Studying in Newcastle
According to QS Top Universities, Newcastle Upon Tyne, known as Newcastle, is among the world's best student cities. It is also the biggest city in Northeast England. Named after the strategic Norman castle that you can visit in the city centre, Newcastle has a vast historical heritage.
Newcastle used to be a significant industrial city, specialising in coal mining, engineering, and maritime transport. To date, it's a leader in engineering and has even won awards for some of its buildings, namely the Millenium Bridge in Gateshead. Located on the Tyne River banks, the wharf is a thriving cultural hub with many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and many public areas giving you the best of Newcastle and Gateshead town, opposite Newcastle. The Great North Run, the world's biggest semi-marathon, is held annually in Newcastle. Inhabitants of Newcastle and its surrounding areas are nicknamed Geordies after their dialect and accent, the closest to the former Anglo-Saxon spoken 1,500 years ago in the UK.
Best universities in Newcastle
The cosmopolitan city of Newcastle and students' favourite houses top-class universities, offering high-quality education at all levels: undergraduate, postgraduate, and research.
Durham University
Founded in 1832, Durham University was granted a royal charter (granting an individual or legal person rights or powers) in 1832. It is one of the oldest universities in England and the United Kingdom. Durham University consists of 63 listed buildings, ranging from the Durham Castle, built in the 11th century, to an Art Deco chapel from the 1930s. Durham has particularly praised its high-quality curriculum with a wide range of programs, including English and Creative Writing, Forensic Science, Archaeology, Ancient History, Geography, Environmental Studies, Modern and Linguistic Languages, Sports Sciences, and Theology. The university comprises three faculties: Science, Arts and Humanities, Social Science, and Health. The university has a 41% acceptance rate. Durham University doesn't only look at academic qualifications during the selection process. It also pays attention to students' character and levels of motivation and initiative. Enrollment conditions may vary from one program to another.
Good to know:
Durham University has a history of sporting success. The Durham University Boat Club is one of the UK's most successful rowing clubs.
Useful links:
Newcastle University
Officially known as the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle University is another of the region's prestigious institutions, originating from the School of Medicine and Surgery established in 1834 that later became the College of Medicine and the College of Physical Science founded in 1871 and renamed Armstrong College. These two universities have become a single Federal University of Durham division. The universities of Newcastle merged to form King's College in 1937. Following an Act of Parliament in 1963, King's College became the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, generally known as Newcastle University.
Newcastle University hosts 5000 students, accounting for more than 120 countries. It is also among the most attractive British universities for international students. The university comprises three faculties: the Faculty of Human Sciences, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering. To enroll, you need only a high school certificate and a good command of English, depending on the chosen curriculum. Other conditions may also apply.
Good to know:
Newcastle University also has campuses in Singapore and Malaysia.
Useful links:
Guide for international students
Northumbria University
Northumbria University at Newcastle originated from three regional universities: the Rutherford College of Technology, the College of Art & Industrial Design, and the Municipal College of Commerce, which all merged into Newcastle Polytechnic in 1969. Following the incorporation of the City College of Education in 1974 and the Northern Counties College of Education in 1976, Newcastle Polytechnic became the main regional centre for teacher training and received a Royal Charter in 1992. Since then, it has been renamed Northumbria University at Newcastle. In 2002, Northumbria University was chosen over its official name to improve its national and worldwide reputation.
Northumbria University is deemed to be one of the best modern universities in the UK. Notably, 95% of its students either continue their studies or land a job following graduation. Moreover, its student population comprises 30,000 students, including 3300 international students. Enrolling at Northumbria University will allow you to immerse in English culture and history. Northumbria University offers nearly 500 programs in its four faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Design, and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Business and Law, the Faculty of Engineering and Environment, and the Faculty of Health and Life. To enroll, you need a high school certificate and solid motivation. You also have to prove that you have a good command of English with a recognised diploma or an IELTS.
Good to know:
There are over 130 nationalities represented at Northumbria University.
Fees, scholarships, and aids in Newcastle universities
Durham University
Durham University determines the tuition fees depending on the course you will study and your fee status (i.e., home student or overseas/EU student). Your fee status is decided based on information about your nationality and permanent residency. Students must pay their tuition and accommodation fees by a specific date after their arrival at the university. Tuition fees can be paid in one lump sum or three equal installments. There are different ways to finance your studies. Home students can take a loan that they can repay once they have found a job and earned enough. International students can register for grants and scholarships.
Newcastle University
For undergraduate programmes, tuition fees for UK students at Newcastle University are £9,250 per year, as set by the UK government. For international students, tuition fees depend on the specific course of study. Courses that require laboratory work, clinical practice, or fieldwork are more costly than theoretical courses. Scholarships are available depending on the student's financial situation. However, applications have to be sent early.
Useful links:
Scholarships at Newcastle University
Northumbria University at Newcastle (Northumbria University)
Tuition fees for international students amount start from £17,500 a year.
Student visa and enrollment in Newcastle universities
You might need a visa to study in the UK, depending on your nationality. Since Brexit is officially in effect, students coming from the European Union need a visa. You should seek all relevant information from your university and the UK embassy or consulate in your home country. Enrollment in UK universities takes place in September. Deadlines are usually indicated on the UCAS website, which provides practical information to students. Also, make sure to check whether an English test (TOEFL or IELTS) is required before registration. If an English language test is necessary, it should be taken in the same year you plan to enroll. Certificates that are older than a year are considered expired. If your application has been accepted, you should be notified between April and May. You can then respond to the university's offer by early June.
