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UNITED KINGDOM · CAMBRIDGE

Anglia Ruskin University

public · Founded 1992 · Languages: en

In short

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, globally-focused university in the East of England, recognized for its teaching excellence and strong focus on graduate employability. It offers a range of programmes across four campuses, with dedicated support for international students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1992
Students: 31,500
International students: 7,000
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €14–18k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, globally-focused public university in the East of England, with main campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. Awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework — placing it in the top 20% of UK universities — and named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023, ARU has established itself as a leader in teaching quality and student outcomes. The university serves over 31,500 students and offers programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. ARU's emphasis on employability is reflected in robust career support available from day one, with lifelong access to professional services. Research excellence is recognised through the Queen's Anniversary Prize, and sustainability is integrated throughout campus operations.

Why study here

Gold TEF rating places ARU in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality.
Named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 — a nationally recognised accolade.
Campuses in historic Cambridge and three other English cities provide diverse living options.
Strong focus on graduate employability with career support from day one and lifelong access.
World-leading applied research recognised with the Queen's Anniversary Prize.

Student life

Life at ARU is vibrant across its four campuses. Cambridge offers a historic, culturally rich environment; Chelmsford and Peterborough provide lively town settings; and the Writtle campus offers a specialist rural experience. Students benefit from award-winning facilities, active students' unions, sports clubs, and a strong international community. ARU integrates sustainability into daily campus life and actively engages with local communities, including its free Cambridge eye clinic initiative.

Fees

InternationalApproximately £14,000–£18,000 per year for most undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes; some specialist programmes may be higher.

Home£9,250 per year for UK undergraduate students (standard rate).

LivingCambridge: approximately £12,000–£15,000 per year; Chelmsford/Peterborough: approximately £9,000–£12,000 per year.

Tuition fees vary by course and level. EU/EEA students are typically charged international rates post-Brexit. Scholarships including sport awards and alumni discounts are available.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryA-levels or equivalent; UCAS tariff varies by programme (typically 96–128 points)

Postgraduate entryBachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent international qualification

Research degreesMasters degree or strong Bachelor's (First/2:1) in relevant field

IELTS Academic6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for most programmes

TOEFL iBT72 overall

Pearson PTE Academic51 overall

Rankings

Times Higher EducationUniversity of the Year 2023

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)Gold — top 20% in UK

University scholarships

ARU BursaryUp to £300/year (UK undergraduates with household income ≤£42,875)

Alumni Scholarship20% fee discount on postgraduate taught degrees

Sport Scholarship£1,400–£12,500/year for regional/national/international athletes

MBA Scholarship£2,000–£4,000 fee reduction

Vice-Chancellor International ScholarshipPartial tuition discount for high-achieving international applicants

Accreditation

ARU is a recognised UK university with degree-awarding powers. Many professional programmes carry accreditation from bodies such as the BPS (Psychology), NMC (Nursing), RICS (Real Estate), and RIBA/ARB (Architecture).

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Anglia Ruskin University · United Kingdom

Computer Science degrees

Anglia Ruskin University offers a range of Computer Science degrees designed to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in the rapidly evolving technology sector. Whether you are looking for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, the university provides comprehensive courses in various computing and IT specializations. These programs focus on practical application and theoretical knowledge to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in the field of computer science.

Anglia Ruskin University · United Kingdom

Education and Teaching

Anglia Ruskin University offers a range of undergraduate programs in Education and Teaching, designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in the field. The university's education courses are highly regarded, ranking 13th in the UK for Education in the Guardian League Table 2025. You can choose from various specializations, including Early Childhood Studies, Education with Inclusive Practice, Education with Sustainability, Montessori Early Childhood Studies, and Primary Education Studies. These programs are available across multiple campuses in the UK, including Chelmsford, Cambridge, Peterborough, and University Centre West Anglia. Depending on the course, you may also have options for blended learning, distance learning, or accelerated study paths. The curriculum is crafted to provide a strong theoretical foundation alongside practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within the education sector. Whether you aspire to work with young children, support inclusive learning environments, or teach in primary schools, ARU's undergraduate education programs offer comprehensive training. Some courses, like the BEd (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), lead directly to professional qualification, preparing you for immediate entry into teaching roles.

Anglia Ruskin University · United Kingdom

Interior Design BA (Hons)

This BA (Hons) Interior Design degree at Anglia Ruskin University allows you to develop your creative vision and gain the skills to create functional, exciting, and intriguing interior spaces. You will learn to work with diverse clients, from homeowners to businesses, to design residential and commercial environments that people enjoy and want to return to. The course emphasizes using elements like furniture, lighting, and color palettes to tell stories and foster social connections within spaces, preparing you to become a resilient interior designer with a distinctive creative voice.

Anglia Ruskin University · United Kingdom

Postgraduate degrees at ARU

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) offers a wide range of postgraduate degrees designed to help you advance your career, switch fields, or pursue a personal passion. You'll benefit from flexible study options, expert teaching, and comprehensive practical support. A postgraduate qualification from ARU can broaden your knowledge and open doors to leadership, innovation, and expertise in your chosen field. The university provides support for study skills, career development, and health and wellbeing throughout your studies.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

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full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the international tuition fees at Anglia Ruskin University?

International tuition fees for most undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes at Anglia Ruskin University are approximately £14,000–£18,000 per year. Some specialist programmes may have higher fees. It's important to note that fees can vary by course and level.

What are the living costs for students at ARU?

Living costs vary by campus location. In Cambridge, students can expect to spend approximately £12,000–£15,000 per year. For Chelmsford and Peterborough, living costs are estimated at £9,000–£12,000 per year.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For most programmes, international students need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5. Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT with a score of 72 overall, and Pearson PTE Academic with a score of 51 overall.

What are the main academic achievements and recognition of Anglia Ruskin University?

Anglia Ruskin University received a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, placing it in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality. It was also named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has research recognized with the Queen's Anniversary Prize.

Does ARU offer support for international students' careers?

Yes, ARU emphasizes graduate employability with robust career support available from day one. Students receive lifelong access to professional services to assist with their career development.

Last updated 3 July 2026