Nottingham Trent University (Nottingham & London): Fees, Scholarships & Rankings Guide for International Students

Nottingham Trent University, known as NTU, is a large public university in Nottingham, England, with campuses in the city centre, Clifton, and Brackenhurst, and a London campus in Whitechapel built around its Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies. NTU is known for business, law, art and design, fashion, architecture, and creative industries, and it performs strongly in UK league tables. This guide covers what international students should know: fees, scholarships, English requirements, rankings, the difference between the Nottingham and London campuses, and the UK Graduate Route.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Nottingham Trent University, a public university in Nottingham, England
• Nottingham campuses: City, Clifton, and Brackenhurst
• London campus: 41 Commercial Road, Whitechapel, focused on creative and entertainment industries through Confetti
• QS World University Rankings 2026: #609 (down from #592 in 2025)
• Guardian University Guide 2026: rose 24 places to 25th (reported)
• 2026-27 undergraduate tuition (third-party): about £17,950 to £18,700
• Master's tuition (third-party): about £17,200 to £25,000
• Scholarships: International Scholarship of £1,000 a year; NTU Excellence Scholarships of 25% or 50%; GREAT Scholarships of £10,000
• English: IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 for undergraduates, with at least 5.5 in each component

Rankings and reputation

NTU is ranked #609 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and has risen to 25th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting strong teaching and student satisfaction. Its reputation is strongest in business, law, art and design, fashion, and creative industries. Check subject rankings for your course.

Academics and signature programs

The Nottingham campuses cover business, law, art and design, architecture, science and technology, social sciences, education, and animal and rural studies at Brackenhurst. The London campus offers hands-on courses in music industry performance and production, events, esports, virtual production, and content creation. Ask which campus teaches your course, since London's range is narrow.

Admissions and international eligibility

NTU assesses academic results and English. International applicants receive an offer, pay a deposit, receive a CAS, and apply for a Student visa. Creative courses may require a portfolio. Kaplan runs Nottingham Trent International College for students who need a foundation or pathway year.

English language requirements

• Undergraduate: typically IELTS 6.0 to 7.0, with at least 5.5 in each component
• Requirements vary by school and course
• Pre-sessional English and Kaplan's Nottingham Trent International College offer routes for students below the requirement
• Check your course page

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a personal statement, references, passport details, and a portfolio for creative courses. Ask about the deposit, scholarship deadlines, and campus location.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put 2026-27 international undergraduate tuition at about £17,950 to £18,700 and master's tuition at about £17,200 to £25,000, with £18,700 for courses in the art and design school, business school, and science and technology at London. NTU publishes exact fees on its international tuition fees page.

Estimated living costs

• Nottingham is much cheaper than London for housing and daily costs
• The London campus in Whitechapel has London living costs
• UK Student visa applicants must show funds; London requires a higher monthly amount
• Term-time work is limited to 20 hours a week for most degree-level students
• Nottingham has trams and buses; London has the Underground and Elizabeth line

Scholarships

NTU's International Scholarship gives £1,000 for each year of your first course (excluding placement years). NTU Excellence Scholarships cover 25% or 50% of tuition, and GREAT Scholarships of £10,000 are available for postgraduate taught master's courses in 2026-27. Ask for eligibility and deadlines.

Campus life and student support

NTU's City Campus is in central Nottingham, Clifton is a green campus a few miles south, and Brackenhurst is a rural campus for animal, equine, and environmental courses. The London campus in Whitechapel is a creative-industries hub. Nottingham is a lively student city with a large student population.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

NTU emphasises placements and employability, with many courses offering a sandwich year. Nottingham's economy includes business services, health, and creative industries, while London offers a large entertainment and media sector. Ask for graduate outcomes on your course.

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.

Nottingham versus London campus

The Nottingham campuses offer NTU's full range of courses at lower living costs, while the London campus in Whitechapel focuses on music, events, esports, and content creation. London living costs are much higher, and UK visa rules require more funds for London study. Choose London only if your course is taught there and fits your career plans.

Placement years

Many NTU courses offer a sandwich placement year in industry, which can improve employability and extends your course and Student visa by a year. Placement years usually carry a reduced fee. Ask how placements are found and supported for international students.

Common mistakes applicants make

Applicants sometimes confuse NTU with the University of Nottingham, assume every course is available in London, or miss scholarship deadlines. Check the university name, campus, and scholarship terms before applying.

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

At about £18,300 a year, a three-year degree in Nottingham costs about £55,000 in tuition, plus living costs of about £11,000 to £13,000 a year. At London, living costs are higher. A £1,000 annual scholarship helps; a 25% or 50% award helps a lot.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which campus teaches my course?
• What is the exact fee?
• Which scholarships apply, and what are the deadlines?
• Does my course include a placement year?
• What English score do I need?
• Will my course qualify for the Graduate Route?

Who NTU suits best

NTU suits students who want a highly rated UK teaching university with strong business, law, and creative programmes in an affordable student city, or creative-industries study in London. It may suit less well students who want a Russell Group research university.

NTU compared with the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is a Russell Group research university with higher global rankings, while NTU focuses on applied, career-focused teaching and ranks highly in UK teaching tables. Don't confuse the two when applying.

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.

Living in Nottingham

Nottingham is a compact student city with two universities, a tram network, and a lively music and sports scene. Rents are well below London's, and many students live in areas such as Lenton, Forest Fields, or the city centre. Book accommodation early for September starts.

Creative courses and the Confetti institute

NTU's Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies runs hands-on courses in music, film, games, and events, with professional studios in Nottingham and at the London campus. Ask about studio access, industry projects, and graduate destinations in the creative industries.

Kaplan's Nottingham Trent International College

Students who do not meet direct entry requirements can start at Nottingham Trent International College, run by Kaplan on NTU's campus, with foundation, first-year, and pre-master's programmes that lead to NTU degrees if progression grades are met. Compare its fees and progression terms with direct entry.

Frequently asked questions