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Bradford excels in student support, learning and value for money according to  International Student Barometer

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Bradford university campus

The latest annual International Student Barometer results show the University of Bradford is rated best in the UK for financial support, second for counselling and careers, and is ranked in the top 10 for value for money and student welcome.

The results are generated by using feedback from 167,000 students worldwide between November and December 2022 and are widely respected as a benchmarking method for university services.

The latest figures show the university is consistently ranked highly by international students in many areas.

According to the latest International Student Barometer (ISB) results, the University of Bradford was: 

  • 1st for financial support in the UK
  • 2nd for counselling and careers, online resources, and academic registration in the UK
  • 3rd and 4th for overall welcome (in the UK and the world, respectively)
  • In the top 10 for overall value for money
  • In the top five globally for ‘making friends’

The university also gained 99% satisfaction rating for library support, while 89% of international students said they would recommend the university, placing the institution 2nd out of 32 participating universities in the UK.

The results were derived from 1,921 responses (a 41% response rate, compared to an average rate of 22%).

Claire Pryke, Associate Director Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions, said: “This year’s ISB results show international students rate us highly in some of the areas most important to students, such as cost of living, careers and counselling, and financial support.

“While we are always striving to improve our student experience, this shows the policies we have in place really do matter and make a difference to students. These results also mirror the hard work of our dedicated staff.”

The University of Bradford is consistent in gaining positive feedback from the annual ISB survey, as evidenced by the 2022 results, which again contained high rankings for student welcome and value for money.

Deputy-Vice-Chancellor Professor Zahir Irani said: “The University is committed to providing an inclusive educational experience to all students, so it is really pleasing to see our International students recognise the exceptional effort our staff make in supporting them during their preparation to start and during their educational experience at the University of Bradford.”

Bradford city centre

In May 2023, the university was also named by insurance experts Compare the Market as the most affordable city for graduates in the UK, taking into account factors such as rental prices, job opportunities, living costs, and the number of other 21–30-year-olds in the community.

According to the survey: “With average rent prices of £463.12 a month and plenty of graduate jobs to choose from (792), Bradford tops the list of the best cities to live as a graduate in the UK. The northern city also boasts a generally low cost of living, with the price of a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averaging £10, a pint of beer costing £3, and a cappuccino setting you back just £2.52.”