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UNITED KINGDOM · LONDON

City University

public · Founded 1800 · Languages: en

In short

City University, located in London, is a global institution with over 190 years of history, dedicated to academic excellence in business and the professions. It offers a diverse community and world-leading research opportunities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1800
Students: 20,000
International students: 7,000
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €19–28k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: London, United Kingdom

City University, also known as City St George's, University of London, is a global institution with a rich history spanning over 190 years. Located in the heart of London, it is dedicated to academic excellence and research focused on business and the professions. The university welcomes a diverse community of students and staff from over 160 countries, making international students a significant 35% of its population. City St George's prides itself on its world-leading research, addressing global challenges, and its collaborations with over 100 leading international institutions. The university aims to make a positive impact on society through knowledge creation and sharing, educating the next generation of global thinkers. With campuses in Clerkenwell, Moorgate, and Tooting, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant student life in one of the world's most dynamic cities. The university provides various opportunities for global engagement, including study abroad programmes and an international curriculum.

Why study here

Access to world-leading research addressing contemporary global issues.
Opportunity to study in a globally diverse community with students and staff from over 160 countries.
Benefit from a strong focus on education relevant to business and the professions.
Experience London life with campuses in key areas, offering dynamic social and academic environments.
Engage in international opportunities, including study abroad programmes and an international curriculum.

Student life

City St George's fosters a diverse and vibrant community. The Students' Union and 'International City St George's Week' provide platforms for celebrating different cultures. The university's campuses are surrounded by stylish cafes, bars, restaurants, theatres, and art venues, offering a rich local experience. Facilities include modern study spaces, lecture theatres, and dedicated resources like the GBP 63 million Law School Building with a mock courtroom. The university also offers accommodation options at Horton Halls of Residence for Tooting Campus students.

Fees

InternationalIf paying yourself, tuition fees can be paid in two equal instalments. The first instalment is due at registration (or before the course starts for non-academic year aligned courses), and the second by the end of January (or the last working day of the third completed month after registration for non-academic year aligned courses). Deposits paid are deducted from the first instalment, and university scholarships are typically deducted from the second instalment. There is no administrative charge for paying by instalment, and no discount for full payment at registration. For postgraduate students with a UK government loan, a payment agreement will be made in line with loan instalments. Typical international tuition ranges from around GBP 16,000 to GBP 24,000 per year depending on programme.

HomeUK home undergraduate tuition is set at the regulated national cap (around GBP 9,250 per year). Postgraduate home fees vary by programme.

LivingPlan for approximately GBP 13,000-17,000 per year for living costs in London, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

Tuition fees depend on whether a student has a UK Government loan or is paying themselves. Students with a full UK undergraduate loan will have their fees paid directly by Student Finance England. If a loan does not cover full tuition, half of the remaining fees are due at registration and the other half by the end of January (or three months after registration).

Admissions

Academic qualificationsRecognised secondary qualifications (e.g. A-levels, IB) for undergraduate entry, or a relevant bachelor's degree for postgraduate entry, meeting programme-specific grades

English languageProof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent) for applicants whose first language is not English

Supporting documentsPersonal statement, references, and where required a portfolio, interview, or admissions test

IELTS AcademicTypically 6.5 overall with no sub-score below 6.0; some programmes (e.g. law, health) require higher

TOEFL iBTTypically around 92+ overall, varying by programme

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026Ranked among the global top 350

The Complete University Guide (UK)Ranked among UK universities, with strong subject performance in journalism, law, and business

University scholarships

Chevening ScholarshipCovers tuition fees, a living allowance, an economy class return airfare to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenditure. Some scholarships may cover only part of the costs.

Accreditation

City St George's holds a Royal Charter. The university highlights its commitment to accessibility (Accessable guide), race equality (Race Equality Charter), and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion). Academic standards are assured by the Senate, which has delegated authority from the Council.

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

City University · United Kingdom

Pre-Master's in Law

The Pre-Master's in Law program at City St George's, University of London International Study Centre is designed to prepare international students for postgraduate law degrees. It is the only UK preparation program fully validated by City St George's, University of London, offering guaranteed progression to various LLM programs at The City Law School. The program is taught at a dedicated learning center in legal London, providing opportunities for practical legal experiences like court visits and mock competitions, helping students develop crucial career skills and enhance employability.

Diploma

Level

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 typical tuition fees for international students at City University?

International tuition fees at City University typically range from around GBP 16,000 to GBP 24,000 per year, depending on the specific programme of study. These fees can be paid in two equal instalments.

What are the estimated living costs for students in London?

Prospective students should plan for approximately GBP 13,000 to GBP 17,000 per year for living costs in London. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For IELTS Academic, the typical requirement is an overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0. For TOEFL iBT, students generally need around 92 overall. Some programmes, such as law and health, may require higher scores.

What are the academic qualifications needed for undergraduate and postgraduate entry?

Undergraduate entry typically requires recognised secondary qualifications like A-levels or IB. For postgraduate entry, a relevant bachelor's degree is usually needed, with grades that meet programme-specific requirements.

Does City University offer any scholarships for international students?

City University participates in programmes like the Chevening Scholarship, which is a government scholarship for outstanding scholars with leadership potential. This scholarship can cover tuition fees and provide a living allowance.

Last updated 3 July 2026