Renewed partnership cements pathways for international students to Times Higher Education Global top 100 ranked University of Sheffield
- University of Sheffield and Study Group renew partnership for International College providing outstanding pathway opportunities for international students
- The University of Sheffield was named this month as a global top 100 university in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, which highlights teaching and research quality across international higher education institutions
- The University of Sheffield has a proud history of welcoming international students and was the founding University of the UK higher education #WeAreInternational campaign
In a month where theTimes Higher Education World University Rankings confirmed the University of Sheffield’s place as a top 100 university globally, the University and leading international education specialist Study Group confirmed the renewal of their partnership. The ten-year agreement marks the continued delivery of the University of Sheffield International College courses by Study Group. The courses are co-designed and delivered by Study Group for international students to prepare academically for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University.
As the home of the #WeAreInternational campaign, Sheffield boasts a truly international student community with more than 30,000 students from 150 different countries studying at the University. The International College, provided in partnership with Study Group since 2014, delivers a range of International Foundation Year courses for undergraduate study and Pre-Masters for postgraduate study.
These include enhanced English Language tuition, study skills and academic subject enhancements which support and academically prepare international students for success at the University. The International College focuses on subjects most in demand by international students, including a range of STEM and humanities subjects, business, architecture, economics and international relations and politics — all areas of strength within the University.
International students are also highly valued within Sheffield and the region for their contribution to civic life, volunteering, skills and the economy. A report produced by London Economics and published by the Higher Education Policy Institute in June 2024* valued the beneficial contribution of international students to Sheffield’s economy at £770 million, the second highest in the UK. This benefit extends to over £2.9 billion across the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield said: "The first international student graduated from the University of Sheffield in 1908 with a Masters degree in Metallurgy and, since then, many thousands of students from around the world have made the city and university a home from home.
"The continuation of our partnership with Study Group will enable ambitious international students to gain the academic expertise needed to secure a place at our institution.”
Provost and Chief Academic Officer Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon of Study Group added “A hearty congratulations to our partners, the University of Sheffield, for the tremendous success marked by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings this month. It is testament to the quality of education and research the University provides and I’m so pleased that this has been recognised. I look forward to working closely with the University to further the study opportunities for international students in this wonderful city.”
Students studying a foundation course in their home countries at one of Study Group’s Bellerbys Global Centres will also be eligible for progression to the University of Sheffield. These centres, in partnership with local universities, provide a UK quality-assured curriculum for students seeking to progress to a global higher education institution. Bellerbys Global marks a new chapter for Bellerbys Colleges which has more than 40 years’ experience of preparing thousands of students for study at top international universities including the University of Sheffield.
About University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a leading Russell Group university, with a world-class reputation, ranked within the Top 100 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025). Over 30,000 students from 150 countries study at Sheffield and in a truly global community, they learn alongside over 1,500 of the world’s leading academics.
Sheffield’s world-shaping research feeds into its excellent education. Students learn at the leading edge of discovery from researchers who are tackling today’s biggest global challenges.
Driven by outstanding people, staff and students share a commitment to changing the world for the better, through the power and application of ideas and knowledge.
From the first documented use of penicillin as a therapy in 1930, to building Europe’s largest research-led manufacturing cluster, Sheffield’s inventive spirit and top quality research environment sets it apart.
Current research partners include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Siemens and Airbus, as well as many government agencies and charitable foundations.
Sheffield was voted University of the Year in 2024 at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards - the largest annual university awards in the UK voted for exclusively by students. The award reflects a commitment to world-class education and an outstanding student experience. Its Students' Union, which is home to more than 350 societies and clubs, was also named Best Students’ Union for the seventh consecutive year.
Over 300,000 Sheffield alumni from 205 different countries make a significant influence across the world, with six Nobel Prize winners included amongst former staff and students.
To find out more, visit: www.sheffield.ac.uk
*The data, produced by London Economics and published by the Higher Education Policy Institute and Kaplan International Pathway, shows the value of international students to the UK according to the new parliamentary constituency boundaries.