A parents' guide to supporting your child’s UK study journey at UEL

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A parents' guide to supporting your child’s UK study journey at UEL

Introduction

This guide is for parents and carers of international students. It explains how UEL supports your child before they arrive and while they study in London. It also outlines the practical steps you can take to help them feel safe, confident and ready for university life in the UK.

At a glance

Here’s what you and your child can expect at UEL: 

  • A global community in London: Your child will join a diverse university with students from 160 nationalities across 40,481 students.
  • Career-focused degrees: UEL is a careers-first university. Courses are designed with practical learning, placements, and industry projects to help students graduate job-ready.
  • Strong teaching and student satisfaction: UEL was rated top 3 nationally and 1st in London for student experience (NSS 2024) and is University of the Year for Teaching Quality 2025 (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide).
  • Dedicated student support: Students can access academic skills support, careers guidance, wellbeing and counselling, disability and neurodiversity services, and specialist international advice.
  • Accommodation options close to campus: Many international students choose UEL accommodation at Docklands. Private renting is also supported through UEL guidance.
  • Visa and immigration guidance: We support students through the CAS and Student visa process, and provide ongoing immigration advice after enrolment. 

Why UEL and why London

Studying in the UK gives your child a respected qualification and strong career options. 

  • Internationally recognised degrees: UK degrees are valued worldwide and can boost career prospects at home and internationally.
  • Shorter, cost-effective courses: UK degrees are typically shorter than other English-speaking destinations; most undergraduate courses take three years, and most postgraduate courses take one year.
  • Post-study work route: Eligible graduates can apply for a two-year Graduate Route visa to live and work in the UK after completing their degree.
  • London advantages: London is a global centre for business, technology and culture. Your child will be close to major employers, industry events, and networking opportunities. 

Careers guarantee

The UEL Careers Guarantee is our commitment to help every student build the skills, confidence and industry connections they need to succeed in the real world. You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you don’t have to wait until you graduate to get started.

We’ve built our unique Careers Guarantee around five pillars, and every UEL student benefits from them.

  1. Industry experience that starts now
  2. A future-driven curriculum
  3. Global career support
  4. Startups, scaleups and limitless potential
  5. Proven results. Real impact.

A wide-range of career focused courses:

At the University of East London, we offer a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to prepare your child for success in today’s evolving job market. Our subject areas span Allied and Public Health, Architecture and Design, Bioscience, Business and Finance, Computer Science and AI, Counselling, Communities, and Social Work, Engineering and the Built Environment, Fashion, Global Sustainable Development, Hospitality, Tourism, and Events, Law, Policing, and Justice, Media, Nursing and Midwifery, Performing Arts, Psychology, Sport Science, and Visual Arts. Each programme combines academic excellence with practical experience, ensuring your child gains the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their chosen field.

Explore our full range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses:

For full details on check the entry requirements for your country

How will UEL support my child day to day?

UEL provides practical support to help students succeed academically, settle socially, and stay well.

  • Academic and study support: Students can access study skills help, academic guidance and learning resources throughout the year.
  • Careers support from day one: Our Careers Guarantee means your child can access careers coaching, placements, industry projects and employability support throughout their course. Postgraduate students also get 18 months of careers support after graduation.
  • Wellbeing and personal support: Students can use wellbeing, counselling and chaplaincy services, plus specialist support for disability and neurodiversity.
  • International student advice: We guide students through the CAS and visa process before arrival and provide ongoing immigration compliance support once they are enrolled.

Where will my child live, and how do we support safety?

International students at UEL usually choose either University accommodation or private housing. We provide guidance for both, so students can settle quickly and safely. 

  • UEL accommodation at Docklands: Many international students live in UEL accommodation at our Docklands campus. It is conveniently located near teaching spaces, support services, and campus facilities, offering a ready-made student community.
  • Support with private renting: If your child prefers to live privately, we provide advice on finding safe, suitable housing in London, including what to look for in contracts and how to avoid scams.
  • Campus and local safety: UEL campuses have security staff and support teams on site. We also give students practical guidance on staying safe in London, travelling around the city, and knowing where to get help if they need it.
  • Settling in support: Before arrival and during the first weeks on campus, students can access welcome events and step-by-step guidance to help them feel at home.


Explore more through our Interactive take a virtual tour from home.

How much will it cost, and what funding is available?

We know that cost is a key consideration for families. Here is what to expect and where to find the latest figures. 

  • On-campus accommodation from £165 per week*: Our Docklands accommodation starts from £165 per week and is designed for safety, comfort, and convenience. Rooms are in West Student Village and East Student Village, with premium, standard, and wheelchair-accessible options. Every room is single occupancy with a private en-suite bathroom.
  • A safe, well-connected location: Accommodation sits on our waterside Docklands campus, close to shops and local services. Students can use our free inter-campus bus and travel to central London quickly via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
  • Off-campus living is also possible: If your child prefers private housing, Docklands is a safe residential area with a range of student rental options nearby. Students renting in London do not pay council tax, which can help reduce living costs.
  • Fees and funding: Tuition fees vary by course and intake, so your child should check their course page for the exact amount. UEL also offers scholarships and discounts for international students, with eligibility depending on course and country.

For more information, including FAQs, please visit our accommodation page.

 

*Visit the accommodation page for the most up-to-date rates.

Fees, finance, and scholarships

International tuition fees and funding options vary by course and intake. The links below will help you and your child plan and budget with confidence.

  • Tuition fees: Each course page shows the exact tuition fee for that programme. Students should check their course page for the correct fee for their intake year.
  • Tuition deposit and CAS: Students must pay a tuition fee deposit before we can issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). The deposit amount and payment instructions are included in the offer letter/email.
  • Payment plans and how to pay: We offer payment plans to help spread the cost. International students pay their deposit and tuition fees through the Applicant Portal using Flywire. If you need support with payments, contact our International team.
  • Scholarships and discounts: UEL offers scholarships for eligible self-funded international students, ranging from £500 to £5,000 off first-year tuition fees. If your child is eligible, the scholarship amount will be confirmed in their offer letter.
  • A 5 per cent Early Payment Discount is also available to eligible international students who pay their tuition fees in full by the early payment deadline (usually before mid-September for September starts, or the date shown in the offer letter).
  • External scholarships: UEL welcomes students funded by external schemes such as Chevening and Commonwealth. Students should follow their sponsor’s rules and email international@uel.ac.uk to confirm acceptance of any specific scholarship.

Top tips for parents and carers supporting an international student at UEL

These practical tips help you support your child through their UK university journey at the University of East London (UEL) - from applying and getting a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) to settling into life in London.

1) Applying to UEL as an international student: Start early. Help your child check the UEL course page, entry requirements, and needed documents. Use UEL’s step-by-step application guide. It explains how to apply, what to upload, and what happens after submitting. Track key dates. International application and offer timelines vary by intake, so always check the latest admission deadlines.

2) Student visa and immigration: Plan for the UK Student visa process. Your child will need an offer and a CAS from UEL before applying. Check funds and documents early. Visa applications often require proof of finances, passport validity, and ATAS (for some subjects). Use UEL’s visa advice pages. They explain visa steps, timelines, and common errors to avoid.

3) Explore UEL before they travel: Book a UEL Virtual Open Day. These online events cover courses, fees, scholarships, accommodation, student life, and support services. Come with questions. Encourage your child to ask about teaching style, careers support, placements, and campus life in London.

4) Getting settled in the UK and London: 

Set up essentials in week one:

  • Open a UK bank account for rent and daily spending.
  • Register with a local GP to access healthcare.
  • Apply for a National Insurance number if they plan to work part-time.
  • Learn how to get around London. An Oyster card or Railcard reduces travel costs on the Tube, buses, and DLR.
  • Use student support early. Remind your child that UEL provides academic skills help, wellbeing services, careers guidance, disability and neurodiversity support, and accommodation advice. 

5) Staying involved as a parent or carer: Keep regular check-ins. Talk about budgeting, wellbeing, and study habits - especially in the first term. Know how communication works. Once enrolled, UEL normally communicates directly with your child unless they permit information to be shared. Follow UEL updates. Join live Q&As and read university news to understand what students experience day to day.

UEL’s international contact emails: