Founded in 1909, Loughborough University is one of the UK's leading public research universities, internationally recognised for its outstanding student experience, graduate employability, and world-class sports programmes. Located in Leicestershire, England, with an additional campus in London, the university consistently ranks among the Top 10 universities in the UK and is widely respected for its excellence in teaching, research, and industry collaboration. Loughborough University is home to more than 19,000 students, including thousands of international students from over 130 countries. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and research programmes across its schools of Engineering, Business, Design, Sport, Computer Science, Science, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts. It is especially renowned for its Sports-related subjects, which have been ranked No. 1 in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject for multiple consecutive years. The university is particularly recognised for excellence in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business, Data Science, Design, Architecture, Sport Science, Psychology, and Mechanical Engineering. Strong industry partnerships, placement opportunities, and a focus on employability make Loughborough a popular destination for international students planning to study in the UK. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of Loughborough University admissions, available courses, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Loughborough, England |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Loughborough University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Design, Architecture, Sport Science, Psychology, Media, Science, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Business, Finance, Design, Sport Management, and more. |
| MBA | The Loughborough MBA focuses on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and global business management. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research facilities. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA / Academic Scores | Competitive programme-specific requirements |
| IELTS | Generally 6.5+ (programme dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| PTE Academic | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, personal statement, references, and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The Loughborough University tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, books, health expenses, and personal living costs while studying in Loughborough or London. The main Loughborough campus offers a more affordable cost of living than many major UK cities, while providing excellent campus facilities and strong graduate employment opportunities.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Loughborough University invests more than £1 million every year in scholarships and bursaries for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- International Excellence Scholarship
- Global Impact Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarships
- Loughborough London Global Excellence Scholarship
- Faculty and School Scholarships
- Research Council Funding
- Doctoral Studentships
- Research Assistantships
- Department-specific scholarships and bursaries
Many postgraduate research students also receive funding through doctoral studentships, research grants, and faculty-specific awards.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Loughborough University is widely recognised for offering one of the UK's best student experiences. Students benefit from:
- More than 150 student clubs and societies
- World-class sports facilities and Olympic-standard training centres
- Modern libraries and research laboratories
- Career counselling and employability services
- Placement year opportunities with leading employers
- Entrepreneurship and startup support
- International exchange programmes
- A safe and vibrant campus community
Loughborough is consistently recognised for its excellent student satisfaction, strong campus community, and industry-focused education.
Research & Global Reputation
Loughborough University is internationally recognised for research excellence, innovation, and graduate employability. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 10 universities in the UK for over a decade
- Ranked 7th in the Complete University Guide 2026
- Ranked No. 1 in the world for Sports-related Subjects
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Engineering, Design, Materials Science, Manufacturing, Sport Science, Sustainability, and Business
- Strong partnerships with leading employers including Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Microsoft, IBM, Adidas, PwC, and Deloitte
- One of the UK's leading universities for graduate employability and placement opportunities
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to Loughborough University generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Eligible graduates may remain and work in the UK under the Graduate Route Visa, allowing international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their degree, subject to current UK government immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | International students generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). |
| Graduate Route | Eligible graduates may apply for the UK Graduate Route, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their degree, subject to current UK Government regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through UCAS.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the Loughborough University online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your UK Student Visa process.
- Apply for your UK Student Visa — After accepting your offer, apply for your UK Student Visa.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Loughborough University good for international students?
Yes. Loughborough University is one of the UK's top universities, offering excellent teaching, world-class sports facilities, strong industry links, generous scholarships, and outstanding graduate employability.
Does Loughborough University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Loughborough offers International Excellence Scholarships, Global Impact Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, Loughborough London scholarships, postgraduate funding, doctoral studentships, and department-specific scholarships.
What English language tests does Loughborough University accept?
The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and other approved English language qualifications, depending on the programme.
How do I apply to Loughborough University?
Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS, while postgraduate applicants apply through the Loughborough University online application portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Loughborough University?
Yes. Eligible graduates can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their studies.
Does Loughborough University provide career support?
Yes. Loughborough offers career counselling, placement year opportunities, internships, employer networking events, entrepreneurship support, and dedicated employability services. The university has strong partnerships with leading global employers and is recognised for producing highly employable graduates.
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