University of Bolton: Admissions, Courses, Acceptance Rate, Scholarship, & Housing Guide
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a university that feels personal, practical, and genuinely supportive, the University of Bolton is a top pick for 2025. Located in the heart of Greater Manchester, this university combines career-focused learning with an affordable student lifestyle—making it especially appealing for international students. Here’s why students love University of Bolton:
- It offers small class sizes, which means more one-on-one attention and real interaction with your professors.
- With a placement rate of 89%, most graduates land a job or pursue further studies within six months.
- The university is closely connected with industry giants like NHS, KPMG, Rolls Royce, and IBM, giving you real exposure and job-ready skills.
- It’s ranked in the 1001–1200 band globally by QS in 2025—not the highest, but it shines in teaching quality and student satisfaction.
Following are the key details of University of Bolton:
Category | Details |
Year of Establishment | 1982 (gained university status in 2005) |
Campus Size | Urban campus spread over 27 acres |
QS World University Ranking (2025) | 1001–1200 band globally |
Campus Locations | Bolton (Greater Manchester), UK |
Placement Rate | 89% (graduates in work or further study within 6 months) |
Top Recruiters | NHS, Rolls Royce, KPMG, IBM, Network Rail |
Popular Courses for International Students | Engineering, Business Management, Psychology, Health & Social Care |
English Language Exam Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
University of Bolton Acceptance Rate | Approx. 70-80% |
Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | £12,500–£14,500 |
Website | www.bolton.ac.uk |
Which Courses Are Popular at University of Bolton in 2025 and What Are Their Fees and Eligibility?
In 2025, the University of Bolton remains a top choice for international students looking for affordable and practical courses. The university offers more than 120 programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels in popular areas like engineering, business, nursing, media, law, and education.
Whether you’re planning to study M.Sc. in Data Science, B.Sc. in Nursing, or an MBA in Business Analytics, Bolton has flexible course options and reasonable tuition fees. The entry requirements are also student-friendly—you can apply with IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores, depending on the course. Take a look at the table below for a quick overview of some of the most popular University of Bolton courses in 2025, including fees, academic eligibility, and language test requirements:
Course Name | 1st Year Tuition Fees (USD) | Academic Eligibility |
M.Sc. | $17,998 – $25,197 | IELTS: 6–7, PTE: 50+, Duolingo: 100+ , Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with 2:2 UK Honours or equivalent |
B.E. / B.Tech | $16,798 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6–7, PTE: 50+, Duolingo: 100+ , High school diploma with strong grades in Maths and Science |
MBA / PGDM | $10,798 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6+, Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of work experience preferred |
M.A. | $17,998 | IELTS: 6–7, Bachelor’s degree in Arts or relevant field |
B.Sc. | $19,197 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6–7, High school certificate with science stream (varies by major) |
B.A. | $21,597 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6–7, High school certificate with relevant subjects |
LL.M. | $17,998 – $26,396 | IELTS: 7+ , LLB or equivalent law degree from a recognised university |
B.J.M.C. | $21,597 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6+ , High school certificate with English or Arts focus |
BBA | $17,998 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6+, PTE: 50+, Duolingo: 100+, High school completion with Math and English proficiency |
B.Ed | $21,597 – $23,997 | IELTS: 6+, High school with teaching interest; some courses require experience |
M.Phil | $13,198 | Master’s degree with research interest and proposal |
BDS | $23,997 | High school with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics |
BSN | $29,997 | High school + prior nursing diploma or equivalent background |
Where Does the University of Bolton Rank in 2025?
The University of Bolton is steadily improving its place in the UK university rankings. In 2025, it continues to gain attention for its practical approach and focus on student experience. In the Complete University Guide 2025, Bolton moved up to 111th place, showing progress from the previous year. Some of Bolton’s subject-specific courses also rank between 57th and 68th, showing that the university is getting better across different fields of study. Following are the key details of University of Bolton Rankings:
Ranking Body / Category | 2024 | 2025 |
Complete University Guide (Overall) | 120th | 111th |
Guardian University Guide (Overall) | 30th | 32nd |
Times University Guide (Overall) | – | 119th |
Complete Guide (Program Range) | – | Ranked between 57th and 68th |
How Competitive Is the Acceptance Rate at the University of Bolton in 2025?
The University of Bolton is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate ranging between 70–80%. This means that while many students are admitted, entry isn’t guaranteed and depends on meeting course-specific requirements. Admissions are primarily based on academic merit and follow a first-come, first-served policy due to limited seats in certain programs.
Your chances of getting in can improve with strong academic grades, a well-written personal statement, relevant experience, and complete documentation submitted on time. Below is a table outlining the key points you should know about University of Bolton’s acceptance rate and what factors influence admission in 2025:
Category | Details |
Acceptance Rate | Approx. 70–80% (Moderately selective) |
Admission Style | Based on academic merit and first-come, first-served due to limited seats |
International Acceptance Rate | Around 70%, according to Shiksha |
Selectivity Level | Moderate – not overly competitive, but not guaranteed either |
Factors Affecting Admission | ✔ Course popularity (e.g. Engineering, Business, Media) ✔ Academic grades (A-Levels/equivalent) ✔ Strong personal statement ✔ Quality academic/professional references ✔ Relevant work experience for some PG courses |
Entry Requirements | Vary by program; most require IELTS, PTE, WAEC/NECO, and academic transcripts |
Offer Conditions | Must respond quickly, upload all required documents, and pay deposit to confirm place |
Application Intakes | Multiple intakes per year; May 2025 is one of the upcoming cycles |
Which Scholarships Can International Students Apply for at the University of Bolton in 2025?
The University of Bolton offers a variety of scholarships to help international students pay for their studies. These scholarships are for students who are self-funded and applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs starting in the 2024/25 academic year. There are three types of scholarships based on how good your previous academic results are:
- Gold – the highest amount
- Silver – medium amount
- Bronze – base-level support
You can get up to £6,000 over three years for bachelor’s and PhD programs, and up to £3,000 for one-year master’s courses. You don’t need to apply separately. If you’re eligible, the university will automatically consider you for a scholarship when you apply for your course. The university also offers a £1,000 Alumni Discount if you’ve studied at Bolton before and are returning for another degree. Following are the key details of University of Bolton Scholarships:
Program Type | Scholarship Band | Scholarship Amount | Breakdown (by Year) | Annual Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
3-Year Undergraduate | Gold | £6,000 total | £2,000 per year | £15,950 |
Silver | £4,500 total | £1,500 per year | £15,950 | |
Bronze | £2,000 total | £1,000 (Year 1), £500 (Year 2 & 3) | £15,950 | |
4-Year Undergraduate (incl. foundation) | Bronze only | £2,500 total | £1,000 (Year 1), £500 per year (Years 2–4) | £15,950 (per year) |
1-Year Top-Up Degree | Gold | £2,000 | One-time deduction | £15,950 |
Silver | £1,500 | One-time deduction | £15,950 | |
Bronze | £1,000 | One-time deduction | £15,950 | |
Masters (MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil – 12/18 months) | Gold | £3,000 | One-time deduction | £15,950 (course-specific) |
Silver | £2,000 | One-time deduction | £15,950 | |
Bronze | £1,000 | One-time deduction | £15,950 | |
PhD (3 Years) | Gold | £6,000 total | £2,000 per year | £15,950 |
Silver | £4,500 total | £1,500 per year | £15,950 | |
Bronze | £2,000 total | £1,000 (Year 1), £500 (Years 2 & 3) | £15,950 |
Where Can You Stay While Studying at the University of Bolton in 2025?
Finding a comfortable and affordable place to live is an important part of your student experience. In 2025, the University of Bolton offers a range of on-campus and off-campus accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. On-campus housing provides convenience and a strong sense of community, with facilities like 24/7 security, laundry rooms, and shared kitchens.
If you prefer more independence, off-campus private rentals such as shared flats or houses are also available near the university. Here’s a quick look at the types of accommodation available near the University of Bolton, what they include, how much they cost, and how far they are from campus:
Accommodation Type | Key Features | Weekly Rent (Approx.) | Distance from Campus |
On-Campus Housing | Self-catered rooms, communal kitchens, 24/7 security, laundry facilities, and social spaces. | £139 – £199 | 5–10 minutes’ walk |
Off-Campus Private Rentals | Shared houses or flats with varying amenities; suitable for groups or individuals. | £85 – £180 | Varies; typically within 15–20 minutes’ walk |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a university that’s friendly, job-focused, and affordable, the University of Bolton is a great choice. It offers useful courses, hands-on learning, scholarships, and safe places to live—everything an international student needs. Whether you want to study business, nursing, engineering, or design, you’ll find helpful teachers and a good learning environment to build your future.
And when it comes to finding a place to stay, platforms like University Living make it easy to book safe and comfy student rooms near campus—even before you travel to the UK. So, if you’re ready to study abroad, Bolton could be the perfect place to start your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Bolton good for international students in 2025?
Yes, the University of Bolton is a great option for international students. It offers small class sizes, career-focused programs, and an 89% placement rate. Students benefit from personalized attention, industry exposure, and affordable tuition fees.
What is the acceptance rate at the University of Bolton?
The acceptance rate at the University of Bolton is approximately 70–80%. While not highly competitive, students must meet academic requirements and apply early due to limited seats.
What are the most popular courses at the University of Bolton for 2025?
Popular courses at the University of Bolton include:
1. M.Sc. in Data Science
2. MBA in Business Analytics
3. B.Sc. in Nursing
4. B.A. in Media & Communication
5. B.E. / B.Tech in Engineering
6. LL.M. and BBA programs
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Bolton?
Annual tuition fees range between £12,500 and £14,500, depending on the course. In USD, this is approximately $15,500 to $17,900 per year.
What scholarships are available for international students at the University of Bolton?
The University of Bolton offers three types of International Excellence Scholarships:
1. Gold: Up to £6,000
2. Silver: Up to £4,500
3. Bronze: Up to £2,000
Scholarships are automatically assessed during application. A £1,000 Alumni Discount is also available.
What are the English language requirements at University of Bolton?
Accepted English tests at University of Bolton include:
1. IELTS: 6.0–7.0
2. PTE: 50+
3. Duolingo: 100+ Requirements may vary by course.
What is the global ranking of the University of Bolton in 2025?
Following are the global rankings of the University of Bolton:
1. QS World Ranking 2025: 1001–1200 band
2. Complete University Guide: 111th (UK)
3. Guardian University Guide: 32nd (UK)