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

Why choose UEL?

At the University of East London (UEL), your child will become part of a truly global community. With 160 nationalities represented among our 40,481 students, we foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives enrich learning and personal growth. As a pioneering, careers-first institution, we are dedicated to empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Our focus on career readiness and innovation helps our students shape the future as the next generation of changemakers.

Our commitment to student success is reflected in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024, where graduating students rated UEL’s student experience among the top three nationally and 1st in London. This dedication to delivering an outstanding learning experience also earned us The Times & Sunday Times University of the Year 2025 for Teaching Quality and a top three ranking in London for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide, 2025).

Why study in UK?

Studying in the UK offers numerous benefits. Upon graduation, your child will earn a degree from a respected and internationally recognised UK university, enhancing their career prospects both at home and abroad. Compared to other English-speaking destinations like the United States, Canada, or Australia, the UK offers more affordable tuition fees, and degree programmes are typically shorter - undergraduate programmes usually take three years, while most postgraduate programmes take one year to complete.

If your child wishes to remain in the UK after graduation, they may apply for a two-year post-study work visa, which allows them to live and work in the UK and gain valuable professional experience. (For more information on post-study work visas visit the UK government website.

Additionally, studying in London provides a unique advantage. As a global centre for business and innovation, the city offers access to industry-leading events and networking opportunities with both UK and international organisations, helping your child to build valuable connections and broaden their professional horizons.

Career

Our Commitment to Your Child’s Future

At the University of East London, we understand that a degree is more than just an education—it’s a pathway to a successful career. Our Careers Guarantee ensures that from day one, your child is supported in building a bright and secure future.
 

  1. Future-Focused Education
    Every course is designed with future employment in mind. Our degrees align with industry standards and include modules that develop practical skills, ensuring your child graduates job-ready and prepared to succeed.
  2. Extended Career Support
    Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. We provide 18 months of dedicated career support for postgraduates, helping your child transition smoothly into the professional world.
  3. Real-World Experience
    Through work placements and industry projects, your child will gain valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities not only enhance learning but also open doors to employment after graduation.
  4. Networking in London 
    Studying in London, one of the world’s leading business and innovation centres, gives your child direct access to networking events with UK and international industry leaders—offering a unique advantage when entering the job market.
  5. Work While Studying
    International students have the option to work part-time while studying, helping them gain UK work experience and develop professional skills while supporting their financial independence.
  6. Certification 
    To help your child stand out to employers, we offer a Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth certification alongside their degree. This programme provides digital badges that highlight key skills and achievements—offering additional recognition that enhances their CV and increases their value in the job market.
  7. Innovative Career Framework
    From the moment your child joins us, they benefit from a structured career framework designed to guide them at every stage. This includes career exploration before they start, in-course employability activities, and continued support after graduation—ensuring they are equipped to succeed in a competitive global job market.
  8. Global Career Opportunities
    Our partnership with GoinGlobal provides access to international job boards, visa advice, and employment resources—expanding your child’s career options both in the UK and abroad.
  9. Entrepreneurial Support
    For students with business ambitions, we offer start-up support, including assistance with start-up visas and funding—helping future entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality.
  10. Proven Success
    Our focus on employability has earned us national recognition, and our graduates enjoy high employment rates—proof of our commitment to preparing your child for a successful career.
     

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 entry requirements based on your country of origin please visit our webpages.

Student Support at UEL

At the University of East London, we are committed to supporting your child throughout their academic journey. We offer a range of services to ensure their safety, well-being, academic success, and financial security, helping them focus on achieving their career goals.

Campus Safety

Your child’s safety is our priority. Our dedicated security team provides 24/7 on-campus support to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. We also equip students with the knowledge and resources to stay safe while living in London, including:

  • Emergency services access and guidance on how to use NHS healthcare.
  • General safety tips for living in a large city.
  • On-campus security assistance available anytime.

Cost of Living Support

We believe that financial concerns should never be a barrier to education. To make studying in London accessible, we provide a range of financial support options and free resources to help manage living costs:

  • Up to 25% alumni discounts for returning students.
  • Hundreds of restaurants, bars, cinemas, and theatres in London offer student discounts.
  • Most of London’s museums and galleries are free to enter.
  • London has many free activities for all people to enjoy.
  • Sports scholarships for eligible student-athletes.
  • Free off-peak gym membership at our SportsDock facility.
  • Free essential groceries available fortnightly.
  • Transport for London (TfL) offers discounted travel for students in London (18+ photocard) and advice on saving money. 
  • We offer a free UEL shuttle between our three campuses.
  • Free period products in selected campus toilets.

International students can also work part-time (20 hours per week) during their studies- an excellent opportunity to gain work experience while helping to fund their education.

For more information on cost-of-living support, visit our cost of living support page.

Health and Wellbeing

We prioritise the mental and physical well-being of our students by offering a variety of support services, including:

  • Confidential counselling services for emotional support.
  • Online mental health resources for accessible well-being assistance.
  • Guidance on healthcare access in the UK, including how to register with a local doctor.
  • Daily drop-in advice sessions at our Docklands and Stratford campuses.

Academic and Study Support

We are dedicated to helping every student succeed. Our academic support services offer practical solutions for managing studies, including:

  • Help with course-related issues and academic challenges.
  • Dyslexia and disability support to ensure inclusive learning.
  • IT support for internet access and technical issues.
  • Assistance with Oyster card applications for discounted travel.

Student Life

University isn’t just about academics - it’s about independence, personal growth, and making lifelong friends. Encourage your child to join one of UEL’s 90+ societies or sports clubs, including options in rugby, competitive cheerleading, and cultural or faith-based groups. UEL’s wide range of clubs reflects its diverse community, with opportunities to explore interests in film, fashion, gospel music, and more.
For a full list of societies and to find the best fit for your child, visit: UEL Societies List.

Religion and Places of Worship

We understand how important faith and spirituality are, especially when your child is adjusting to life in a new country. At UEL, we offer multi-faith prayer spaces and help connect students with local places of worship, including authorised faith leaders from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist traditions. Dedicated prayer facilities are available on both campuses, including spaces for Muslim students with Wudhu facilities.
For more information, please contact Revd Dr James Grenfell, Chaplaincy Manager, at chaplaincy@uel.ac.uk.

Our campuses and facilities

The University of East London is one of the few universities in London with a self-contained campus, offering a close-knit community across all our sites in east London. Our campuses are located in some of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the city, providing a unique blend of academic support and cultural experiences. Whether studying at our waterfront Docklands campus, the modern University Square Stratford (USS), or the historic Stratford campus, your child will have access to exceptional facilities and the opportunities that come from being in a global city.

We’ve invested £170 million to ensure your child has industry-standard facilities to prepare them for their future career. From specialist labs and multimedia production spaces to a simulated courtroom and a £250,000 Healthcare Simulation Centre, every student has access to hands-on, practical learning. Whether your child is pursuing business, healthcare, law, or the arts, our state-of-the-art resources and real-world experiences will give them the tools to succeed.

Explore more through our interactive ‘Where Next’ platform or take a virtual tour from home.

Affordable and Convenient Accommodation

We understand that finding affordable accommodation in London can be challenging. That’s why we offer on-campus housing starting from £165 per week *. Our on-campus accommodation is divided into the West Student Village and East Student Village, offering a range of premium, standard, and wheelchair-accessible rooms to suit different budgets and needs. Every room is single occupancy with a private en-suite bathroom, ensuring comfort, privacy, and safety no matter where your child lives.

Located on our picturesque waterside campus, the accommodation provides easy access to local amenities. Students can also travel between campuses using our free bus service or reach central London in minutes via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).

If your child prefers to live off-campus, our Docklands campus is located in a safe residential area with a variety of affordable student housing options. Plus, students renting in London are not required to pay council tax, reducing overall living costs.

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

*This rate is correct from the time of printing, visit the accommodation page for the most up-to-date rates.

Fees, finance, and scholarships

International tuition fees at UEL vary by programme, with the latest fees available on our website. Students must pay a tuition deposit before receiving their CAS number. The deposit amount and payment details are provided in the Offer Letter/Email.

We offer payment plans to ease the financial burden, and you can contact us at international@uel.ac.uk for more information.

Scholarships and Discounts

UEL offers scholarships ranging from £500 to £5,000 for self-funded international students. A 5% early payment discount is available for those who pay their tuition in full before mid-September. Scholarships are awarded at the university’s discretion and will be included in your offer letter if eligible.
For more details on scholarships, contact our International Student Recruitment Team at international@uel.ac.uk.

External Scholarships

We also support external scholarships, including Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. For more information, visit their websites or email us at international@uel.ac.uk to confirm if we accept specific scholarships.

Top tips for parents

How to apply

Follow our steps to help you through the application journey.

How to apply as an international student

Visit our admission deadlines page for the latest information on International Admission Deadlines.

Immigration and Visas

For more information on the steps involved in obtaining a UK student visa for your child, please visit: Visa & Immigration Advice.

Virtual Open Days

Help your child take the next step in their academic journey by exploring the University of East London through our Virtual Open Days. These events allow them to learn more about various aspects of university life, including courses, fees and finance, accommodation, student life, and the support we provide. Discover why more and more students are choosing UEL, with better financial support, improved job prospects, and a wider range of specialist course options.

To book a place at the latest Virtual Open Day, visit: Virtual Open Day.

Getting settled in the UK

To help ensure your child has a smooth transition to life in the UK, it’s important to take care of a few practical steps before and after their arrival. Make sure they register for a UK bank account to manage finances easily, apply for a National Insurance number if they plan to work part-time during their studies, and sign up with a local GP for access to healthcare.

Additionally, encourage them to familiarise themselves with UK public transportation, get an Oyster card/Rail card for discounted travel around London, and explore the University’s student services to ensure they’re well-supported. This will help them settle in comfortably, focus on their studies, and make the most of their time in the UK.

As a family, you’re welcome to join us on this journey too! Stay up-to-date with all the latest news from the University of East London, take part in our live Q&A sessions, and gain an authentic understanding of what life is like for students at UEL.

UEL’s international contact emails:

Europe: eu@uel.ac.uk
China: china@uel.ac.uk
South Asia: southasia@uel.ac.uk
Pakistan: pakistan@uel.ac.uk
The Americas: americas@uel.ac.uk
Central Asia: centralasia@uel.ac.uk
Sub-Saharan Africa: africa@uel.ac.uk
East and Southeast Asia: eastasia@uel.ac.uk
Middle East and North Africa (MENA): mena@uel.ac.uk
UKi (international students based in the UK): uki@uel.ac.uk
If you are unsure which mailbox to use, please contact international@uel.ac.uk