Top Universities in Belfast 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide 

Thinking about studying in Belfast? You’re in for an amazing ride! From world-class universities to buzzing student neighborhoods, Belfast has it all—affordable tuition, career-ready courses, and a friendly community that welcomes students from all over the world. Whether you’re into teaching, tech, design, or medicine, this city offers the perfect mix of tradition, innovation, and fun. Ready to find your dream university in Northern Ireland’s capital? Let’s dive into the best universities in Belfast for 2025!

Queen’s University Belfast

If you’re looking for one of the top universities in the UK that mixes tradition with modern learning, Queen’s University Belfast is a great choice. It was founded in 1845 and is part of the Russell Group, which means it’s among the top 24 research universities in the UK. The university has more than 25,000 students, and about 35% of them come from over 80 different countries. Queen’s is especially known for its programs in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences.  

Since the campus is right in Belfast city centre, students are just a short walk away from shops, restaurants, cultural spots, and great places to live. Over the last few years, the university has spent more than £350 million upgrading its buildings and labs, making it one of the best-equipped campuses in the UK. Following are the key details of Queen’s University Belfast: 

Ulster University

If you want to study in the heart of Belfast and enjoy a modern, career-focused learning environment, then Ulster University’s Belfast Campus could be just right for you. This campus is part of Ulster University, which has multiple locations across Northern Ireland. The Belfast campus is best known for creative and professional courses like design, architecture, animation, business, computing, and social sciences.  

Many of the courses include work placements, internships, and real-life projects, so you don’t just learn theory—you get hands-on experience too. Ulster University has more than 27,000 students overall, and around 15,000 study at the Belfast campus. Plus, being in the city centre means you’re close to cafes, shops, museums, buses, and trains—everything you need is just a short walk away. Following are the key details of Ulster University: 

Stranmillis University

If you’re thinking about a future in teaching or working with young children and communities, Stranmillis University College in Belfast could be just the right place for you. Founded in 1922, the university is a small, specialist college that’s officially affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast. The college is well known for its teacher training programs, as well as courses in early childhood studies, liberal arts, health, and community development.  

The campus is calm, green, and scenic—located right next to the River Lagan and Botanic Gardens—but it’s also just a short walk from Belfast’s cafes, shops, and city buzz. With only around 1,400 students, small class sizes, and friendly staff, it’s easy to feel at home and supported from day one. Following are the key details of Stranmillis University:  

St Mary’s University College 

Looking for a small, friendly college where everyone knows your name? Then St Mary’s University College in West Belfast might be the perfect place for you. It’s located on the historic Falls Road and has been preparing future teachers since 1900. The college is officially affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast, which means you’ll graduate with a Queen’s degree while enjoying a much smaller and more personal learning environment. 

With just around 800 students, St Mary’s feels more like a close community than a large campus. It’s especially popular for those wanting to become primary school teachers—in both English and Irish-speaking classrooms. The college also offers courses in liberal arts, religious studies, and Irish-medium education, so it’s a great choice if you’re interested in language, heritage, or community involvement. Following are the key details of St Mary’s University College: 

Belfast Metropolitan College

If you’re looking for a hands-on, career-focused education that gets you job-ready, then Belfast Metropolitan College—better known as Belfast Met—is a great option. It’s the largest further and higher education college in Northern Ireland, with more than 17,000 students studying across its modern campuses. Belfast Met has three main campuses in Titanic Quarter, Millfield, and Castlereagh—all located in and around Belfast’s city centre.  

The college is especially known for practical courses in areas like business, hospitality, IT, health & social care, creative media, construction, and performing arts. Most of the programs are designed to give you real-world experience. You’ll get the chance to take part in internships, apprenticeships, and work placements, which can help you build skills and find a job faster after finishing your course. Following are the key details of Belfast Metropolitan College: 

College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise

If you love the idea of working with animals, growing food, managing land, or joining the agri-food industry, then CAFRE is one of the best places in the UK to make that dream come true. Short for College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, CAFRE is a government-run college that focuses only on land-based education. That means everything you learn is hands-on, job-ready, and directly connected to the real world. CAFRE has three campuses, each with its own area of focus: 

• Greenmount (near Belfast) – best known for agriculture, horticulture, and environmental care. 
• Loughry (in Cookstown) – focuses on food technology and processing. 
• Enniskillen – specializes in equine studies, animal care, and veterinary support. 

With over 1,700 full-time students and thousands more doing short courses or apprenticeships, CAFRE offers a variety of qualifications like diplomas, foundation degrees, and industry-specific training. It’s a top pick for students who want to jump straight into careers in farming, food innovation, animal science, or land management. Following are the key details of CAFRE: 

Conclusion

Belfast isn’t just a place to study—it’s a place to belong. With top universities, supportive campuses, and a vibrant student life, your academic journey here will be just as exciting outside the classroom as it is inside. From teaching degrees to tech innovations and everything in between, Belfast’s universities offer something for every kind of learner. 

And when it comes to finding the perfect student accommodation near your campus, University Living has your back! From modern studios to shared apartments, we help you settle in comfortably so you can focus on what really matters—your studies and new adventures. So if you’re ready to start your next chapter in a city full of history, opportunity, and heart—Belfast is calling your name. 

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