Newcastle Upon Tyne consistently ranks as one of England's top student cities, and it's not just marketing spin. This vibrant northern city offers something many other university destinations can't: genuine value for money without compromising on quality. For international students and expatriate families, Newcastle presents the perfect balance of academic excellence, cultural richness and affordability.
Overview of Newcastle
The city is home to around 55,000 students from across the globe, creating a genuinely international community where newcomers quickly feel at home. Unlike some UK cities where international students can feel isolated, Newcastle's famously friendly locals (known as Geordies) actively embrace diversity, making it easier for families relocating from abroad.
Newcastle used to be a significant industrial city, specialising in coal mining, engineering, and maritime transport. Today, it's a leader in engineering and has even won awards for some of its buildings, namely the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. Located on the Tyne River banks, the Quayside is a thriving cultural hub with many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and public areas giving you the best of Newcastle and Gateshead. The Great North Run, the world's biggest half-marathon, is held annually in Newcastle.
The cost of living is significantly lower than London, Manchester or even Scotland's Edinburgh. It's one of England's safest major cities. Direct flights connect you to European cities, with excellent rail connections to London taking just three hours. The job market is strong in technology, healthcare and engineering. Plus, there are great schools, parks and cultural activities for accompanying family members.
Best universities in Newcastle
Newcastle is home to top-class universities, each offering high-quality education at all levels: undergraduate, postgraduate and research.
Newcastle University
Officially the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, this Russell Group institution traces its origins to the School of Medicine and Surgery established in 1834. What started as separate colleges merged to become King's College in 1937, then gained university status as Newcastle University in 1963.
Newcastle University hosts 29,000 students from more than 135 countries, making it one of the most attractive British universities for international students. The university comprises three faculties: Human Sciences, Medical Sciences and Science, Agriculture and Engineering.
It's ranked 130th globally in QS World University Rankings 2025 and holds five-star ratings for overall excellence. As a Russell Group member, it's genuinely research-intensive, which feeds directly into teaching quality. The acceptance rate sits around 87% making it competitive but not impossible.
International students benefit from award-winning library services and world-class sports facilities. Specialist facilities include labs, studios, a museum, a gallery and an exhibition space. The university even has farms and a sea-going research vessel. There's even a dedicated International Office with country-specific advisors, pre-arrival support including airport pickup, English language support throughout studies, cultural orientation programmes and career services with proper employer connections.
Newcastle University fees
- International undergraduates: £22,200 to £28,800 per year depending on subject
- International postgraduates: £20,400 to £47,940 per year
- International Family Discounts offer 10% reduction for siblings
- Country-specific scholarships vary by nation:
- Merit-based scholarships provide £2,000 to £5,000 per year
- Research studentship funding available for postgraduates
Entry requirements for Newcastle University
For Newcastle University, applicants should have an academic equivalent to UK A-levels or International Baccalaureate, IELTS 6.5+ for most courses, TOEFL 90+. Some courses require specific subjects or higher grades.
Useful links:
International students at Newcastle University
Undergraduate student finance for international students
Newcastle University International Office
Scholarships, finance and fees for international students
Northumbria University
Northumbria University originated from three regional institutions that merged into Newcastle Polytechnic in 1969. After incorporating education colleges in the 1970s, it received university status in 1992 and was renamed Northumbria University in Newcastle. In 2002, it was renamed Northumbria University to improve its national and international reputation.
Northumbria is considered one of the best modern universities in England. The key statistic? 96% of its students either continue their studies or land jobs following graduation. The student population comprises 37,000 students, including 6,300 international students from 130+ countries.
This modern university has spent three decades perfecting practical education. It ranks 34th in England and 535th globally, but before you dismiss those numbers, consider the employment outcomes. Teaching focuses relentlessly on career preparation. Industry placements aren't optional extras but programme requirements.
The university has two campuses in Newcastle. City Campus is the main site in the city centre with impressive architecture, modern teaching buildings and top sports facilities. Coach Lane, three miles away, serves education, nursing, healthcare and social work students with excellent computing and library services, a modern Students' Union building and new sports facilities.
Northumbria University fees, scholarships and financial support
- International undergraduates: £19,350 to £20,950 per year
- International postgraduates: £15,500 to £19,500 per year
- International Academic Excellence Scholarship offers up to £6,000
- Early application discounts reward prompt applications
- Country-specific scholarships available
- Alumni family discounts for multiple family members
Northumbria University entry requirements
Unlike Newcastle University above, Northumbria University has more flexible academic requirements for international students, including IELTS 6.0+ for most courses, TOEFL 80+. A portfolio will be required for creative subjects.
Useful links:
International students at Northumbria University
International application guide
Newcastle College
Often overlooked by international students, Newcastle College is actually the largest further education institution in Northeast England, serving over 16,000 students. For international students seeking practical, career-focused qualifications or pathway programmes to university, it deserves consideration.
Newcastle College breaks down into five schools: Creative and Digital Industries, Engineering, Health, Childcare, Business and Science, Construction, Leisure and Sport and Newcastle School of Education.
The main campus sits close to Newcastle city centre, near Rye Hill. The facilities are genuinely world-class. The £21 million Performance Academy is the country's leading training centre for performing arts, music and media, comprising a 250-seat theatre, 10 recording studios, acting and music studios, a dance studio and its own record label. Former students include Joe McElderry and Perrier Edwards from Little Mix, who won The X-Factor.
The Lifestyle Academy serves students studying hospitality, hairdressing, sport, travel and tourism. The Aviation Academy is a £3.3 million facility where students can practise on training aircraft, including a fully functional Boeing 737 used for teaching.
Newcastle College fees
Tuition fees vary according to the course you study. Tuition fees for English as a Foreign Language courses vary depending on the number of hours you choose to study. Fees are typically between £75 and £240 per week. Tuition fees for Level 3 programmes are £7,500 per year.
Useful links:
International students at Newcastle College
How to apply as an international student
Fees and scholarships for international students
Durham University
Let's be clear here. Durham University isn't actually in Newcastle - it's about an hour south. But it often gets lumped into Newcastle guides, so let's address it briefly.
Founded in 1832, Durham University is one of England's oldest universities. It's genuinely prestigious with a royal charter and 63 listed buildings ranging from Durham Castle to an Art Deco chapel. Durham has particularly strong programmes in English and Creative Writing, Forensic Science, Archaeology, Ancient History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Modern Languages, Sports Sciences and Theology.
The university has three faculties: Science, Arts and Humanities and Social Science and Health. It has a 41% acceptance rate and doesn't only look at academic qualifications during selection - they pay attention to students' character and levels of motivation.
For international students, Durham's prestige comes at a cost, both financially and practically. You'd be living in a smaller city, further from major transport links.
Useful links:
Welcome and orientation for international students
Tuition fees for international students
Student visa and enrollment in Newcastle universities
You'll need a visa to study in England, depending on your nationality. University enrollment happens in September. Check the UCAS website deadlines for practical information. Make sure you know if an English test (TOEFL or IELTS) is required before registration. English language tests must be taken in the same year you plan to enrol - certificates older than a year are considered expired.
If your application is accepted, you'll be notified between April and May. You can respond to university offers by early June.
Living in Newcastle as an international student
Accommodation
Your first year typically means living in student halls in Newcastle. Most offer various rooms at different prices, from single studios to shared or ensuite options. Benefits include gym access, support staff, events and communal socialising areas.
From the second year onwards, you'll find private accommodation. Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford are popular student areas close to parks, shops, transport links and both universities. City centre living is available but generally more expensive.
Cost of living
For international students, a monthly budget (excluding tuition) can range between £700 and 1,230, covering accommodation (£400 to £700), food (£150 to £250), transport (£50 to £80 with student discounts) and personal expenses (£100 to £200).
Getting around
Newcastle International Airport sits eight miles from the city centre with its own Metro station. Bus services are plentiful, with special travel tickets like Day Rover for unlimited travel. The Metro rail system connects the city centre to the surrounding boroughs, Gateshead and the airport.
Several companies provide national rail services from Central Station. Student Metro Season Tickets offer discounted travel, and 16-25 Railcards provide one-third off train tickets.
Cycling gives you exercise, fresh air and sustainable travel in Newcastle, plus the council plans to add more cycle lanes. Walking lets you discover cultural heritage and beautiful architecture while saving transport money if you live near campus.
Things to do in Newcastle
Newcastle's vibrant character means there's always something happening. The city centre and surrounding areas provide plenty of attractions, but do make time to venture to the coast when you have a chance.
Food and drink: Grainger Market offers street food and stotties (traditional Newcastle bread rolls). Tynemouth and Quayside markets are worth checking out. The Quayside and Jesmond provide excellent pubs and bars. Popular student nightlife spots include the Diamond Strip around Collingwood Street and Grey Street.
Arts and culture: Newcastle has a well-established arts scene. The Baltic art gallery sits in Gateshead. Theatre Royal hosts live shows. Ouseburn Valley features art galleries, studios, music venues, installations and festivals.
Events: Annual festivals include Mouth of the Tyne and Pride. Live music venues include Utilita Arena, O2 City Hall, The Cluny and Riverside. Cinemas provide movie nights. Watch Newcastle United play Premier League football at St James' Park or Newcastle Falcons rugby at Kingston Park.
Outdoors: Newcastle offers many green spaces. Exhibition Park and Tyne Riverside Country Park provide study escapes. Jesmond Dene feels like a natural landscape. The coast offers Cullercoats, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Longsands Beach. Northumberland provides blissful weekend getaways.
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