Find the Top Universities in Belfast 2026

Why Study in Belfast?

Belfast offers an appealing environment to international students. In addition to this, high-quality education, affordability, and a vibrant student life are what make this city a better place to study. Thus, some of the reasons why students in Belfast benefit are:

1. Academic Excellence: Queen's University Belfast is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, recognized for its research impact and high-quality teaching. Ulster University also offers excellent programs, particularly in health, dentistry, and peace and conflict studies. Both universities provide a wide array of degree programs across various disciplines, including law, medicine, engineering, and business.
2. Affordable Living and Education: Compared to many other UK cities, Belfast offers a more affordable student lifestyle, with cheaper accommodation and overall living expenses. The tuition fees for both universities are also not very high, making the overall cost lower and allowing students to enjoy the social and cultural aspects of university life without financial strain.
3. Vibrant Student Life: Northern Ireland is known for its friendly locals, creating a welcoming environment for international students. Besides, Belfast is a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment, with numerous festivals, events, and live music venues. You will also get to explore some of the best historical sites and museums, with a wide range of activities to do.
4. Career Opportunities: Belfast has a thriving economy with strong industries in technology, finance, and healthcare, offering students valuable career prospects. Apart from that, universities in Belfast have strong connections with local businesses, providing students with opportunities for internships and work experience.
5. Welcoming Environment: Queen's University, in particular, attracts students from all over the world, fostering a multicultural and inclusive environment. It also hosts numerous cultural festivals and events that celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. By this, students get the opportunity to get socially active.

These are the reasons that students can choose to study in the best universities in Belfast city. Thus, if you also plan to study abroad and are looking for a place that is affordable with high-quality and life standards of living, then Belfast can be a considerable option. Apart from that, you will find some of the most affordable student accommodation in Belfast, making your life comfortable and also helping you to save money.

List of Major Universities in Belfast

There are two main universities in Belfast, which are Queen's University Belfast & Ulster University. You will have a wide variety of institutes to study in the UK, whether it is cheap universities in Belfast, UK, or others with a bit higher standard. The two most popular universities are:

Queen's University Belfast

Queen's University Belfast is a prominent public research university and one of the best university in Belfast, UK, Northern Ireland. Established in 1845 as Queen's College, it became an independent university in 1908. It's a member of the Russell Group, comprised of the UK's leading research-intensive universities. Queen's is highly regarded for its research output and is ranked among the top 200 universities globally.

• Eligibility: A strong academic record in relevant subjects is essential, often including a minimum GPA or percentage in relevant subjects. For postgraduate studies, a UK 2:1 or 2:2 degree (or equivalent) is typically required.
• Average Tuition Fees: £13,280
• Popular Courses: Agriculture, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, and Engineering

Ulster University

Ulster University Belfast campus provides a modern and dynamic learning environment with a strong focus on academic excellence, industry connections, and student support. It's a vibrant campus that hosts frequent fashion shows and art exhibitions. Being one of the most popular among top universities or colleges in Belfast city, it attracts several international students, which adds to the social environment. Apart from that, students also get the opportunity to read the best novels to read for students in the huge library on this university campus.

• Eligibility: A minimum of five GCSEs at grades A*-C/4-9, including English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.
• Average Tuition Fees: £16,320 to £17,770
• Popular Courses: Computing, Engineering, Business, Law, Healthcare, Art, Design, and Digital Media

These three are the most popular and highly regarded universities in Belfast, allowing students to get international exposure and make a successful career in the future. So, if you are planning to study in these institutes, then create a moving abroad checklist and prepare accordingly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a University

When looking for a university, it is important to take some factors into consideration. This will help you plan better and also make your future experience worthwhile. So, these factors are:

1. Education

• Availability of your dream course: Ensure the university offers the specific courses or programs you're interested in.
• Faculty rating: Research the faculty's expertise and teaching styles, as they matter the most in your learning journey.
• Research Opportunities: If you're interested in research, check for opportunities within your chosen field.
• Course accreditation: Verify that the university and its programs are accredited, which can be important for future career prospects.
• Class Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Smaller classes and a lower ratio can mean more personalized attention from faculty to every student.

2. Institute Location

• Distance from your accommodation: Consider how far you're willing to be from your housing, as it matters for the transportation cost.
• Living cost: In a city, there are several neighbourhoods that are expensive to stay in, and others are considered cheap areas to live. So, choose what fits under your budget.
• Transportation: Consider access to transportation, such as public transport or proximity to major highways.

3. Finances

• Tuition fees: Compare tuition costs at different universities and choose accordingly.
• Financial aid and scholarships: Investigate the availability of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
• Cost of living: Consider the cost of accommodation, food, and other living expenses.

4. Campus Culture and Student Life

• Campus size and atmosphere: Consider whether you prefer a large, bustling campus or a smaller, more intimate one.
• Social life: Look into the social scene, student activities, and extracurricular opportunities available on the university campus.
• Student organizations and clubs: Research the variety of clubs and organizations available to students to get engaged throughout the year.
• Safety and security: Check the university's safety measures and security protocols, as it is important for your life in a foreign country.

These are the factors to consider while choosing universities in Belfast. Read them well to get help while you look for the same.

Tips for International Students in Belfast

For international students in Belfast, you can find some tips below: finding accommodation, establishing a budget, and getting socially involved.

• Establish a proper budget: Before leaving to study abroad, you need to create a budget to avoid future financial turmoil. Don't forget to do your research.
• Find proper accommodation: An important task is to find accommodation that is suitable for your life abroad. It needs to be somewhere that you feel comfortable living, and an affordable place to live.
• Research and use public transport: It could be very beneficial to rely on public transport in a well-connected city like Belfast. It could save you time and money.
• Get socially engaged: Make friends right away when you arrive; supporting local ethnic communities will help you get to know the area quickly. Friends can also suggest visiting local places over the generic tourist attractions.
• Pack properly: Be sure to pack all the required uni essentials because you don't want to pay over the odds to buy them at the last minute.

Conclusion

This was all about the best universities in Belfast, UK. In this blog, you will read about the reasons why you can choose Belfast City to pursue your higher education. Other than that, a list of the two major popular universities is also mentioned above, which will help you choose the most suitable one. You can read the pointers mentioned that will help you choose a better university. However, if you need any other details such as shopping centers, SIM cards, or student accommodation in UK, then reach out to our experts for better guidance and make your life abroad comfortable.

FAQs

1 How Many Universities Are There in Belfast?

In Belfast, there are two main universities: Queen's University Belfast & Ulster University (with a campus in Belfast).

2. Is Belfast a Good City for Students?

Yes, Belfast is generally considered a good city for students due to its affordability, vibrant cultural scene, and walkable layout. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, particularly in areas like the Queen's Quarter, and boasts a growing student community.

3. What Types of Courses can I Study in Belfast?

In Belfast, you can study a wide range of subjects across various disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Queen's University Belfast offers a broad spectrum of courses, including arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences. Ulster University also has a campus in Belfast with courses in areas like computing, engineering, business, and more.

4. Are There Good Student Accommodation Options in Belfast?

Yes, Belfast offers a variety of good student accommodation options, including private halls, university-managed accommodation, and private rentals. Popular choices include John Bell House, Botanic Studios, LIV Student Belfast, and Great Patrick Street.

5. Can International Students Study in Belfast?

Yes, international students can study in Belfast. Both Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University welcome international students.