London South Bank University (LSBU): International Fees, Scholarships & Guide

London South Bank University (LSBU) is a public university at Elephant and Castle in central London, with roots in the Borough Polytechnic Institute founded in 1892. It is known for practical, career-focused courses in engineering, the built environment, nursing and health, business, computing, and the creative industries, and it has a campus in Croydon. It is part of the LSBU Group, which includes further education colleges. This guide covers fees, scholarships, London living costs, and the UK Graduate Route.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: London South Bank University (LSBU), a public university at Elephant and Castle, London
• History: roots in the Borough Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1892
• Campuses: Southwark (Elephant and Castle) and Croydon, with health teaching at other London sites
• QS World University Rankings 2027: reported in the 901-950 band
• International fees: set by course; check LSBU's Course Finder for your course
• Scholarships (reported): Global Success Scholarship worth £4,000; International Merit Scholarship for September 2026 and January 2027 undergraduate entrants; a 5% discount for early full payment
• Known for: engineering, built environment, nursing and allied health, business, and computing

Rankings and reputation

LSBU is reported in the 901-950 band of the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is known for applied, employer-linked teaching. Many of its courses are accredited by professional bodies. Judge it on course accreditation, placements, and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

LSBU offers degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, architecture and construction, nursing, midwifery, and allied health, business and accounting, computer science and cyber security, law, psychology, and creative industries. Many courses include placements. Ask about accreditation from bodies such as the engineering institutions or the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Admissions and international eligibility

LSBU assesses academic results and English. After an offer, you pay a deposit, receive a CAS, and apply for a Student visa. Foundation and pre-sessional options are available.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.0 is common for undergraduate courses; check your course
• Postgraduate and health courses may require higher scores
• Pre-sessional English courses are available
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a personal statement, references, and passport details. Apply early for scholarships and check the deposit terms.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

LSBU sets international fees by course, and the 2026/27 figure for your course is listed in its Course Finder. Third-party sources give a broad range for undergraduate courses. LSBU offers a 5% discount for early full payment. Add the Immigration Health Surcharge and London living costs.

Estimated living costs

• London is among the most expensive cities in the world for renting, so budget carefully for housing and travel
• UK Student visa maintenance rules currently set a higher monthly amount for London study, around £1,529 a month for up to nine months at the last update I know of, so verify the current figure
• Zone-based Transport for London fares apply, and student discounts are limited, so check where you will live relative to the campus
• The Immigration Health Surcharge, paid with the visa, gives access to the National Health Service
• Term-time work is limited to 20 hours a week for most degree-level Student visa holders

Scholarships

LSBU offers international scholarships and discounts, including a Global Success Scholarship worth £4,000, an International Merit Scholarship for eligible September 2026 and January 2027 undergraduate entrants, nationality scholarships, alumni discounts, and a 5% early-payment discount. Check current terms.

Campus life and student support

The Southwark campus is in central London, a short walk from the South Bank, Waterloo, and the Thames, with modern engineering and health facilities. The Croydon campus serves south London. Student accommodation is available near Elephant and Castle.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

London offers a large job market in engineering, construction, health care, business, technology, and the creative industries. LSBU emphasises employability through placements and employer partnerships. Ask for outcomes for international graduates.

The UK's Graduate Route visa

International graduates of an eligible UK degree from an approved provider can currently apply for the Graduate Route, which allows them to work or look for work at any skill level for two years, or three years after a doctorate, without a sponsor. For non-doctoral applications made on or after 1 January 2027, the period is set to reduce to 18 months. Confirm in writing that graduates of your course and campus are eligible, and check the rules with the UK government before relying on the route.

Engineering and the built environment

LSBU has long taught engineering, architecture, and construction, with courses accredited by professional bodies and links to London's infrastructure projects. Degree apprenticeships and placements connect students with employers. Ask about accreditation and placement years.

Nursing and health

LSBU is one of London's largest providers of nursing and allied health education, with placements in London hospitals. Courses lead to registration with professional regulators. International places may be limited, so check eligibility and fees.

Living in Elephant and Castle

Elephant and Castle is a busy, diverse area in zone 1 with Underground, rail, and bus links. Regeneration has brought new shops and housing, but rents are high. Many students walk to the South Bank and central London.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Most international students pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with their visa application and register with a local general practitioner after arrival. Budget for the visa fee, the surcharge, flights, and a housing deposit, and book accommodation early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and meetings with your tutors. UK teaching relies on independent reading alongside lectures and seminars, so a steady study routine helps.

A realistic budget

If your course costs about £17,000 a year, a three-year degree costs about £51,000 in tuition, plus London living costs of about £15,000 to £18,000 a year. A £4,000 scholarship reduces the first year's cost.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the 2026/27 fee for my course?
• Which scholarships am I eligible for?
• Can I get the early-payment discount?
• Is my course professionally accredited?
• Does my course include a placement?
• Will my course qualify for the Graduate Route?

Who LSBU suits best

LSBU suits students who want practical, professionally accredited courses in engineering, the built environment, health, or business in central London. It may suit less well students who want a highly ranked research university.

LSBU compared with other London universities

Universities such as Greenwich, Westminster, and Middlesex offer similar practical courses. LSBU stands out for its central location and engineering and built environment strengths. Compare course, accreditation, fees, and location.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and campus, and check the fee and entry requirements.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts, a personal statement, and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay any required deposit, and receive your CAS.
5. Apply for your UK Student visa with your financial evidence.
6. Book accommodation and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather transcripts, English results, references, and bank statements several months before your intake, and arrange certified translations if needed. CAS issuance and visa processing can take longer than expected, so keep copies.

Business, computing, and law

LSBU's business school offers accounting, finance, marketing, and management, and its computing courses cover software engineering, cyber security, and data. Its law school offers LLB and LLM degrees. Ask about placements and accreditation.

Deposits and payments

International students usually pay a deposit after receiving an offer, with the balance paid in instalments or in full. LSBU offers a 5% discount for paying in full early. Check the deposit amount, payment deadlines, and refund terms.

Support for international students

LSBU's international team helps with CAS, visas, orientation, and settling in, and the university offers academic skills, careers, and wellbeing support.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm your course's 2026/27 fee in the Course Finder, check scholarship eligibility and deadlines, confirm deposit terms, check English requirements, and plan London housing early.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current LSBU students about placements, housing in south London, and part-time work. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

The Croydon campus

LSBU Croydon serves south London with courses in business, health, and other areas, and is linked to central London by fast trains.

Frequently asked questions