University of Chichester: International Fees, Scholarships & Guide

The University of Chichester is a public university in West Sussex, on England's south coast, with roots in a teacher training college founded in 1839. It has two campuses, Bishop Otter in Chichester and Bognor Regis by the sea, and is known for sport, dance, music, theatre, education, and, more recently, engineering and digital technologies at its Tech Park. It is small and friendly, with international fees below the UK average. This guide covers fees, scholarships, campuses, and the UK Graduate Route.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: University of Chichester, a public university in West Sussex, with roots going back to 1839
• Campuses: Bishop Otter campus in Chichester and Bognor Regis campus, including the Tech Park
• International fees (third-party): about £13,000 to £16,000 a year depending on course
• Region Scholarships (reported): £3,500 off first-year fees for undergraduates, awarded automatically
• Global Distinction Scholarship (reported): £2,750 for overseas fee payers, awarded automatically
• Known for: sport, dance, music, theatre, education, and engineering and digital technologies

Rankings and reputation

Chichester is a small, teaching-focused university and is not highly ranked in global tables, but often scores well for student satisfaction. Judge it on course and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

Chichester offers degrees in sport science, physical education, coaching, dance, music, musical theatre, acting, English, history, psychology, education, business, and, at Bognor Regis, engineering, product design, and computing. Ask about facilities and placements for your course.

Admissions and international eligibility

Chichester assesses academic results and English. After an offer, you pay a deposit, receive a CAS, and apply for a Student visa.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.0 is common for undergraduate courses; check your course
• Postgraduate courses may require 6.5
• Pre-sessional English may be available
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a personal statement, references, and passport details, and auditions for some performance courses.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put international fees at about £13,000 to £16,000 a year depending on course. Automatic scholarships of £2,750 to £3,500 can reduce the first-year cost. Check your course page for the exact fee.

Estimated living costs

• Chichester and Bognor Regis have lower living costs than London and Brighton
• UK Student visa applicants must show funds for tuition and a monthly living amount outside London
• 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 connect Chichester with Brighton, Portsmouth, and London in about 90 minutes

Scholarships

Chichester reports automatic scholarships for international students, including Region Scholarships of £3,500 off first-year fees and the Global Distinction Scholarship of £2,750. Some other scholarships are available for specific students. Check current terms on Chichester's scholarships page.

Campus life and student support

The Bishop Otter campus in Chichester is compact, with sports, performance, and teaching facilities near the historic cathedral city. The Bognor Regis campus is close to the beach and houses the Tech Park for engineering and digital courses.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Chichester graduates work in sport, education, the arts, and engineering, often in southern England. 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.

Sport at Chichester

Chichester is well known for sport science, physical education, and coaching, with laboratories and sports facilities at Bishop Otter. Ask about practical placements and coaching qualifications.

The performing arts

Chichester's dance, music, and theatre courses have performance spaces and studios, and the city is home to the Chichester Festival Theatre. Some courses require auditions.

Engineering and the Tech Park

The Tech Park at Bognor Regis houses engineering, product design, and digital courses, with modern workshops and labs. Ask about industry projects and accreditation.

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 £15,000 a year minus a £3,500 first-year scholarship, a three-year degree could cost about £41,500 in tuition, plus living costs of about £10,000 to £12,000 a year.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the exact fee for my course?
• Which scholarship will I receive automatically?
• Which campus will I study at?
• Does my course require an audition?
• What accommodation is available?
• Will my course qualify for the Graduate Route?

Who Chichester suits best

Chichester suits students who want a small, friendly coastal university with strengths in sport, the performing arts, education, or engineering. It may suit less well students who want a big-city campus.

Chichester compared with other south coast universities

Brighton, Portsmouth, and Southampton are larger and in bigger cities. Chichester offers a smaller community and lower fees. Compare course, cost, and setting.

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.

Education and teacher training

Chichester began as a teacher training college and still offers education, primary teaching, and physical education courses. Teaching in English schools requires qualified teacher status, which has rules for international students; ask about eligibility.

Support for international students

Chichester's international team helps with CAS, visas, orientation, and settling in, and the university offers academic, careers, and wellbeing support. Its small size makes services personal.

Living in West Sussex

Chichester is a historic cathedral city near the South Downs and the coast, and Bognor Regis is a seaside town. Both are quieter than Brighton or London, with lower rents. Trains connect to Brighton and London.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm your course fee and automatic scholarship, check which campus you will study at, prepare for auditions if needed, confirm English requirements, and arrange accommodation.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current Chichester students about teaching, accommodation, campus life, and travel. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Business and humanities

Chichester also offers business, English, history, creative writing, psychology, and social work. Small classes give students more contact with lecturers. Ask about placements and joint honours options.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition after scholarships, the Immigration Health Surcharge, accommodation, food, transport, and course materials such as dance or theatre kit. Living costs are lower than in London or Brighton. Keep a buffer for the first months.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes overlook audition dates for performance courses or assume scholarships apply every year. Check deadlines and terms.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before welcome week, collect your visa documents, register with a GP, set up a bank account, and attend induction events. Chichester's small size makes it easy to meet staff and classmates.

Postgraduate study

Chichester offers taught master's degrees in sport, performing arts, education, business, and engineering. The Global Distinction Scholarship also applies to postgraduates. Ask about course start dates.

Key takeaway

Chichester offers a small, supportive community with moderate fees and automatic scholarships. Confirm your course fee, campus, and any audition requirements before applying, and apply early for accommodation. Visiting an open day online can help you compare the two campuses.

Frequently asked questions