Admissions·United Kingdom & Ireland· 8 min read

How to Get Admission in the University of Nottingham

An international student's guide to the University of Nottingham — a Russell Group university with UK, China and Malaysia campuses: entry routes, the international college pathway, English options and how to apply.

Last updated 3 July 2026

Key facts

Type: Russell Group research university, with campuses in the UK, China (Ningbo) and Malaysia
UCAS institution code: N84 (used with the UCAS course code for undergraduate applications)
Undergraduate applications: Apply through UCAS for full-time undergraduate courses
Postgraduate applications: Apply directly through the university's online application system
Pathways: Foundation courses via the University of Nottingham International College (with Kaplan) for students not qualified for direct entry
English language: Course-specific IELTS requirement; CELE pre-sessional courses available — verify per course

About the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is a Russell Group research university based in Nottingham, England, and is notable for operating a genuinely global campus network — alongside its UK campuses it has degree-awarding campuses in China (Ningbo) and Malaysia. It is a popular destination for international students across science, engineering, business, health and the arts.

This guide explains how international students apply to the UK campuses: the application route, English requirements and the international-college pathway. It avoids quoting exact grades or fees, which vary by course and change each year, and it does not claim Nottingham is the 'best' university — that depends on your subject and goals.

Russell Group, research-intensive university in England
Campuses in the UK, China (Ningbo) and Malaysia
Rankings, where cited, should be attributed to the ranking body (QS/THE)

How to apply: UCAS and direct routes

For full-time undergraduate courses at the UK campuses, apply through UCAS. Nottingham's UCAS institution code is N84, used with the specific UCAS course code for your programme. Prepare your personal statement, transcripts, predicted or achieved grades and a reference, and submit within the UCAS cycle.

For postgraduate taught courses, apply directly through the university's online application system, uploading your transcripts, degree certificate, references and (where required) a statement of purpose. Deadlines and required documents differ by course, so always check the course page.

Undergraduate (UK campuses): apply via UCAS using institution code N84
Postgraduate: apply directly through the online application system
Prepare transcripts, references, personal statement/SOP and English evidence
Confirm course-specific deadlines and documents before submitting

The multi-campus network and how it affects you

Nottingham's UK, China (Ningbo) and Malaysia campuses are a distinctive feature. You apply to a specific campus, and each has its own entry route — the UK campuses use UCAS for undergraduate entry, while the China and Malaysia campuses have their own application processes. Some subjects are offered at more than one campus.

Students sometimes ask about moving between campuses; where study-abroad or transfer options exist, they are governed by course-specific rules and are not guaranteed. If a global-campus experience matters to you, check what each campus offers for your subject and confirm any transfer options directly with the university before applying.

You apply to a specific campus; entry routes differ by campus
UK undergraduate entry is via UCAS; overseas campuses have their own processes
Any inter-campus study/transfer options are course-specific — verify, don't assume

Foundation pathways and entry preparation

If you are not yet qualified for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, Nottingham offers foundation courses through the University of Nottingham International College, located next to University Park Campus and run in partnership with Kaplan International Colleges. These prepare international students academically and in English before progression to a degree.

Some subjects — for example certain health, pharmacy or veterinary programmes — have particular entry requirements and may not accept all pathway routes, so check the progression rules for your intended degree. Confirm current pathway options and progression requirements on the official pages.

Foundation courses via the University of Nottingham International College (with Kaplan)
Designed for students not qualified for direct undergraduate entry
Some competitive/regulated subjects have specific entry rules — check progression eligibility

English language requirements

Nottingham sets English-language requirements by course, with IELTS requirements detailed on each course page; a range of alternative English qualifications is also accepted. The level needed depends on the subject, so check your specific course rather than assuming a single figure.

If you need to build your English before starting, the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) offers pre-sessional courses. Verify accepted tests, minimum scores and pre-sessional options on the official admissions pages.

English requirement is course-specific (IELTS shown per course; alternatives accepted)
CELE pre-sessional courses help you reach the required level
Verify accepted tests and scores on the university's admissions pages

After you receive an offer

Once you hold an offer for a UK campus, meet any conditions, accept your place, and begin the student visa process as an international student. The university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa application.

UK immigration rules are set by the government and can change. Use the official GOV.UK student-visa guidance for current requirements and verify on the official source before acting — this guide is general information, not immigration advice.

Meet offer conditions, then accept your place
The UK campus issues a CAS for your student visa application
Check current student-visa rules on GOV.UK; verify before acting

Frequently asked questions

What is the University of Nottingham's UCAS code?

Nottingham's UCAS institution code for its UK campuses is N84. You use it together with the specific UCAS course code for your programme when applying for undergraduate study through UCAS.

Are the China and Malaysia campuses the same application as the UK one?

No. You apply to a specific campus. UK-campus undergraduate entry is through UCAS, while the China (Ningbo) and Malaysia campuses run their own application processes. Check each campus's route for your subject, and confirm any inter-campus study or transfer options directly with the university.

How do I apply if I don't meet direct entry requirements?

Nottingham offers foundation courses through the University of Nottingham International College, run with Kaplan International Colleges and located next to University Park Campus, for international students not yet qualified for direct entry. Note that some competitive or regulated subjects have specific entry rules — check the progression requirements for your intended degree on the official pages.

Do I apply to Nottingham through UCAS or directly?

For UK-campus undergraduate courses, apply through UCAS (institution code N84). For postgraduate taught courses, apply directly through the university's online application system. Deadlines and documents vary by course, so check the specific course page.

What grades and English score do I need?

Entry grades and English requirements are set per course and reviewed each year, so we don't quote fixed figures. Read the specific course page for the required qualifications and the IELTS level (alternatives are accepted), and use CELE pre-sessional courses if you need to reach the English standard.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: University of Nottingham — How to apply; University of Nottingham — Information for international applicants; University of Nottingham — Entry requirements; University of Nottingham — Postgraduate taught: how to apply.

Last verified: 3 July 2026.