Teesside University (Middlesbrough & London): Fees, Scholarships & Campus Guide for International Students

Teesside University is a public university in Middlesbrough, in north-east England, with a London campus at Here East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is known for computing and games design, animation, engineering, health and social care, forensic science, and business, and for strong links with industry in the Tees Valley. Its standard international fee is simple and clearly published. This guide covers what international students should know: fees, the deposit, scholarships, English requirements, the differences between the two campuses, living costs, and the UK Graduate Route.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Teesside University, a public university with its main campus in Middlesbrough
• London campus: Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
• 2026-27 standard international fee: £17,000 a year for full-time undergraduate degrees and one-year postgraduate taught degrees (some courses differ)
• London campus undergraduate fee: also £17,000 a year
• CAS deposit: £4,000 for self-funding international students before a CAS is issued
• Scholarships: Global Excellence Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year; GREAT Scholarships of £10,000 for master's students in 2026-27; a Vice Chancellor's Scholarship reported as a one-off £7,000 fee waiver
• Known for: computing and games, animation, engineering, health, forensic science, and business

Rankings and reputation

Teesside is not highly placed in global research rankings but has strengths in computing, games design, and animation, and in applied health and engineering. Check UK subject tables and professional accreditation for your course, such as BCS accreditation for computing or HCPC approval for health programmes.

Academics and signature programs

Teesside's Middlesbrough campus covers the full course range, including a well-known School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies with games, animation, and visual effects courses. The London campus at Here East focuses on a narrower set of postgraduate and business, computing, and digital programmes. Ask which campus teaches your course and whether placements are included.

Admissions and international eligibility

Teesside assesses academic results and English. International applicants receive an offer, pay the £4,000 deposit if self-funding, receive a CAS, and apply for a Student visa. Creative courses may need a portfolio. Foundation years are available for some subjects.

English language requirements

• Undergraduate: typically IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5; postgraduate: typically 6.0 to 6.5, depending on the course
• Teesside accepts other tests and some in-country qualifications
• Pre-sessional English is available for students who narrowly miss the requirement
• Check your course page for the exact score

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a personal statement, references, and passport details, plus a portfolio for creative courses. Budget for the £4,000 deposit before your CAS, and ask about refunds if your visa is refused.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Teesside's standard international fee for 2026-27 is £17,000 a year for full-time undergraduate degrees and one-year postgraduate taught degrees, including at the London campus, though some postgraduate programmes and study routes differ. Self-funding students must pay a £4,000 deposit before receiving a CAS. Add living costs, the visa fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Estimated living costs

• Middlesbrough is one of the most affordable university towns in England
• The London campus has London living costs and higher UK visa maintenance requirements
• The Immigration Health Surcharge gives access to the NHS
• Term-time work is limited to 20 hours a week for most degree-level students
• Trains link Middlesbrough to Newcastle, York, and London

Scholarships

Teesside's Global Excellence Scholarship gives £2,000 for the first full year to successful applicants on foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate programmes, subject to conditions. GREAT Scholarships of £10,000 are available for postgraduate taught master's programmes in 2026-27, and a Vice Chancellor's Scholarship has been reported as a one-off £7,000 fee waiver. Check eligibility and deadlines on Teesside's scholarships page.

Campus life and student support

The Middlesbrough campus is compact and in the town centre, with modern teaching buildings, labs, and studios. Here East in London is a technology and innovation hub in the former Olympic media centre, next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Ask about housing near each campus.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

The Tees Valley economy includes engineering, chemicals, clean energy and hydrogen projects, digital industries, and health care, and Teesside links students with local employers and placements. The London campus is close to East London's technology and creative businesses. 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.

Games, animation, and computing

Teesside is well known for games design, games art, animation, and computer science, with industry-standard studios and an annual games festival that brings students and employers together. If you plan to work in games or visual effects, ask to see graduate portfolios and ask about links with UK studios.

Living in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is a working town on the River Tees with low rents, a compact centre, and easy access to the North York Moors and the coast. Student rents are among the lowest in England, which can make a big difference over a three-year degree. Book accommodation early for September.

Studying at Here East

Here East is a large technology campus in east London that also houses companies and other universities. Teesside's London site suits students who want London networking, but check the course range carefully, since it is narrower than Middlesbrough's.

Common mistakes applicants make

Applicants sometimes assume every course runs in London, overlook the £4,000 deposit timing, or compare Teesside's fee with courses that cost more. Check the course page and deposit terms.

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 £17,000 a year, a three-year degree in Middlesbrough costs £51,000 in tuition plus living costs of about £9,000 to £11,000 a year. In London, living costs could be £16,000 or more a year. A £2,000 scholarship helps in the first year.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which campus teaches my course?
• Is my course fee £17,000 or a different rate?
• When is the £4,000 deposit due, and is it refundable if my visa is refused?
• Which scholarships apply to me?
• Is my course accredited by a professional body?
• Will my course qualify for the Graduate Route?

Who Teesside suits best

Teesside suits students who want a clear, moderate fee, strong computing, games, engineering, or health programmes, and very low living costs in Middlesbrough, or a technology-focused London option. It may suit less well students seeking a highly ranked research university.

Middlesbrough compared with Teesside London

Middlesbrough offers the full course range and some of the lowest living costs in England, while London offers a narrower course set at Here East with London living costs. Compare the course and your budget.

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.

How Teesside compares on cost

A flat £17,000 fee plus Middlesbrough's low living costs makes Teesside one of the cheaper options in England for international students. Over a three-year degree, living in Middlesbrough rather than London can save £15,000 to £25,000 in rent alone.

Frequently asked questions