United Arab Emirates

We welcome applications from students from the United Arab Emirates. Around 150 students from the UAE currently study here, and we would love for you to join us.

Download your Bristol Guide

Get a quick introduction to the University of Bristol with our UAE Country Guide 2025-26 (PDF, 726kB).

Application guidance

The following information is for guidance only. Competition for places at the University of Bristol is very strong, and the achievement of a specified qualification does not guarantee that an offer will be made. We aim to respond to your application as quickly as possible to help you plan your studies.

If your qualification is not mentioned or you have any further questions, please contact us for advice.

International Foundation Programme

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is delivered by the University of Bristol to prepare international students for a degree programme at the University through tailored English language units and academic subject units.

You can find more information through Kaplan International Pathways, our trusted education partner for applications and admissions to the International Foundation Programme.

Undergraduate entry requirements

You can apply for undergraduate courses through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Find out more from UCAS about applying to university in the UK. The UCAS institution code for the University of Bristol is BRISL B78.

Entry requirements vary for each course. Please check our undergraduate course listings for details of specific requirements.

Applicants will need to meet the English language requirements for their chosen course. Different courses need different levels of language skills, referred to as ‘profiles’. The required profile will be shown on the course page. Find out more about our English language profiles.

Students who have successfully completed either the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme or an appropriate foundation/bridging programme such as those offered by our partners, and have met the entry requirements for their chosen degree, will be considered for admission to undergraduate courses.

  • Applicants with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or A-Levels will be considered for direct admission to our undergraduate degree programmes. Entry requirements are listed in our Undergraduate Prospectus. 

  • If you have studied the American curriculum, entry requirements are listed on our USA country page. 

  • Students studying at Indian schools can find out more about entry requirements on our India country page. 

Postgraduate entry requirements

You should apply online for all our postgraduate programmes.

Entry requirements vary for each programme. Please check our postgraduate programme listings for details of specific requirements.

Applicants will need to meet the English language requirements for their chosen course. Different courses need different levels of language skills, referred to as ‘profiles’. The required profile will be shown on the course page. Find out more about our English language profiles.

To be considered for admission to a master's degree programme at the University of Bristol, the minimum requirement for entry is typically an undergraduate degree from an acceptable institution that is equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree (also known as a 2:1).

To be considered for admission to a master's degree programme at the University of Bristol, the minimum requirement for entry is an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree that is equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree (also known as a 2:1).

Degrees from UAE should be accredited to be considered. You can check whether your institution is/was accredited at www.caa.ae/Pages/Programs/All.aspx.

  • Applicants with a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an approved university, with a minimum CGPA 

Scholarships

The University provides a range of international scholarships, including our Think Big scholarships which can help fund your tuition fees.

Search our full list of funding to find more scholarships offered by the University of Bristol and external organisations.

Find more information about funding your studies on our student finances pages.

  • As well as our scholarships, past students from the UAE have been sponsored by the Embassy of the UAE Cultural Attaché Office, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

Education representatives

The University has agreements with many education representatives (also known as agents) around the world who can assist you with your application. Using a representative does not put your application at any advantage or disadvantage, and independent applications will be considered on an equal basis.

Please use the services of only one representative to avoid administrative complications. We strongly advise you to only work with a representative listed below.

British Council

The British Council can give guidance and information about higher education in the UK. Find out from their website if there is an office near you and what services are available.

Student societies

Our student clubs include the Khaleeji Society, the Arab Society, the International Students' Network and over 400 more for different interests.

Our alumni

Our international alumni network includes more than 250 students from or living in the UAE, who are employed at organisations including MS Homes, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Al Marakeb, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, The Developing Child Centre and a range of prestigious universities.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about applying to Bristol, please contact our International Recruitment team:

Emailsupport@international.bristol.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)117 205 2644

Download an International Guide

Sign up for our email updates to receive exclusive information and download our International Guide.

Bristol is a highly-ranked university for my degree, and I like how the University is integrated with the city. The University helped me settle in with welcome events, the BRP collection service and opening ceremonies, and in my accommodation I met a lot of people on the first day who I am still close friends with now.

Saif (BEng Mechanical Engineering)

Visa advice

Our Student Visa Services Team provides extensive guidance on applying for your study visa.

Global Lounge

Celebrate cultural events, share experiences and connect with students from around the world at the Global Lounge.

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