Northern Ireland is one of the UK’s most exciting study destinations for international students. Friendly, affordable and full of character, it offers a unique student experience, combining vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes and strong career opportunities.
At the heart of this destination is Ulster University, a modern, research-led institution with a strong reputation for teaching excellence, innovation and real-world impact. With a welcoming community of students from over 70 nationalities, Ulster combines high-quality teaching, industry collaboration and dedicated student support to help you succeed academically and in your future career.
Your pathway to Ulster University
Ulster University offers career-focused degrees designed with the future in mind. Courses are shaped by strong industry collaboration, helping you develop practical skills, professional experience and the confidence to succeed after graduation.
The university was named University of the Year 2024 (Times Higher Education Awards), recognising excellence across teaching, research and student experience. It has also been voted best university in the UK for Teaching Quality, Job Prospects and Value for Money (Student Crowd, 2025).
Through the School of International Education, international students can access pathway programmes designed to prepare them for undergraduate study. Students can choose from:
International Year Zero routes:
• Business Management & Law
• Computing & Engineering
International Year One routes:
• Business Management & Marketing
• Computing Science & Software Engineering
• Engineering
Why study in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland offers an excellent quality of life for students, combining affordability, safety and plenty to explore outside the classroom.
It has the lowest student cost of living in the UK (National Student Money Survey, 2025), allowing you to enjoy accommodation, food, transport and social activities at a more affordable price than many other UK destinations.
Known for being friendly, safe and welcoming, it’s easy to settle in and feel at home. From vibrant cities to peaceful coastal landscapes, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
The region also has a strong and growing economy, with over 1,500 international employers, creating valuable opportunities for internships and future careers.
Beyond your studies, Northern Ireland offers a rich mix of culture, food, music and outdoor experiences. From the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Causeway Coast to the Mourne Mountains, you can easily explore coastal towns, castles and historic landmarks on day trips from Belfast. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, surfing or enjoying local markets, festivals, live music and international cuisine, there is always something to experience.
Living and studying in Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is one of the UK’s most affordable and welcoming student cities. Compact and easy to navigate, it offers a vibrant and student-friendly environment with modern accommodation options, excellent transport links and a strong student community close to Ulster University’s Belfast campus.
The city combines rich history with a modern, creative atmosphere. From cafés and restaurants to live music, festivals and cultural attractions, there is always something to explore. The Cathedral Quarter, home to Ulster University’s Belfast campus, is one of the city’s most dynamic areas, known for its street art, music venues and creative energy.
Belfast has also been named one of the top 30 most exciting destinations to visit (National Geographic, 2024), giving students even more to discover during their time here.
Campus Life
Ulster University has three campuses across Northern Ireland: Belfast, Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine. Each offers its own atmosphere while delivering a connected student experience.
Belfast Campus
The Belfast campus is located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, placing students at the centre of the city’s cultural and creative scene. Surrounded by art, music, cafés and restaurants, it offers a vibrant and modern student environment. The campus features state-of-the-art teaching facilities, industry-standard learning environments and purpose-built social and study spaces, with high-quality student accommodation within easy walking distance. Students can study a wide range of subjects including business, law, computing, engineering, hospitality and creative industries.
Derry~Londonderry Campus
Derry~Londonderry’s city-centre campus is based in the cultural capital of the Northwest, close to coastlines and County Donegal. Known for its strengths in health, innovation, computing and the creative industries, the campus combines a friendly student atmosphere with modern, high-tech learning environments. Its walkable location places students close to cafés, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. Students can study subjects including health, nursing, computing, engineering, business and creative technologies.
Coleraine Campus
Coleraine offers a scenic coastal campus ideal for students who enjoy outdoor living, wellbeing and hands-on learning. Located near the Atlantic coastline and Portstewart Strand, named Best Beach in the UK (2025), the campus combines natural surroundings with modern learning facilities and strong sports provision. Students benefit from a relaxed and welcoming community alongside industry-standard teaching environments. Courses focus on areas including health sciences, communication and media, hospitality, sport and environmental sciences.
Travel
Getting to the Belfast campus is simple and convenient, with excellent connections across the city.
On foot
The Belfast campus is located close to the city centre and is easily accessible on foot.
By bike
Cycling is a popular and sustainable way to get around Belfast, with dedicated routes and bike stations across the city. The Belfast campus also has two dedicated cycle hubs, offering secure bike parking, lockers, showers and changing facilities. Each hub is access-controlled and free to use.
By bus
The Belfast campus is well served by local bus and regional coach services.
The U1 and U2 bus services operate during term time, providing convenient connections between the Belfast campus and Jordanstown.
By train
The Belfast campus is located close to several train stations:
- York Street Station – around a 12-minute walk from campus. Free Metro bus transfer is available with a valid rail ticket via the U1 service and other scheduled routes.
- Lanyon Place Station – approximately a 20-minute walk along the riverside path.
- Grand Central Station – around an 18-minute walk, or accessible via U1 and U2 bus services.
By plane
Belfast has two airports with flights across the UK, Ireland and beyond:
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) – around 30 minutes from the Belfast campus
- George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) – around 10 minutes from the Belfast campus
Start your journey at Ulster University
Choosing where to study is an important decision. Ulster University offers international students high-quality teaching, career-focused pathways, modern campuses and a welcoming community. Combined with Northern Ireland’s affordability, culture and natural beauty, it offers an exciting place to study, live and build your future in the UK.