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University of Chester: Programs, Fees, and How to Apply

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Yes — the University of Chester welcomes international students across 200+ foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs, with three intakes each year: September, January, and May. For the 2026/27 academic year, international tuition starts at £14,950 for undergraduate degrees and ranges from £15,500 to £19,000 for most postgraduate programs. To study here, you'll also need a UK Student visa, which requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the university once your £5,000 tuition deposit is paid. This guide walks you through costs and scholarships, entry requirements, the step-by-step application process, and what happens after you arrive.

UK education system: Female student with books on campus and male student using a tablet in a library, linked to a UK flag.

About University of Chester

University of Chester was established in 1839 and now has six campuses across Cheshire and the North West of England: Exton Park (the main campus), Queen's Park, Kingsway, Wheeler, Gateway House, Bache Hall, and The Hammond. Exton Park sits about 25 miles from Liverpool, putting students within easy reach of one of the UK's major cities.

The university is known for applied, career-focused education, with programs developed in partnership with industry — particularly in Business, Health and Social Care, and Education.

Detail Information
Institution type Public university (established 1839)
Location Chester, Cheshire, England
Campuses Exton Park (main), Queen's Park, Kingsway, Wheeler, Gateway House, Bache Hall, and The Hammond
Total enrollment 14,000+ students
Programs offered 200+ foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs; many with placement years
Intakes September, January, and May
Graduate Route eligibility Eligible for 2-year post-study work visa (3 years for PhDs)

Explore University of Chester Programs

Sign in to your ApplyBoard account or register today to view available programs, requirements, and document checklists for University of Chester.

University of Chester Fees for International Students

International tuition at University of Chester for the 2026/27 academic year starts at £14,950 for undergraduate degrees. Most standard postgraduate taught programs range from £15,500 to £19,000 — for example, a standard one-year Master's is £15,500, the MBA is £15,700, and professionally accredited programs like the MA in Social Work and MA in Art Therapy are £19,000.

 Note: These figures don't cover every program. Graduate Entry Medicine and postgraduate research degrees (PhD, DProf) fall outside this range and are priced separately — see the university's international fees page to confirm the exact cost for your specific program before applying.

Cost Item Amount Notes
International tuition (undergraduate) ~£14,950/year Estimate; confirm on program page
International tuition (postgraduate) ~£15,500–£19,000/year Estimate; confirm on program page
Application fee £0 Via ApplyBoard
Tuition deposit £5,000 Required to secure your CAS; applied toward tuition

How to Pay Tuition

University of Chester accepts international tuition payments through multiple methods. Payments are processed exclusively through Convera GlobalPay. Full payment information is available on your offer letter.

International Scholarships

International students admitted to eligible programs at University of Chester are automatically considered for an International Scholarship Award based on their academic merit. No separate application is required for most automatic awards, though specific departmental scholarships may require one.

Scholarship Type Annual Scholarship Award
International Scholarship Award Variable deduction

 Note: Check the University of Chester scholarships page for a full list of available funding and eligibility criteria. Early payment discounts may also be available for students who pay their fees in full before enrollment.

Featured Programs at University of Chester

University of Chester offers over 200 programs at the foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. Many undergraduate programs include a sandwich year or industrial placement component, giving students direct work experience in the UK. Here are some of the most popular programs for international students:

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Nursing Studies (International) (Top-up) 

Campus: University Centre Birkenhead
Designed for internationally qualified nurses looking to upgrade their credentials to a full UK BSc Honours degree. This top-up program focuses on global healthcare practices, evidence-based care, and advanced clinical knowledge.

Master of Science - Programme and Project Management 

Campus: Exton Park (Main Campus)
Equipping students with the strategic, organizational, and leadership skills required to manage complex initiatives. This postgraduate degree is highly sought after by students aiming for leadership roles across global industries.

 Note: Check the ApplyBoard platform for currently available programs, intakes, and campus options for University of Chester. 

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements at University of Chester vary by program level. The general minimums below are a guide — always confirm specific requirements for your chosen program before applying.

  • Undergraduate programs: Successful completion of high school equivalent to UK A-levels. Typical requirements are around 112 UCAS tariff points, or specific regional curriculum equivalents (e.g., India Standard XII at 65-70%).
  • Postgraduate taught programs: A minimum of a 2:2 / 2:1 UK honours degree equivalent from a recognised international institution.
  • Transcripts: Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from all previously attended institutions.
  • Passport: A valid passport is required for the CAS process.

English Language Requirements

Most international applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and in some cases, Duolingo or regional high school English grades. Minimum scores usually require an IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 (UG) or 6.5 overall (PG) — confirm the requirement for your specific program on the ApplyBoard platform.

Check Eligibility and Start Applying

Ready to take the next step? Access your dashboard to review your eligibility and manage your application documents for University of Chester.

How to Apply to University of Chester Through ApplyBoard

You apply to University of Chester through the ApplyBoard platform. After reviewing your application, the institution may issue a Conditional Offer (if you still need to meet certain academic or English criteria) or an Unconditional Offer.

 Note: Submission processing timelines are optimized for rapid turnaround. ApplyBoard typically reviews, verifies, and completes the submission pipeline within 3 hours of receipt. Once successfully submitted, standard university evaluation steps apply. Average turnaround time for offer letters is 15 working days.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Before you apply, prepare the following documents:

  • Valid passport (biographical page)
  • Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions (with certified English translations if not already in English)
  • English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) or proof of medium of instruction (if accepted)
  • Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose) and academic references (if required by the program)
Step 2: Receive your Offer

If successful, you will receive an offer letter. A Conditional Offer means you need to submit further documents (like final transcripts or a new IELTS score). An Unconditional Offer means you have met all academic requirements.

Step 3: Accept your offer and pay your deposit

To accept your Unconditional Offer, you must pay the £5,000 tuition deposit. This deposit is required before the university can begin the process of issuing your CAS.

Step 4: Receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

After paying your deposit and passing any required pre-CAS interviews or financial checks, University of Chester will issue your CAS. A CAS is an electronic document with a unique reference number that you must have before applying for your UK Student visa.

Step 5: Apply for your UK Student Visa

Use your CAS reference number to apply for your UK Student visa. Apply as early as possible after receiving your CAS. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions: University of Chester

Where is University of Chester located?

University of Chester has 7 campuses across Cheshire and the surrounding areas: Exton Park (the main campus), Queen's Park, Kingsway, Wheeler, Gateway House, Bache Hall, and The Hammond. The main campus is located approximately 25 miles from Liverpool.

Does University of Chester issue conditional offers?

Yes. Like most UK universities, University of Chester frequently issues Conditional Offers. This allows you to secure your spot while you finish your current studies or arrange a final English language test.

What is the CAS process at University of Chester?

Once you have an Unconditional Offer and have paid your tuition deposit (and passed any necessary compliance checks), the university will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You need this unique CAS number to apply for your UK Student visa.

Does University of Chester offer industrial placements?

Yes. Many undergraduate programs at University of Chester include an optional "sandwich year" or industrial placement, which allows you to spend a year working in the industry before completing your final year of study.

Can international students work while studying in the UK?

Yes. International students on a valid UK Student visa studying at degree level or above are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university holidays. Always verify the work conditions printed on your UKVI eVisa (digital immigration status).

University of Chester offers international students a career-focused education in the UK, with strong industry links, placement opportunities, and scholarship support. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard counsellor can guide you through every step.

Explore University of Chester Programs

Browse all available University of Chester programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.