Choosing the right university is a pivotal decision, especially for international students seeking quality education and a welcoming environment. Keele University, located in the heart of England, stands out as an excellent choice. Renowned for its beautiful campus, diverse programs, and strong support for international students, Keele offers a unique blend of academic excellence and community spirit. In this article, we will explore why Keele University is an ideal destination for international students, covering everything from admission requirements to student life and support services. Whether you’re looking for top-notch education or a vibrant campus experience, Keele University has something for everyone.
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Overview of Keele University
Keele University is a public research university located in Keele, Staffordshire, England. It is situated about three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyme. The university was founded in 1949 as the University College of North Staffordshire. In 1962, it was granted university status by Royal Charter and became the University of Keele.
Campus and Facilities
Keele University boasts the largest campus in the UK, spanning 625 acres of rural land. The campus features extensive woods, lakes, and Keele Hall, a historic building set in the Staffordshire Potteries. The university also includes a science park and a conference centre.
Academic Structure
Keele University is known for its strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary education. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has a Medical School that operates the clinical part of its courses from the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Administration and Governance
The university is led by Chancellor James Timpson and Vice-Chancellor Trevor McMillan. The academic staff comprises 774 members, supported by 1,100 administrative staff. Keele University has around 12,235 students, including 8,880 undergraduates and 3,355 postgraduates.
Affiliations and Associations
Keele University is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:
- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
- European University Association (EUA)
- Universities UK
- Midlands Innovation
Financial Information
The university’s endowment stands at £1.04 million for the 2022-23 academic year. Its budget for the same period is £206.3 million.
Student Life and Community
Keele University offers a vibrant student life with various extracurricular activities and student societies. The university has its own newspaper, “Concourse,” and the campus colors are Staffordshire gold and red. The university’s sports teams are collectively known as “Team Keele,” and the mascot is Herbert the Dragon.
Location and Environment
The rural campus of Keele University provides a serene and conducive environment for learning and research. It is close to the village of Keele and offers a blend of natural beauty with modern academic facilities. The university’s location in Staffordshire places it within reach of significant urban centres while maintaining a peaceful rural setting.
Keele University is a distinguished institution known for its extensive campus, strong research focus, and supportive community. It provides a comprehensive range of academic programs and excellent facilities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The university’s rich history, coupled with its commitment to innovation and excellence, makes it an attractive choice for students worldwide.
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Why Keele University?
Keele University was founded over seven decades ago by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Since its establishment, Keele has been renowned for its excellence in both teaching and research. The university’s research initiatives are impactful on a regional, national, and global scale, striving to improve lives and address significant societal challenges.
Britain’s Best University, as Ranked by Students
Keele University achieved the top position in the UK in the Student Crowd University Awards of 2022. This recognition reflects the high level of student satisfaction at Keele, where the student experience is highly prioritized, ensuring that learners feel valued and supported throughout their academic journey.
Graduate Employability
The employability rate for Keele graduates is impressive, with 96% of graduates finding employment or further study opportunities soon after completing their degrees, according to HESA 2017 data. This high employability rate underscores Keele’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers.
Sustainability Institution of the Year
In 2021, Keele University was honored with the Sustainability Institution of the Year award at the Green Gown Awards. This accolade recognizes Keele’s dedication to sustainability and its efforts to integrate environmental responsibility into its campus operations and academic programs.
A Global Community
Keele University is proud to host a diverse international student body, with over 120 nationalities represented on campus. The university offers comprehensive support for international students, including dedicated services to assist with applications, enrollment, and adjustment to university life. Scholarships and preparatory courses are also available to help international students succeed academically and socially.
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Applying for Undergraduate Study at Keele University
This guide relates to undergraduate applications for September 2025 entry at Keele University. For any queries, you can contact the Admissions Team:
- Before application: enquiries@keele.ac.uk
- After application: admissions@keele.ac.uk
How to Apply
All undergraduate course applications at Keele University should be made online through UCAS. UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, processes university applications in the UK. You can apply for up to five courses at either a single university or different institutions with a UCAS Application. A small application fee is charged.
UCAS provides further information on their webpages. You can also get advice from career advisers at schools and colleges, local careers organizations, and British Council offices overseas for international applicants.
What Your Application Should Include
- Personal details and qualifications
- Course choices
- Personal statement
- A reference either from your teacher, adviser, or any other professional. They must know you academically
Keele University’s UCAS code is K12.
Key UCAS 2025 Application Deadline Dates
- May 2024: UCAS undergraduate application goes live. You can register and start your application for 2025.
- September 2024: UCAS 2025 entry opens. You can submit your application to UCAS.
- 15 October 2024: Early deadline for applications for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery courses.
- 29 January 2025: Equal consideration deadline. Submit your application by 18:00 (GMT) on 29 January 2025 to ensure equal consideration. For most courses, we accept applications after this date. Check our A-Z undergraduate listing for details.
- February 2025: UCAS Extra opens.
- June 2025: Last date to apply to UCAS in the Main Cycle. Applications after this date will enter Clearing.
- July 2025: Clearing opens.
Refer to the UCAS Undergraduate: When to Apply page for more information.
Your Application Journey
- Find the Right Course: Choose a course that fits your interests and career goals.
- Visit Keele: Attend an Open Day or take a virtual tour to see what Keele has to offer.
- Apply Online via UCAS: Follow the application details and UCAS deadlines mentioned above.
- Receive Your Offer: Offers are typically made by the end of March if you applied by the January UCAS deadline.
- Attend an Applicant Visit Day: Experience a day at Keele and get a taste of university life.
- Make Your Choice: UCAS will inform you when to decide on your first and second university choices.
- Apply for Accommodation: Once you’ve accepted your offer, apply for on-campus accommodation.
- Arrange Your Finances: Apply online for a student loan if needed.
- Results Day: Your university place will be confirmed based on meeting the entry requirements.
- Clearing Hotline: If you apply after 30 June or do not hold any offers, you can use Clearing to find a place.
- Enrolment Week: You’ll receive your Keele IT account and enrolment details to start your university journey.
For more information, visit the UCAS Undergraduate: When to Apply page and our Keele University website.
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Applying for Postgraduate Study at Keele University
This guide will help you understand how to apply for a postgraduate programme at Keele University for the September 2024 intake. For information on programmes starting in January, please visit our dedicated January start postgraduate pages.
Our goal is to ensure that your admissions process is as seamless as possible. Please review the following details carefully, as they include important information for your application. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact our Admissions Team:
- For enquiries before application: enquiries@keele.ac.uk
- For enquiries after application: admissions@keele.ac.uk
Making Your Application
Choosing the Right Course
Start by exploring our postgraduate courses to find the one that best suits your academic and career aspirations. Each course page provides detailed information on entry requirements and course specifics.
Attend a Postgraduate Open Event
We recommend participating in one of our Postgraduate Open Events, either in person or online. These events offer a great opportunity to learn more about Keele University, meet our faculty, and ask any questions you may have.
Submit Your Application Online by 2 August 2024
You can apply for our postgraduate programmes through the online application links found on each course page. To secure your spot, aim to submit your application by 2 August 2024.
After Receiving an Offer from Keele University
Below are the steps to follow from receiving an offer to enrolling at Keele University. Detailed information and deadlines for each step are provided.
Application Steps and Deadlines
| Step | Applicable to | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Meet the conditions of your offer | All students | Ongoing – as stated in offer |
| 2. Pay your deposit | International students | By 20 August 2024 |
| 3. Apply for accommodation | All students | By 30 June 2024 |
| 4. Submit outstanding documents | All students | Ongoing – as stated in offer |
| 5. Return pre-CAS checklist | International students | By 8 September 2024 |
| 6. Apply for your visa | International students | Check our Visa pages |
| 7. Prepare for travel | International students | Ongoing |
| 8. Enrolment | International students | 19 September 2024 |
| Induction | All students | 23 September 2024 |
1. Meeting the Conditions of Your Offer
For conditional offers, you need to fulfill the specified conditions, which may include submitting documents through your Applicant Portal. Once these conditions are met, you will receive an unconditional offer letter. If you require assistance with English language requirements, consider our pre-sessional English courses.
2. Paying Your Tuition Fee Deposit (International Students)
Decide to study at Keele by paying a £4,000 tuition fee deposit. It’s best to pay early, although the final deadline for the September 2024 intake is 20 August 2024. Places may fill before this date, so prompt payment is advised.
For sponsored students, a tuition fee deposit is not necessary. Instead, send a financial guarantee letter to admissions.reply@keele.ac.uk.
3. Applying for Accommodation
If you wish to live on campus, submit your accommodation application by 30 June 2024. You can apply 48 hours after accepting your offer. Information about off-campus living is also available.
4. Submitting Outstanding Documents
Ensure you upload all necessary documents, such as your passport and any previous UK visas.
5. CAS Process (International Students)
If you need a visa to study in the UK, you must complete the CAS process after meeting the initial requirements. Once you have an unconditional offer and have paid your deposit, the Admissions team will send you a pre-CAS checklist. For September 2024 starters, pre-CAS checklists will be issued until 30 August 2024. Return the completed checklist by 8 September 2024.
After submitting your pre-CAS checklist, you will receive a CAS number, which is essential for your visa application. The final date for issuing CAS letters is 9 September 2024.
6. Applying for a Visa (International Students)
With your CAS number, apply for a student visa. Detailed instructions are available on our Visa pages.
7. Preparing for Your Travels (International Students)
Once your visa is approved, email a scanned copy of the decision letter to visa@keele.ac.uk. Begin preparations for your journey to Keele. Additional information from our Student Welcome team will be provided closer to your start date.
8. Enrolment
Enrolment for international students for the September 2024 intake will occur on 19 September 2024. Induction activities for all students begin on 23 September 2024. Participation in these events is important for a smooth start to your academic journey.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth application process for postgraduate study at Keele University. Adhering to the deadlines and requirements will help you transition seamlessly into our academic community.
For more information and to start your application, visit their Postgraduate Admissions page.
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Conclusion
Keele University stands out as a top choice for international students seeking a high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. With its strong academic reputation, diverse range of courses, and exceptional student support services, Keele offers an enriching experience both academically and personally. The university’s commitment to affordability through various scholarships and financial aid options further enhances its appeal to students worldwide.
If you’re ready to embark on an exciting academic journey, Keele University is here to welcome you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and global community. For more information or to start your application, visit Keele University’s official website. Join us at Keele, where your future begins.