Ulster University

About Ulster University

Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland and the largest university there, with about 33,000 students. Its roots go back to Magee College, founded in 1865; the current university received its charter in 1984.

Ulster is known for career-focused courses, with professional placements in most programmes, and for strengths in biomedical sciences, law, nursing and allied health, art and design, business and computing. It was named UK and Ireland University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.

Founded

1984 (roots from 1865)

Type

Public

Students

32,900+ (2024/25)

Campuses

Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry

Award

THE University of the Year 2024

Rankings & recognition

Ulster University was named UK and Ireland University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.

Location: Belfast, UK

Belfast, UK

Ulster's main campus is in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, in the heart of Northern Ireland's capital. It also has campuses in Coleraine on the north coast and in Derry~Londonderry (Magee), plus branch campuses in London and Birmingham.

Belfast is a friendly, compact city with lower living costs than London, and Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so the usual UK Student visa and Graduate Route apply.

For international students

Ulster welcomes students from Pakistan, with intakes in September and, for some courses, January. The university offers scholarships for international students.

For a UK Student visa you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university, proof of English (often IELTS for UKVI) and proof that you can pay your fees and living costs. After graduating, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK; it is currently two years for bachelor's and master's graduates, and the UK government has announced it will be shortened to 18 months for applications from January 2027.

Frequently asked questions