University of Northampton: Fees, Scholarships & Waterside Campus Guide for International Students

The University of Northampton is a public university in Northampton, in the English Midlands, which moved to its purpose-built Waterside campus beside the River Nene in 2018. It is known for practical, career-focused courses in business, nursing and health, education, social care, art and design, and computing, and for its focus on social enterprise. International students are automatically considered for a scholarship of up to £4,000 a year. This guide covers fees, scholarships, living costs, and the UK Graduate Route.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: University of Northampton, a public university in Northampton, England
• Campus: Waterside campus, opened in 2018 beside the River Nene
• Undergraduate fees (third-party): about £15,700 to £18,200 a year for international students
• University of Northampton International Scholarship: up to £4,000 off tuition each year (excluding placement years), awarded automatically on academic merit
• Postgraduate courses: also included in the scholarship scheme for on-campus taught programmes
• Known for: business, nursing and health, education, social work, art and design, and computing
• Location: about an hour by train from London

Rankings and reputation

Northampton is a teaching-focused university and is not highly ranked in global tables. It is known for social enterprise and practical teaching. Judge it on your course and outcomes.

Academics and signature programs

Northampton offers degrees in business, accounting, marketing, computing, nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, education, social work, psychology, criminology, law, fashion, art and design, and sport. Many courses include placements. Ask about placements and accreditation.

Admissions and international eligibility

Northampton assesses academic results and English. After an offer, you pay a deposit, receive a CAS, and apply for a Student visa. Scholarships are considered alongside your application.

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 is available
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a personal statement, references, and passport details. You do not need a separate application for the International Scholarship.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put international undergraduate fees at about £15,700 to £18,200 a year depending on course. The International Scholarship of up to £4,000 a year can reduce this substantially. Check your course page for the exact fee and add the Immigration Health Surcharge and living costs.

Estimated living costs

• UK Student visa applicants must show funds for tuition and a set monthly living amount under Home Office rules
• 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
• Book accommodation early, since university halls and private rooms fill quickly around each intake
• Public transport passes and student railcards can reduce travel costs

Scholarships

The University of Northampton International Scholarship gives up to £4,000 off tuition for each year of study, excluding placement years, for on-campus undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses. It is awarded on academic merit, with no separate application. GREAT Scholarships may be available for some countries.

Campus life and student support

The Waterside campus has modern teaching buildings, a library, a students' union, and student accommodation, with a riverside setting near the town centre. The Creative Hub and Engine Shed are distinctive spaces.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Northampton's economy includes logistics, manufacturing, and services, with London and Birmingham within reach. Northampton emphasises employability and social enterprise. 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.

The Waterside campus

Northampton's Waterside campus opened in 2018, replacing two older campuses. It brings teaching, student services, accommodation, and the students' union together beside the River Nene, a short walk from the town centre.

Nursing and health

Northampton offers nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, and occupational therapy, with placements in local NHS trusts. These courses lead to professional registration. International places may be limited, so check eligibility and fees.

Living in Northampton

Northampton is a market town with lower rents than London, and trains to London Euston take about an hour. The town has shops, parks, and a historic centre.

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 £16,000 a year minus a £4,000 scholarship, a three-year degree could cost about £36,000 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?
• What scholarship amount will I receive?
• Does my course include a placement year?
• What English score do I need?
• What accommodation is available?
• Will my course qualify for the Graduate Route?

Who Northampton suits best

Northampton suits students who want an affordable, practical UK university with a modern campus and automatic scholarships, close to London. It may suit less well students who want a highly ranked research university or a big-city setting.

Northampton compared with other Midlands universities

Universities such as Coventry, De Montfort, and Bedfordshire offer similar courses. Compare net fees after scholarships, campus, and course accreditation.

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 and social enterprise

Northampton's business school offers business, accounting, marketing, and international business, and the university has a long-standing focus on social enterprise and social impact. Ask about placements, live projects, and enterprise programmes.

Art, design, and fashion

Northampton has a history in leather technology and footwear, and today offers art, design, fashion, illustration, and photography degrees with studios at Waterside. Ask about portfolio requirements and studio access.

Support for international students

Northampton'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 fee, check the scholarship amount you will receive, confirm English requirements, arrange accommodation, and read the deposit and refund terms.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current Northampton students about the Waterside campus, accommodation, and part-time work. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition after your scholarship, the Immigration Health Surcharge, accommodation, food, transport, and course materials. Northampton's living costs are lower than London's, and the Waterside campus is walkable from town. Keep a buffer for the first months.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes assume the scholarship covers placement years, or overlook accommodation deposits. Check the 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. Northampton's international team runs welcome activities to help you settle in.

Postgraduate study

Northampton's taught master's programmes in business, computing, health, and education are also covered by the International Scholarship scheme. Some include placements or projects with employers. Ask about January and September starts.

Key takeaway

Northampton offers modern facilities and an automatic scholarship that makes UK study more affordable. Confirm your course fee and scholarship amount in writing.

Frequently asked questions