Lancaster University

Welcome to Lancaster
For us, Lancaster is everything a university should be. It’s somewhere you can belong, a diverse community with staff and students from more than 100 countries, and a collection of colleges that offer close-knit support and a proud identity.
A highly ranked global university
Lancaster is ranked within the top 15 across three major UK league tables (12th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, joint 10th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 11th in The Guardian University Guide 2025). We’re also in the top 150 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
World-class research
A major strength of Lancaster University is our thriving ecosystem of interdisciplinary research. Our research transforms lives and communities across the globe, and studying here means you’ll learn from distinguished academics at the forefront of their fields. In the UK Government’s 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 91% of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Careers support for life
We offer specialised careers support for international students, and our services can be accessed from day one at Lancaster to graduation and beyond. What’s more, studying here is a great investment in your future. Not only are we one of the top 30 most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate recruiters (Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers in association with The Times), but a degree from Lancaster University will be recognised and valued by employers all around the world.
Collegiate system 
We’re proud to be one of only a handful of universities in the UK with a collegiate system. Our diverse student population is split into smaller communities across nine colleges. Each college offers high quality accommodation, places to study, social spaces and access to support. They offer a safe, welcoming space, where it is easy to make friends with students from many different nationalities and walks of life.
Campus life
Our campus is more than just a place to study; it’s a home from home with everything you need for an enriching student experience. This includes award-winning accommodation named Best University Halls eight times since 2010 (Global Student Living Index), a variety of food and drink outlets, an impressive Sports Centre, plenty of green space, 24-hour security, and so much more. Our Students’ Union supports over 200 clubs and societies, and they’re a great way to meet people with shared interests, embrace your culture, and discover new passions.
City, coast and countryside
A short bus ride, walk or cycle will take you from our campus into the heart of Lancaster – a welcoming and affordable student-friendly city full of character and culture, including a variety of cafes and food venues serving global cuisine. We’re also 30 minutes from the famous Lake District, and our central location in the UK is the perfect base from which to explore new places – we’re only 2.5 hours from London or Edinburgh by train.
Wellbeing and support
Lancaster offers a range of specialist support services to offer you the right support at the right time, whether it’s pastoral, academic, disability services, or advice on visas and immigration. What’s more, you could take part in our Study Start Programme: a two-week academic induction that helps you to feel well-prepared for life at Lancaster.
Funding and Scholarships
We believe that funding concerns shouldn’t stop any student with the talent to thrive at Lancaster from applying. Lancaster University offers a range of funding and scholarships towards tuition fees and the cost of living. For more information, visit our website or speak to the department you are interested in studying with.