Study abroad at Bedford
Overview
Country
United KingdomPopulation
185,000
Universities
2
Summer / Winter Temperature
Summer: 18°C–23°C / Winter: 2°C–8°C
Why study at Bedford
Bedford is a historic, charming market town in Bedfordshire on the banks of the River Great Ouse, strategically situated in the dynamic Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor just 35 minutes by fast train from Central London (St Pancras International). Renowned for its Victorian riverside parks (The Embankment and Bedford Park), rich diverse multicultural community, and close proximity to global aerospace clusters, Bedford is home to the University of Bedfordshire (Bedford Campus - Polhill Avenue, renowned for the School of Sport Science and Physical Activity, School of Teacher Education, Nursing and Midwifery, and Business Studies), alongside Bedford College and nearby Cranfield University (world-renowned postgraduate research powerhouse for Aerospace, Automotive, and Manufacturing just 15 minutes away). Degrees are taught 100% in English with strong industry connections and high graduate employability. International students benefit from affordable living and rental costs compared to London, exceptional train connectivity to the capital, safe environment, and direct UK Student Visa (CAS) support.
Fees
Tuition fees in Bedford for international undergraduate students at University of Bedfordshire range between £15,500 and £17,500 per academic year for Business, Sport Science, Computer Science, and Education, while postgraduate Master's degrees range from £16,000 to £18,500 per year (with generous international scholarships such as the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship providing up to £1,500–£3,000 tuition fee reductions). Campus student halls (Polhill Student Village / Liberty Park) cost between £420 and £650 per month (inclusive of all utility bills, Wi-Fi, and security), while private rental student flats along Polhill Avenue, Goldington Road, and the town center range from £480 to £780 per month. General monthly living expenses range between £650 and £1,050.
Cost of Living
| Category | Cost (Pound sterling) |
|---|---|
| University student accommodation (Polhill Student Village - monthly inclusive) | £535 |
| Rent, 1-bed private flat in Bedford Town Centre / The Embankment | £850 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in Polhill / Goldington (near campus) | £685 |
| Utilities (heating, electricity, gas, water - private flat) | £185 |
| Internet (fiber optic high-speed home broadband unlimited - BT/Virgin) | £35 |
| Mobile phone plan (high 5G/4G data & calls - EE/Vodafone/Three) | £19 |
| Monthly local transport & Stagecoach bus pass | £60 |
| Monthly grocery & student dining budget (Tesco / Sainsbury's / ALDI / Lidl) | £320 |
| Coffee / Beverage in café near The Embankment / Riverside Bedford | £4 |
| Cinema ticket (Vue Cinema Riverside Bedford) | £9 |
Admission requirements
Academic Qualifications & Direct University Application
Certified secondary school certificate (A-Levels, IB, High School Diploma, or recognized Foundation Program) or Bachelor's degree with official transcripts translated into English.
English Language Proficiency (IELTS Academic / PTE / Oxford ELLT)
IELTS Academic (minimum 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for Bachelor; 6.5 for Master), PTE Academic (59+), or university internal English test.
Student Visa
International non-UK students require a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). The University of Bedfordshire issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) upon acceptance of offer and tuition deposit payment. Applicants submit the CAS statement, proof of financial maintenance funds (minimum £1,023 per month for up to 9 months outside London), and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for full NHS healthcare coverage.
How to Study
Choose your degree program at University of Bedfordshire (Bedford Campus) or nearby Cranfield University.
Submit your application via the online international application portal with academic transcripts and English scores.
Receive your Conditional/Unconditional Offer Letter and pay the tuition fee deposit.
The university issues your electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Apply for your UK Student Visa online and attend your biometric appointment at VFS/TLScontact.
Travel to London Luton Airport (LTN - 25 min to Bedford) or London Heathrow (LHR - direct Thameslink rail from St Pancras to Bedford in 35 min), check into your student village, and complete orientation.