North of England

Last published 25 October 2026 Facts verified 23 October 2026

Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, York, Durham and Lancaster: some of the UK’s strongest universities in cities where rent is about half the London level.

Manchester: the UK’s second student city, home to three universities and the INTO and Navitas colleges in this guide.
Manchester: the UK’s second student city, home to three universities and the INTO and Navitas colleges in this guide.

University of Bradford

University of Bradford International College (Oxford International) on campus, plus direct-to-university entry · intakes January, April, June, September and November

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
MASTER’S Direct entryMSc International Business and ManagementFinance, Accounting and ManagementLogistics, Data Analytics and Supply ChainMarketingMPHLLM International Legal StudiesAI EngineeringBradford master’s12 months (14 from January)6.0 (law, public health 6.5)15,700 (2025/26; 2026/27 to confirm)up to £3,200
COMBINED Pre-Master’s + master’s (management, law and social sciences; science, engineering and health)A Bradford master’s1–2 terms + 12 months5.59,025 (1 term) · 12,280 (2 terms)up to £6,780
IY1International Year One (businesscomputingengineeringlaw)International Year Two (business)Year 2 or 3 of a Bradford bachelor’s1 year5.515,955–16,475up to £6,000
FDN International Foundation YearInternational Year ZeroYear 1 of a Bradford bachelor’s1 year5.515,995–16,475up to £6,000

Pathway fees for 2026/27. Direct master’s applicants attend a short academic selection interview; pathway students progress without one. Bradford’s 60th Anniversary Scholarship of up to £3,200 applies to the direct master’s.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Durham University

Durham (Russell Group, collegiate university) · Durham University International Study Centre (Study Group) · intakes November, January, March (accelerated) and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Yearbusiness, economics, accounting and financehumanities, law and social sciencesscience and engineering; Accelerated Foundation (March)Year 1 of a Durham degree2 semesters (accelerated 1)5.5 (6.0 accelerated)27,500 · 26,500 · 28,750 (accelerated 20,250)up to £4,000 a year on progression
IY1International Year One — business and managementcomputer scienceYear 2 of a Durham degree2 semesters5.527,500 · 28,500ISC scholarship
PRE-M Pre-Master’sbusiness, economics, accounting and financelaw and social sciencesscience and engineeringA Durham master’s2–3 terms6.0 · 5.528,250 · 30,250 (business, 2 and 3 terms); 26,750 (law and social sciences, 3 terms)up to £3,000 on progression

Inspiring Excellence Scholarship on progression in September 2027: up to £4,000 a year for undergraduates for three years, up to £3,000 for master’s students (self-funded). Study Group centres: fees shown are for the 2-semester programme (1-semester and 3-semester versions differ); intakes November 2026, January 2027 and September 2027 (some centres also March or May). IELTS for UKVI 4.5–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s. A partial “ISC scholarship” varies by region and is awarded first come, first served to self-funded students; the amount is on the offer letter. Before the CAS: £1,000 deposit, £260 admin fee and £6,000 advance tuition (£8,000 at Huddersfield, LJMU, Leeds Beckett and Kingston).

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

INTO Manchester — NCUK route to 35+ universities

INTO Manchester city centre · NCUK International Foundation Year and International Year One with guaranteed progression to an NCUK university (for example Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Manchester Metropolitan, Salford, Huddersfield) · intakes January, March and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN NCUK International Foundation in Business and Humanitiesin Science and EngineeringYear 1 at an NCUK partner university2–3 terms5.0–6.017,000ask us
IY1NCUK International Year One in International Business, Accounting and FinanceYear 2 at an NCUK partner university3 terms5.519,250ask us

The NCUK qualification is accepted by more than 35 UK universities and some overseas; progression is guaranteed to at least one NCUK university if you meet the published grades. No INTO Manchester scholarships are published at present. INTO centres: fees are the 2026/27 figures per programme length; a “Regional Scholarship” is a one-off tuition reduction awarded with the offer; iCAS packages combine the pathway and the degree under one visa (you still need to pass the pathway). English: IELTS 5.0–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s; INTO accepts Password Skills Plus, PTE and other tests, and runs Academic English courses.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Lancaster University

Lancaster campus · Lancaster University International Study Centre (INTO) on campus · intakes January and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
PRE-M Pre-Master’sbusiness and managementSTEMsocial sciences and lawA Lancaster master’s (Master’s Excellence Scholarship up to 20–30%)2 terms6.015,750up to £3,000 + 20–30% on the master’s
IY1International Year One in Business (new, first intake January 2027)Year 2 at Lancaster University Management School (17 degrees)3–4 terms5.515,500 · 17,500up to £3,000 + £3,000 a year on progression
FDN International Foundationbusiness, humanities and social sciencescience, engineering and computingYear 1 of a Lancaster degree2–3 terms5.019,995 · 22,500up to £3,000 + £3,000 a year on progression
ENG Academic EnglishA Lancaster pathway1–4 termsvaries5,750 a term—

Progression: Global Progression Award £3,000 a year for undergraduates; the extra Regional Progression Award applies only to 14 listed countries (not Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan or Romania). Master’s Excellence Scholarship on progression: up to 20% (management), 30% (science and technology), 20% (arts and social sciences), 25% (health and medicine). Lancaster ranked 27th in the Guardian University Guide 2027. INTO centres: fees are the 2026/27 figures per programme length; a “Regional Scholarship” is a one-off tuition reduction awarded with the offer; iCAS packages combine the pathway and the degree under one visa (you still need to pass the pathway). English: IELTS 5.0–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s; INTO accepts Password Skills Plus, PTE and other tests, and runs Academic English courses.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Leeds Beckett University

Leeds (City and Headingley campuses) · Leeds Beckett University International Study Centre (Study Group) · intakes November, January and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Yearbusiness, finance and managementengineering, science and computinghealth and life scienceslaw, social sciences and humanitiesYear 1 of a Leeds Beckett degree2 semesters4.515,250£3,000 a year on progression
IY1International Year One — business managementcomputer science and cyber securityhospitality and tourismsportYear 2 of a Leeds Beckett degree2 semesters5.015,750£3,000 a year on progression

Among the lowest pathway fees in this guide, with an automatic £3,000-a-year progression scholarship. Study Group centres: fees shown are for the 2-semester programme (1-semester and 3-semester versions differ); intakes November 2026, January 2027 and September 2027 (some centres also March or May). IELTS for UKVI 4.5–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s. A partial “ISC scholarship” varies by region and is awarded first come, first served to self-funded students; the amount is on the offer letter. Before the CAS: £1,000 deposit, £260 admin fee and £6,000 advance tuition (£8,000 at Huddersfield, LJMU, Leeds Beckett and Kingston).

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Liverpool Hope University

International Study Centre run by Malvern International, Liverpool · intakes September 2027 and January 2028 (pre-master’s May 2027)

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
PRE-M Pre-Master’sA Liverpool Hope master’s1 term5.59,500ask us
IY1International Year OneYear 2 of a Liverpool Hope bachelor’s1 year5.515,225ask us
FDN International Foundation ProgrammeYear 1 of a Liverpool Hope bachelor’s1 year5.515,225ask us

Pathway fees as published by Malvern HE Partnerships for 2027 intakes.

Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool city centre · Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre (Study Group) · intakes November, January, April (pre-master’s) and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Yearbusiness, law and social studiesengineering, computing and life sciences (MPharm route available)Year 1 of an LJMU degree2 semesters4.516,500£3,000 a year on progression
IY1International Year One — businesscomputingengineeringYear 2 of an LJMU degree2 semesters5.517,500£3,000 a year on progression
PRE-M Pre-Master’sbusiness, management and lawengineering and computingAn LJMU master’s1 semester5.58,900£3,000 on progression

International Achievement Scholarship £3,000 a year, automatic on progression. EU students accepted at this centre. Study Group centres: fees shown are for the 2-semester programme (1-semester and 3-semester versions differ); intakes November 2026, January 2027 and September 2027 (some centres also March or May). IELTS for UKVI 4.5–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s. A partial “ISC scholarship” varies by region and is awarded first come, first served to self-funded students; the amount is on the offer letter. Before the CAS: £1,000 deposit, £260 admin fee and £6,000 advance tuition (£8,000 at Huddersfield, LJMU, Leeds Beckett and Kingston).

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Manchester Metropolitan University

All Saints campus, central Manchester · Manchester Metropolitan University International College (Navitas) · intakes January, May and September 2027 · 100+ progression degrees

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN Foundationbusiness, management and financehumanities and social sciencesart and design, engineering and computing, science, psychology, nursing and healthYear 1 of a Manchester Met degree2 semesters5.518,000 · 19,500£2,000 a year + £2,000 a degree year
IY1International Year One (standard; integrated version from September 2027)Year 2 of a Manchester Met degree2 semesters5.518,000 (integrated 20,000–21,500)£2,000 a year + £2,000 a degree year
COMBINED Pre-Master’s + master’s under one visabusiness, management and financeengineering and computinghumanities and social sciencesA Manchester Met master’s1–2 semesters + 12 months6.012,000 · 11,000£1,750 + £5,000 on progression

Scholarships are automatic for self-funded international students (2026/27): £2,000 a pathway year and £2,000 a degree year for undergraduates (up to £8,000), £1,750 plus £5,000 on progression for postgraduates (£6,750). Navitas colleges: fees are the 2026/27 whole-stage fees; intakes September and January (May/June at some colleges). IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in each skill for foundation and first-year routes, 6.0 (5.5) for most pre-master’s; PTE Academic and other tests accepted. A 50% deposit is typical (pre-master’s often in full). Pass the pathway with the required grades to progress.

Newcastle University

Newcastle upon Tyne (Russell Group) · Newcastle University International Study Centre (INTO) on campus · intakes January, June and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
PRE-M Pre-Master’s in Business and HumanitiesA Newcastle master’s2–3 terms5.524,000 · 29,500up to £5,000 + VC £8,000 a year
IY1International Year One — businessaccounting and financefinancecomputer scienceengineeringarchitectureYear 2 of a Newcastle degree2–3 terms5.524,500–25,000 · 29,500up to £5,000 + VC £7,000 a year
FDN International Foundationbusiness and managementhumanities and social sciencesphysical sciences and engineeringmedicine and biomedicalYear 1 of a Newcastle degree2–3 terms5.023,500–24,950 · 28,200–29,000up to £5,000 + VC £7,000 a year
ENG Pre-sessional EnglishA Newcastle degree6–12 weeks5.5+3,750—

Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for students progressing in September 2027 names Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan among eligible countries: £7,000 a year (undergraduate) or £8,000 a year (postgraduate). Students with a strong school certificate (average 4.5/5, mathematics 4.5) can join International Year One directly. INTO centres: fees are the 2026/27 figures per programme length; a “Regional Scholarship” is a one-off tuition reduction awarded with the offer; iCAS packages combine the pathway and the degree under one visa (you still need to pass the pathway). English: IELTS 5.0–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s; INTO accepts Password Skills Plus, PTE and other tests, and runs Academic English courses.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Northumbria University, Newcastle

Northumbria Pathway (QA Higher Education) on the Newcastle city campus · intakes October, January and April (foundation only)

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Programme (applied scienceart, design and mediabusiness and lawcomputingengineeringhumanities and social sciences)Year 1 of a Northumbria degree (combined CAS available)6, 9 or 12 months4.5–5.511,750 · 17,250 · 21,25030%*
FDN International Medical Foundation DiplomaMedicine at St George’s University (Grenada) or a Northumbria science degree9 months6.022,25030%*
IY1International Year One in BusinessYear 2 of a Northumbria bachelor’s1 year5.5ask us30%*

*30% regional award for Central Asian students on the 9-month foundation, as quoted by QA for 2026/27 (£17,250 → £12,075), plus a progression award of £3,000 in year 1 and £2,000 in each later year on the art, design and media route. 40% in the foundation guarantees progression to listed degrees.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University College of International Education (Oxford International), City Campus · first intake January 2027

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
COMBINED Pre-Master’s + International and Business Management master’sA Sheffield Hallam master’s (£18,600–£21,375)1 term + 12 months5.54,500 (pre-master’s term)Early Bird £500
IY1International Year One (business managementcomputing)Year 2 of a Sheffield Hallam bachelor’s (£18,000 a year)1 year5.517,000Early Bird £500
FDN International Foundation YearInternational Year Zero (business, law and social studiescomputing and engineeringhealth and life sciences)Year 1 of a Sheffield Hallam bachelor’s1 year5.517,000 (health 17,500)Early Bird £500

New college approved by UKVI in August 2026; later 2027 intakes to be announced. Early Bird £500 for deposits paid by 31 October 2026.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

The University of Manchester

Manchester (Russell Group) · International Foundation at INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester (city centre) · intakes January and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation (nine streamshumanities and social sciences; engineering; science; business and economics; computing; law; psychology; pharmacy and life sciences)Year 1 of a University of Manchester degree3–4 terms5.527,495–28,995 · 28,950–29,950Future Leaders £3,000 a year

Future Leaders Scholarship: £3,000 off each year of the degree (up to £9,000) for self-funded students completing the foundation in 2026/27 and starting at Manchester in September 2027, awarded on merit, attendance and engagement; 60% average and ambassador activities keep it in later years. INTO centres: fees are the 2026/27 figures per programme length; a “Regional Scholarship” is a one-off tuition reduction awarded with the offer; iCAS packages combine the pathway and the degree under one visa (you still need to pass the pathway). English: IELTS 5.0–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s; INTO accepts Password Skills Plus, PTE and other tests, and runs Academic English courses.

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

University of Cumbria

International College run by Malvern International, Carlisle and Lancaster campuses · pre-master’s May 2027

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
PRE-M Pre-Master’sA Cumbria master’s1 term6.09,500ask us
IY1International Year OneYear 2 of a Cumbria bachelor’s1 year5.516,000ask us
FDN International Foundation ProgrammeYear 1 of a Cumbria bachelor’s1 year5.516,000ask us

Pathway fees as published by Malvern HE Partnerships for 2027 intakes.

University of Huddersfield

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire · University of Huddersfield International Study Centre (Study Group) on campus · intakes November, January, June (pre-master’s) and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Yearart, media and architecturebusiness, management and lawengineering, computing and scienceYear 1 of a Huddersfield degree2 semesters4.516,500 · 17,250£4,000 or £2,000 on progression
IY1International Year One — business, management and marketingengineering and computer scienceYear 2 of a Huddersfield degree2 semesters5.516,500 · 17,250£4,000 or £2,000 on progression
PRE-M Pre-Master’s fast-trackbusiness, management and marketingcomputingA Huddersfield master’s12 weeks5.59,250 · 9,500£4,000 (first) or £2,000 (2:2)

University merit scholarships on progression: £4,000 for 69.5%+ or £2,000; postgraduate £4,000 (first-class equivalent) or £2,000. EU students accepted. Study Group centres: fees shown are for the 2-semester programme (1-semester and 3-semester versions differ); intakes November 2026, January 2027 and September 2027 (some centres also March or May). IELTS for UKVI 4.5–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s. A partial “ISC scholarship” varies by region and is awarded first come, first served to self-funded students; the amount is on the offer letter. Before the CAS: £1,000 deposit, £260 admin fee and £6,000 advance tuition (£8,000 at Huddersfield, LJMU, Leeds Beckett and Kingston).

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

University of Leeds

Leeds (Russell Group) · University of Leeds International Study Centre (Study Group) · intakes November, January and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Yearbusiness, finance and managementengineering, science and computinghealth and life scienceslaw, social sciences and humanitiesYear 1 of a Leeds degree2 semesters5.023,900 · 24,500£5,000 regional (September 2027; EU included)
IY1International Year One — biological sciencesbusiness managementcivil engineering and architecturecomputingmediaYear 2 of a Leeds degree2 semesters5.526,250 · 28,500ISC scholarship
PRE-M Pre-Master’s in BusinessA Leeds master’s2 semesters5.528,250£6,000 (selected regions)

International Regional Scholarship £5,000 automatic for foundation students joining in September 2027 from eligible regions, which include the EU (Romania); the £6,000 pre-master’s progression award is for selected regions on the offer. Study Group centres: fees shown are for the 2-semester programme (1-semester and 3-semester versions differ); intakes November 2026, January 2027 and September 2027 (some centres also March or May). IELTS for UKVI 4.5–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s. A partial “ISC scholarship” varies by region and is awarded first come, first served to self-funded students; the amount is on the offer letter. Before the CAS: £1,000 deposit, £260 admin fee and £6,000 advance tuition (£8,000 at Huddersfield, LJMU, Leeds Beckett and Kingston).

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

University of Liverpool

City-centre campus (Russell Group) · University of Liverpool International College (Kaplan) on campus · intakes January, March, June, September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN Foundation CertificateBusiness, Law and Social SciencesScience and EngineeringYear 1 of a Liverpool degree2 terms5.522,640 · 24,250£7,500 (75%+)
IY1International Year One in Engineering (on campus, new January 2027)in Law (KICL London, 21,660)Year 2 of a Liverpool degree2 terms5.525,890£7,500 (75%+)
PRE-M Pre-Master’sBusiness, Economics and FinanceLaw and Social SciencesScience and EngineeringA Liverpool master’s2 terms5.525,210 · 24,180 · 25,780£7,000 (75%+)

Kaplan Liverpool Excellence Scholarship: £7,500 off the first degree year (undergraduate) or £7,000 (master’s) for 75%+ in the pathway, unlimited, self-funded students on non-clinical degrees. Autumn 2027 fees about 4% higher. Kaplan colleges: fees are for the 2-term course starting 11 January 2027 (also March, June and September starts); 2.5- to 4-term versions with extra English cost more. UKVI IELTS 5.5 (minimum 4.5 in each skill) for a 2-term Foundation Certificate, 5.5 (5.0) for International Year One and Pre-Master’s; shorter IELTS for longer courses. Deposit £5,000. Progression needs the required grades and good attendance (the exact mark is on the offer).

University of Sheffield

Sheffield (Russell Group) · University of Sheffield International College (Study Group) · intakes November, January and September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN International Foundation Yearbusiness, social sciences and humanitiesscience and engineeringYear 1 of a Sheffield degree1.5–2 semesters5.021,250 · 23,900 (business); science higher£2,500 a year (60%+)
IY1International Year One — business management and accountingeconomicspsychologyYear 2 of a Sheffield degree2 semesters5.522,750 · 23,900£2,500 a year (60%+)
PRE-M Pre-Master’sbusiness, social sciences and humanitiesscience and engineeringA Sheffield master’s1.5–2 semesters5.522,500 · 26,250£3,000–£7,000 by country

International Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 £2,500 a year for 60%+; International Postgraduate Scholarship 2027 £3,000 or £7,000 depending on country (Central Asia not on the £7,000 list). Study Group centres: fees shown are for the 2-semester programme (1-semester and 3-semester versions differ); intakes November 2026, January 2027 and September 2027 (some centres also March or May). IELTS for UKVI 4.5–5.5 for foundation and International Year One, 5.5–6.0 for pre-master’s. A partial “ISC scholarship” varies by region and is awarded first come, first served to self-funded students; the amount is on the offer letter. Before the CAS: £1,000 deposit, £260 admin fee and £6,000 advance tuition (£8,000 at Huddersfield, LJMU, Leeds Beckett and Kingston).

Which routes are open to you depends on your country of application: ask MultiPath.

University of York

Heslington campus, York (Russell Group) · University of York International Pathway College (Kaplan) on campus · intakes January, March, June, September

Route · ProgrammeLeads toLengthIELTSFee (GBP)Scholarship
FDN Foundation CertificateBusiness, Law and Social SciencesScience and EngineeringYear 1 of a York degree2 terms5.522,640 · 24,250£5,000 (25 awards)
IY1International Year One — BusinessComputer ScienceYear 2 of a York degree2 terms5.522,850 · 24,800—
PRE-M Pre-Master’sBusiness, Law and ManagementEducation, Media and Social SciencesScience, Technology, Engineering and MathematicsA York master’s2 terms5.525,210 · 24,180 · 25,780£5,000 (5 awards)

Kaplan IPC Progression Scholarships £5,000 for the best performers (undergraduate 25 awards, postgraduate 5), on recommendation. Some degrees (for example BSc Economics) are not open via International Year One. Kaplan colleges: fees are for the 2-term course starting 11 January 2027 (also March, June and September starts); 2.5- to 4-term versions with extra English cost more. UKVI IELTS 5.5 (minimum 4.5 in each skill) for a 2-term Foundation Certificate, 5.5 (5.0) for International Year One and Pre-Master’s; shorter IELTS for longer courses. Deposit £5,000. Progression needs the required grades and good attendance (the exact mark is on the offer).

Free consultation

Not sure which route fits you?

A MultiPath counsellor compares universities, routes and scholarships for your profile, free of charge. Offices in Bucharest, Astana and Tashkent, or online from anywhere.