provides a variety of employability-enhancing opportunities, including employer engagement, tailored group sessions, and individual information, advice, and guidance.

The University of Chester is strongly committed to student safety. A wide range of services, procedures, and interventions are in place to maintain a secure environment. A dedicated team of porters provides a 24-hour security service throughout the year, supported by CCTV across all campuses.

Ranking

  • 1st for International and Postgraduate (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025)
  • 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Business School of the Year (Times Higher Education Awards)
  • Most Welcoming UK City (Booking.com 2025 Traveller Review Awards)

Accommodation

All University of Chester accommodation is conveniently located either on campus or within close proximity, allowing students to make the most of their university experience. The Residential Life Team is available to support students as they settle in, providing a friendly and approachable source of help and advice.

A variety of accommodation options are available to suit different preferences, budgets, and board requirements. In addition to the university’s own en-suite halls and properties, partnerships with private providers offer students even more choice.

Location

Chester has a fantastic reputation for being a welcoming, vibrant and diverse location. It’s regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in 2019, it was voted the second most student-friendly city in the UK.

Chester is perfectly located in the North West of England, bordered by North Wales, which is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the UK. Major cities such as Liverpool and Manchester can be reached in less than an hour, with London just two hours away by train.

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