University of Sheffield

Overview

The University of Sheffield is a world-famous institution located in the north of England, one of the original 'red brick' universities and a member of the elite Russell Group. Ranked 105th in the world and 17th in the UK according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Sheffield was founded by the merger of three colleges in 1905 and currently has 30,000 students from 150 countries. The university was voted University of the Year and Best Student Life by students at the World University Student Choice Awards 2024.

The University of Sheffield leads impactful research addressing global challenges, from pioneering treatments for diseases to advancing sustainable technologies, collaborating with industry, government, and international academic partners and boasts five Nobel Prize winners in its departments and five Queen’s Anniversary Prizes.

Services for International Students

One of the best things about Sheffield is its unique combination of academic excellence and an amazing student experience, the heart of which is the Students' Union, voted best in the UK seven years in a row (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017-2024). Located in the heart of the campus, the Students’ Union has shops, cafes and bars and is home to over 350 clubs and societies. For many international students at Sheffield, this is what makes their experience so memorable.

The International Student Support Team is available to assist with any international-specific needs, such as visas. There is a meet and greet service from Manchester International Airport at the beginning of each academic year, and a residential orientation programme also takes place. Intro Week involves talks by University staff, information fairs and tours around the campus and city to help you settle into life in the UK.

Ranking

• 14th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 20th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 105th in the world and 17th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 98th in the world and 12th in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• 42nd in the world and 8th in the UK for its progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

92 per cent of the University of Sheffield's research is rated in the highest two categories in the latest REF 2021, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Accommodation

International students are guaranteed University accommodation, the majority of which is en-suite with a shared kitchen, but shared bathrooms, larger deluxe rooms and studio apartments are also available. Sheffield is in the top 10 most affordable cities in England (Natwest Student Living Index 2023).

Choose to stay in university accommodation and you'll make new friends, live close to campus and have dedicated university customer services to handle your questions or worries. A Residence Life team organises lots of activities for university accommodation residents throughout the year as well as supporting you during your stay.

Location

Sheffield is a vibrant and modern city in the heart of the UK. Home to more than half a million people, it has all the facilities you’d expect of a major UK city and there are easily accessible and affordable transport links, making it the ideal base for exploring the UK and Europe.

Sheffield offers a world of fun, culture and entertainment with plenty to see and do, plus the beautiful Peak District National Park is just 30 minutes away for those who want to explore the English countryside. A friendly, welcoming and safe city, Sheffield is an affordable and fun place to live, a major UK city with 60% green space, offering a vibrant urban vibe and easy access to the nearby Peak District.

Alumni

• Helen Sharman (First British astronaut)
• Jessica Ennis (Olympic gold medal winning heptathlete)
• Lee Child (Author)
• Maureen McTeer (Lawyer and Author)
• Sir Harold Kroto (Nobel Prize winning chemist)