How we can support you
Starting university in a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming – new language, culture, and surroundings. Whether you need help before you arrive or once you’re here, you’re never alone.
We're here to guide you every step of the way and can offer support in the following areas:
Before you get here
- Application guidance
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process
- Applying for your Student visa
- Finding accommodation
- Paying your tuition fees
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Other pre-arrival support.
Once you've arrived
- Welcome week, induction, and enrolment
- Settling in when you arrive in the UK
- Cost of living and financial support
- Staying safe around campus
- Travel advice (e.g. parking and public transport)
- Placements and job opportunities
- Wellbeing support
- Disability support
- Faith and chaplaincy
- Library services(opens in new tab)
- IT support
- Accessing UK healthcare
- Developing your English language and academic skills through EAP courses
- Support with education and children
- Other specialist support.
After you've graduated
"The support I received as an international student was important to me – the admissions team were always quick to help me with any queries I had, and I received a scholarship which made studying here more affordable. This gave me confidence that Sunderland was the right choice for me." Kevin Mali, graduate.
Join our international community
We're 2nd in the UK for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024) and there's an amazing sense of community at Sunderland. We celebrate diversity and we run various events and societies that bring people from different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds together. Some of these include:
- African Caribbean Society
- Chinese Society
- Nigerian Society
- Catholic Society
- Christian Union
- Islamic Society
- Friendship evenings (every Wednesday).
Find out more about our cultural(opens in new tab) and faith and belief societies(opens in new tab).
Study centre support
If you're studying from within your own country via one of our study centres and need support, please reach out to your university or college. The teaching and support staff are fully qualified and can help with any questions you may have around modules, exam timetables, where classes are held, how to access library and IT resources, disability support, career guidance, and more.
Contact us
Our International Student Support team is based at The Gateway on City Campus if you want to visit us in person. Current students can also contact us by logging into Compass.