Teesside University for International Students: Courses, Costs, Scholarships & Life in the UK
Are you an international student searching for an affordable and high-quality university experience in the United Kingdom? Teesside University, located in the heart of Middlesbrough, England, offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, industry engagement, and vibrant student life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Teesside University as an international student—from tuition fees and scholarships to course options, accommodation, and career support.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Teesside University
- Why Choose Teesside University as an International Student?
- Popular Courses for International Students
- Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply from Your Country
- Campus Life at Teesside University
- Accommodation Options
- Part-Time Jobs and Career Opportunities
- Middlesbrough: The Student-Friendly Town
- Post-Study Work and UK Graduate Visa Route
- Final Thoughts
1. Overview of Teesside University
Founded in 1930, Teesside University has grown into a reputable institution with a strong focus on innovation, research, and employability. With over 20,000 students from 100+ countries, the university offers a globally recognized education in a friendly and affordable environment. The campus is modern, compact, and located in a central UK region, making travel easy across the UK and Europe.
Fast Facts:
- Location: Middlesbrough, North East England
- QS Stars Rating: 4 Stars Overall, 5 Stars for Internationalization and Employability
- TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework): Silver Award
- Student Population: 20,000+
- International Students: Over 1,500
2. Why Choose Teesside University as an International Student?
Teesside University is particularly attractive to international students because of its:
- Affordable Tuition Fees compared to other UK universities
- Wide Range of Scholarships tailored for international students
- Industry-Relevant Courses developed in partnership with global companies
- Supportive Services including visa assistance, English language support, and employability guidance
- Vibrant Student Life with societies, cultural events, and international communities
3. Popular Courses for International Students
Teesside University offers a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. Here are some of the most popular courses for international students:
Business and Management
- BA (Hons) International Business
- MBA Global (with optional placement)
Engineering and Technology
- BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Civil and Structural Engineering
Computing and IT
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- MSc Data Science
Health and Life Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (International)
- MSc Public Health
Creative Arts and Media
- BA (Hons) Animation
- MA Digital Media and Communications
4. Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Tuition Fees (2025 Entry):
- Undergraduate: £14,000 - £15,000 per year
- Postgraduate Taught (PGT): £14,500 - £15,500 per year
- MBA: £18,000 - £20,000 (depending on specializations)
Cost of Living in Middlesbrough:
- Accommodation: £350 – £550/month
- Food: £150 – £250/month
- Transport: £30 – £60/month
- Total Monthly Budget: Approx. £800 – £1,000
Middlesbrough is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, making it a great choice for students on a tight budget.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
Teesside University provides a variety of scholarships to support international students:
Teesside University Global Scholarship
- Value: £2,000 discount on first-year tuition
- Eligibility: Automatic for eligible international students
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
- Value: £5,000 tuition reduction
- Eligibility: Based on academic excellence and a short motivational statement
Commonwealth Scholarships and Chevening Scholarships
- External funding opportunities also accepted for eligible students.
6. Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Entry:
- High school diploma equivalent to UK A-Levels
- IELTS 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Postgraduate Entry:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75–3.0 (depending on the country)
- IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent
Documents Needed:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Reference letters (usually 2)
- English language certificate
7. How to Apply from Your Country
You can apply directly through:
- Teesside University online application portal
- UCAS (for undergraduate students)
Or, apply via official university agents in your country. Teesside University works with several recognized agents who offer free services, including application help and visa processing.
8. Campus Life at Teesside University
The campus is a buzzing hub of academic and social life:
- Library and Learning Hub: 24/7 access
- Student Union: With over 50 clubs and societies
- On-Campus Gym & Sports Centre
- Weekly Events: Cultural nights, workshops, and career fairs
- Global Lounge: For networking with fellow international students
9. Accommodation Options
Teesside offers both university-managed and private accommodations.
University Halls
- Prices: £70 – £110 per week
- Options: En-suite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments
- Benefits: Safe, walking distance to campus, fully furnished
Private Rentals
- Shared apartments and houses: From £60/week
- Popular student areas: Linthorpe, Ayresome, and Southfield Road
10. Part-Time Jobs and Career Opportunities
International students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.
Job Opportunities:
- On-campus: Library, cafés, IT support
- Off-campus: Retail, hospitality, delivery services
The university's Careers and Employability Service helps students secure internships and placements, particularly in:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Tech and Software Development
- Engineering Firms in Teesside and beyond
11. Middlesbrough: The Student-Friendly Town
Middlesbrough is a modern town with a friendly community and scenic beauty.
Highlights:
- Low Cost of Living
- Excellent Transport Links
- Cultural Venues: MIMA (Art Gallery), Town Hall, local markets
- Nature Escapes: North York Moors National Park just 30 minutes away
12. Post-Study Work and UK Graduate Visa Route
After completing your degree at Teesside University, you may be eligible for the UK Graduate Route, which allows:
- Up to 2 years of work stay post-graduation (3 years for PhD holders)
- No job offer required
- Great pathway to Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa and UK PR
Teesside's strong industry links help students secure jobs in top companies including Siemens, NHS, Fujifilm Diosynth, and more.
13. Final Thoughts
Teesside University is an outstanding choice for international students seeking a quality UK education at a reasonable cost. With robust academic support, affordable living, and promising career prospects, it’s no surprise that students from over 100 countries call Teesside their academic home.
If you're planning to study in the UK, Teesside University should be on your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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