Studying in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole are popular choices for overseas students. The destination attracts a large student population from across the globe every year thanks to its English language schools, colleges, and two state-of-the art universities.
Being a student in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole is a great experience in terms of both education and lifestyle. With a unique microclimate and great transport links, the destination is an ideal central hub for anyone wanting to experience recreation, culture, and entertainment while also having the opportunity to explore some of the UK’s most desired spots just a few miles away.
The stunning seafront, outdoor lifestyle, and great education facilities make Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole great places to live and study.
Schools
Bournemouth has one of the UK’s highest concentrations of accredited English Language Schools, with 21 separate institutions recognised by the British Council.
The area is home to one of the largest providers of Further Education in the UK (based on the number of student enrolments): Bournemouth & Poole College.
Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, and AECC University College boast excellent Quality Assurance reports, and each maintains a global reputation for their respective course provision, their continued success in attracting students, and, importantly, the success of their graduates.
If you want to work in the area then take a look at the Youth Mobility Scheme. It's a specific UK Visa scheme that enables young people aged 18-30 from 11 participating countries around the globe to come to the UK on a 2-year working visa. Find out more here.
Coastal Lifestyle
The seaside charms and al fresco lifestyle offer a highly sought-after standard of living and can even remind visitors of coastal European destinations. For this reason, among others, it is a popular place to come and study.
With 15 miles of glorious golden beaches and 9 official blue flag awards, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole are among the most sought-after beaches in the world, let alone in the UK.
We regular top the TripAdvisor best beach awards, and, most recently, were awarded 20th in the world, 5th in Europe, and 1st in the UK!
The unique microclimate and temperate weather conditions make for an idyllic seaside lifestyle.
Recreation, Events, and Entertainment
One thing the destination is known for is having plenty of Things to Do. Did you know that Poole Harbour features more water sports per capita than anywhere else in the UK? You can be sure to see paddleboarders, windsurfers, jet-skiers, and all sorts of other activity. Oh, and don’t worry about space, it’s the second largest natural harbour in the world!
Our nightlife and entertainment are also what make our destination so popular. And of course, out student population contributes to vibrant and fun cultural experiences. With independent bars, cafes, and restaurants in the town centre and dotted around the destination, you can be sure to experience the best of the town’s nightlife economy.
You may already know that we pride ourselves on a strong events programme, and you may have heard of the Bournemouth Air Festival, Christmas Tree Wonderland, Arts by the Sea, and Bourne Free to name a few. Want to see more? Just head to our events pages to see What’s On!
Getting around
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole have terrific transport links. Our 9-mile promenade is walkable from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. Central bus lines link the three towns, and there are great cycle routes throughout the destination, including multiple cycle for hire services.
With such proximity to London (as fast as 97 minutes by rail), travelling to the capital is as easy as hopping on the South Western rail or a National Express coach. Both can be found at Bournemouth railway station.
Bournemouth International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the centre of town, with flights around the UK and Europe.
Similarly, Southampton International Airport is just a 40-minute drive and also has a station on the Waterloo rail line.
Other places of interest close by include Stone Henge near Salisbury, the Jurassic Coast, and, of course, the neighbouring counties of Devon and Cornwall are just a few hours down the coast to the west. Bournemouth really is a great central hub for exploring the UK.
Find out more
To find education providers and to read more about studying in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, please visit the International Education Association website.
