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UNITED KINGDOM · KEELE

Keele University

public · Founded 1949 · Languages: en

In short

Keele University is a research-intensive campus university in Staffordshire, UK, offering a Gold TEF rating and strong graduate employability. It provides a diverse range of programmes with an interdisciplinary approach and a commitment to sustainability.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1949
Students: 15,000
International students: 3,500
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €14–25k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Keele, United Kingdom

Keele University, established in 1949, is a distinctive campus university located on a 600-acre estate in Staffordshire, UK. Founded with a pioneering vision to educate the whole person by combining technical and humanistic knowledge, Keele continues to distinguish itself through its dual-honours degree structure and strong interdisciplinary approach. The university holds a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework and 80% of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021. With over 15,000 students from 120 countries, Keele is a cosmopolitan yet close-knit campus community with over 2,600 on-site residential places. An on-campus Science and Innovation Park hosting 60+ businesses gives students direct industry access. Keele has been recognised as Global Sustainability Institution of the Year and consistently ranks in the UK's top 15 for graduate employability. Its faculties span Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Natural Sciences, and Medicine and Health Sciences.

Why study here

Gold TEF rating and 80% world-leading/internationally excellent research (REF 2021) — a genuinely research-active teaching environment.
Unique dual-honours degree structure allows students to combine subjects across faculties, including science, law, medicine, and humanities.
On-campus Science and Innovation Park with 60+ businesses for direct industry engagement and graduate job opportunities.
One of the UK's largest wholly residential campuses with 2,600+ bedrooms and strong campus community.
Global Sustainability Institution of the Year — ideal for students who value environmental and social responsibility.
Strong performance in allied health sciences: top 3 UK for Forensic Science and Physiotherapy (Guardian 2026).

Student life

Keele University offers a vibrant student life on its expansive 600-acre campus, one of the largest in the UK. With over 2,600 on-site accommodation options within a short walk of all teaching facilities, the campus fosters a strong residential community. A wide range of student societies, sports clubs, and cultural events are available throughout the year. The on-campus Students Union organises social events, and the Science and Innovation Park offers networking opportunities with industry. Keele's sustainability focus is visible across campus through green initiatives and biodiversity projects.

Fees

InternationalInternational (non-UK) undergraduate tuition fees at Keele are typically GBP 14,000–20,000 per year (approx. EUR 16,500–23,500) depending on the programme. Medicine and clinical programmes have higher fees. Postgraduate taught fees are typically GBP 14,500–21,000 per year.

HomeUK undergraduate tuition fees are set at the statutory maximum of GBP 9,250 per year. Postgraduate fees vary by programme.

LivingLiving costs on or near the Keele campus are relatively affordable by UK standards. Students typically budget GBP 8,000–10,000 per year (approx. EUR 9,400–11,800) for accommodation, food, and personal expenses. Over 2,600 on-campus bedrooms are available.

Keele offers various scholarships and bursaries for both domestic and international students. Check the university website for current funding opportunities.

Admissions

Undergraduate EntryA-levels (typically ABB–AAB) or equivalent international qualifications; specific requirements vary by programme.

Postgraduate EntryBachelor's degree (minimum 2:2 honours or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Foundation YearAvailable for students who do not meet direct undergraduate entry requirements.

IELTS6.0–6.5 overall (programme-dependent; Medicine 7.0)

TOEFL iBT79–95 (programme-dependent)

PTE Academic54–67 (programme-dependent)

Rankings

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023Gold

Research Excellence Framework 202180% world-leading or internationally excellent

Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024601

Guardian University Guide 2026 — Forensic Science3

Guardian University Guide 2026 — Physiotherapy3

University scholarships

Keele International Excellence ScholarshipGBP 2,000–4,000 per year

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for High AchieversGBP 3,000 per year

Accreditation

Keele University is a publicly funded UK university with degree-awarding powers granted by Royal Charter (1962). It is recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

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 →

Keele University · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Liberal Arts

The BA (Hons) Liberal Arts program at Keele University offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to higher education, moving beyond a single subject focus to develop a broad range of critical, creative, and problem-solving skills. This program aims to equip graduates with the qualities necessary to be capable, employable citizens, drawing on Keele's long history of liberal arts education. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical thinking, research capabilities, and the ability to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives. Students will engage with a wide array of disciplines, theories, and methods, encouraging them to synthesize knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges. The program balances core modules that emphasize interdisciplinary work, creativity, and problem-solving with elective choices that allow for a degree of disciplinary concentration. Central to the program is the development of strong research skills, preparing students for a final-year dissertation and offering the potential to extend their studies to a Master's level. Through engagement with 'Grand Challenges' and practical skill-building modules, students learn to address contemporary societal issues, enhancing their employability and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and active citizenship.

Keele University · United Kingdom

Liberal Arts BA (Hons) at Keele University

Keele University, located in the heart of England, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses known for their interdisciplinary approach. The university is recognized for its strong research, close-knit campus community, and diverse student body, representing over 120 nationalities. The Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS) drives interdisciplinary teaching and learning, with programs designed to explore complex societal issues from multiple academic perspectives. Students at ILAS are based at Keele Hall on the university's green campus.

Bachelor's

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 Keele University?

International undergraduate tuition fees at Keele range from approximately GBP 14,000 to 20,000 per year, depending on the specific programme. Postgraduate taught programmes typically cost between GBP 14,500 and 21,000 annually. Medicine and other clinical programmes may have higher fees.

What are the estimated living costs for students at Keele?

Students typically budget between GBP 8,000 and 10,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses. These living costs are considered relatively affordable by UK standards, and over 2,600 on-campus bedrooms are available.

What English language proficiency scores does Keele University require for international students?

Keele University generally requires an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall, though specific programme requirements may vary, with Medicine requiring a 7.0. For TOEFL iBT, scores typically range from 79–95, and for PTE Academic, 54–67.

What are Keele University's strengths in teaching and research?

Keele University holds a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework and 80% of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. It is also recognised as a Global Sustainability Institution of the Year.

Does Keele University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Keele University offers scholarships for international students, including the Keele International Excellence Scholarship, which provides GBP 2,000–4,000 per year, and the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for High Achievers, offering GBP 3,000 per year.

Last updated 3 July 2026