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UNITED KINGDOM

University of Buckingham

private · Founded 1976 · Languages: English

In short

The University of Buckingham is a private UK university offering accelerated two-year degrees, a diverse international community, and a personal learning environment with small tutorial groups. It provides an affordable option for obtaining a UK honours degree, with living costs lower than in London.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1976
Students: 2,500
International students: 1,400
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €16–27k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: United Kingdom

The University of Buckingham is a non-profit private university in Buckingham, England, and the oldest of the UK's independent universities. Founded in 1976 and granted a Royal Charter in 1983, it is renowned for its two-year accelerated degree programmes that allow students to earn an honours degree in just two calendar years, reducing both cost and time relative to standard UK degrees. Buckingham's intimate campus beside the River Great Ouse accommodates approximately 2,500 students from over 100 countries, fostering a genuinely international and close-knit community. Teaching is characterised by small tutorial groups, accessible academics, and a strong emphasis on independent thinking. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in law, business, humanities, psychology, education, and medicine through its Buckingham Medical School, which delivers a graduate-entry MBBS in partnership with Milton Keynes University Hospital.

Why study here

Complete an accredited UK honours degree in just two years — saving one year of fees and living costs.
Benefit from small tutorial groups and exceptional access to academics on an intimate riverside campus.
Join a genuinely international community: students from 100+ countries create a diverse, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Study law, business, or medicine at one of the UK's most distinctive universities, known for academic freedom.
Enjoy a safe, affordable market-town setting with easy rail access to London (approx. 60 minutes).

Student life

Campus life at Buckingham is intimate and supportive. The riverside setting offers gardens and outdoor spaces alongside a student union, sports facilities, and a rich calendar of social events. Because most students are international, the university invests heavily in pastoral support, student housing on or near campus, and cultural programming. English language support is available, and the small cohort sizes mean students quickly build lasting friendships across nationalities.

Fees

InternationalInternational students pay approximately GBP 14,000–24,000 per year depending on programme (approx. €16,000–27,500). The two-year model means total degree cost is comparable to or lower than a standard three-year UK degree.

HomeUK domestic students pay approximately GBP 9,250 per year (standard undergraduate fee cap).

LivingMonthly living costs in Buckingham: approx. GBP 850–1,100 (€970–1,260) — significantly lower than London.

Medicine (MBBS) fees are considerably higher; check current fee schedule on official website.

Admissions

UndergraduateA-levels (typical offer BBC–ABB) or equivalent international qualifications

Graduate / PostgraduateGood honours degree from a recognised university

Medicine MBBSGraduate entry; first degree in science; UCAT/BMAT score; interview

IELTS Academic6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for most programmes

TOEFL iBT90

Rankings

National Student Survey (NSS) UKConsistently above sector average for overall satisfaction

Complete University GuideListed — primarily evaluated on subject level

University scholarships

Vice-Chancellor's ScholarshipUp to GBP 5,000 reduction

International Merit ScholarshipUp to GBP 3,000

Accreditation

The University of Buckingham holds degree-awarding powers granted by the Privy Council and is subject to Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) review. Law programmes are recognised by the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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)

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

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 makes the University of Buckingham's degree programs unique?

The University of Buckingham is known for its two-year accelerated degree programs. This allows students to complete an honours degree in just two calendar years, which is shorter than the standard three-year UK degree, potentially saving on costs and time.

How much does it cost to study at the University of Buckingham for international students?

International student fees typically range from approximately GBP 14,000 to GBP 24,000 per year, depending on the specific program. The two-year model can make the total cost comparable to or lower than a standard three-year UK degree.

What are the living costs for students in Buckingham?

Monthly living costs in Buckingham are estimated to be around GBP 850–1,100, which is significantly lower than in major cities like London.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

For most programs, international students need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 90.

Does the University of Buckingham offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the university offers scholarships such as the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, which can provide a reduction of up to GBP 5,000, and the International Merit Scholarship, offering up to GBP 3,000.

Last updated 3 July 2026