Quick Answer: Nottingham offers Saudi students world-class education with the University of Nottingham (QS ranking 100) and Nottingham Trent University, with living costs averaging £800-£1,200 monthly. Saudi students can access SACM scholarships and benefit from a welcoming 35,000+ student community with dedicated Middle Eastern support services.

Why Nottingham is Perfect for Saudi Students

Nottingham has emerged as one of the UK's most popular destinations for international students, particularly those from Saudi Arabia. With over 60,000 students across its universities and a rich Islamic heritage dating back centuries, the city offers an ideal blend of academic excellence and cultural familiarity. For Saudi students considering their UK education journey, Nottingham provides exceptional value with lower living costs than London while maintaining world-class educational standards.

The city's commitment to international student welfare, combined with its thriving Middle Eastern community and halal-friendly environment, makes it an increasingly attractive choice for Saudi families seeking quality British education for their children.

Universities in Nottingham for Saudi Students

University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham consistently ranks among the UK's top 20 universities (QS World Ranking: 100 in 2026) and maintains strong partnerships with Saudi institutions. Key highlights for Saudi students include:

Academic Excellence:

• Russell Group member with 97% graduate employment rate
• Particularly strong in Engineering, Medicine, and Business
• Saudi Arabia campus in addition to UK base
• Dedicated Saudi Student Society with 200+ active members

Entry Requirements:

• Undergraduate: Saudi Secondary Certificate with 90%+ grades
• IELTS 6.0-6.5 (depending on course)
• Foundation programmes available for students needing academic preparation

Annual Fees (2026):

• Undergraduate: £19,000-£26,000
• Postgraduate: £20,000-£28,000
• Medicine: £38,000

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers excellent value education with a 95% student satisfaction rate. Popular among Saudi students for:

Key Strengths:

• Top 10 UK for student experience
• Strong industry connections and internship programmes
• Modern facilities including £350 million campus investment
• Active Islamic Society with weekly events

Popular Courses for Saudi Students:

• Business and Management
• Engineering and Technology
• Art and Design
• Law and Social Sciences

Annual Fees (2026):

• Undergraduate: £15,500-£17,500
• Postgraduate: £16,000-£19,000

Cost of Living in Nottingham for Saudi Students

Nottingham offers significantly lower living costs compared to London, making it financially attractive for Saudi families. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Accommodation Costs

University Halls of Residence:

• Standard room: £120-£150 per week
• En-suite room: £150-£180 per week
• Studio apartment: £180-£220 per week

Private Accommodation:

• Shared house (per room): £80-£120 per week
• One-bedroom flat: £150-£200 per week
• Two-bedroom flat: £200-£280 per week

Monthly Living Expenses

Food and Groceries: £200-£300

• Halal meat readily available at competitive prices
• Middle Eastern grocery stores in Hyson Green area
• University meal plans: £40-£50 per week

Transportation: £50-£70

• Student bus pass: £52 per month
• Cycling very popular (bike purchase: £100-£200)
• City centre walkable from most student areas

Utilities and Internet: £80-£100

• Usually included in university accommodation
• Private rentals: gas, electricity, water, internet

Entertainment and Social: £100-£150

• Cinema tickets: £8-£12
• Gym membership: £20-£30/month
• Restaurant meals: £15-£25

Total Monthly Budget: £800-£1,200 (excluding tuition)

Student Life and Culture in Nottingham

Islamic Community and Facilities

Nottingham's strong Islamic heritage provides excellent support for Saudi students:

Mosques and Prayer Facilities:

• Nottingham Central Mosque (largest in the Midlands)
• University prayer rooms on all campuses
• Islamic Society organizing regular events
• Jummah prayers with Arabic khutbah available

Halal Food Scene:

• 50+ halal restaurants across the city
• Halal sections in major supermarkets
• Middle Eastern grocery stores in Hyson Green
• University catering includes halal options

Saudi Student Community

Nottingham hosts over 800 Saudi students across its universities, creating a supportive network:

Saudi Student Society Activities:

• National Day celebrations
• Ramadan iftar gatherings
• Academic support and mentoring
• Cultural exchange events
• Family gatherings for married students

Support Services:

• Dedicated international student advisors
• Arabic-speaking staff available
• Pre-arrival orientation programmes
• Airport pickup services for new Saudi students

Transportation and Getting Around

Public Transport

Nottingham Express Transit (NET):

• Modern tram system connecting universities to city centre
• Student season ticket: £52/month
• Runs until midnight on weekends

Bus Services:

• Comprehensive network covering all student areas
• Night buses available
• Real-time tracking apps available

Cycling Culture

Nottingham is extremely bike-friendly with:

• Extensive cycle lane network
• Secure bike storage at universities
• Bike rental schemes available
• Popular choice among international students

Visa and Immigration for Saudi Students

Student Visa Requirements

Documents Needed:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Financial evidence (£1,334/month for 9 months)
• Tuberculosis test certificate
• Academic transcripts and certificates

Processing Times (2026):

• Standard application: 3-6 weeks
• Priority service: 5 working days
• Super priority: 24 hours (major cities)

Financial Requirements

Saudi students must demonstrate:

• Tuition fees for first year
• £12,006 for living costs (outside London)
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days
• Bank statements in English or Arabic with certified translation

Scholarship Opportunities for Saudi Students

SACM Scholarships

The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) provides comprehensive funding:

Coverage Includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance: £1,200
• Annual book allowance: £300
• Thesis allowance for postgraduate students
• Family allowance for accompanied dependents

Application Process:

• Submit through SACM UK office
• Requires acceptance letter from UK university
• Academic merit assessment
• Interview may be required

University-Specific Scholarships

University of Nottingham:

• International Excellence Scholarship: up to £4,000
• Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: 50% tuition reduction
• Country-specific awards for Saudi students

Nottingham Trent University:

• International Scholarship: up to £3,000
• Academic Excellence Award: £2,000-£5,000
• Early application discounts available

Practical Tips for Saudi Students

Before Arrival

1. Connect with Saudi Student Society through university websites
2. Arrange airport pickup - most universities offer this service
3. Open UK bank account - HSBC and Barclays have Saudi-friendly policies
4. Research accommodation - university halls recommended for first year
5. Download essential apps - Nottingham City Transport, Deliveroo, Rightmove

Cultural Adaptation

Weather Preparation:

• Invest in quality waterproof jacket
• Layered clothing essential for changing seasons
• Heating costs can be significant in private accommodation

Academic Expectations:

• Participation in discussions expected
• Critical thinking emphasized over memorization
• Group work common in most programmes
• Office hours available for additional support

Building Your Network

To make the most of your Nottingham experience and explore UK study options, consider joining multiple societies, attending university events, and connecting with both local and international students. This networking will prove invaluable for your academic success and future career opportunities.

Conclusion

Nottingham offers Saudi students an exceptional combination of world-class education, affordable living costs, and strong community support. With excellent universities, comprehensive scholarship opportunities, and a welcoming Islamic community, it represents one of the UK's best destinations for Saudi students seeking quality British education in a culturally comfortable environment.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 800 Saudi students study across Nottingham's universities in 2026

💰 Living costs average £800-£1,200 monthly, 40% lower than London

🎓 University of Nottingham ranks 100th globally in QS World Rankings 2026

🕌 50+ halal restaurants and 3 major mosques serve the Muslim community

📈 97% graduate employment rate at University of Nottingham

💡 £12,006 minimum financial requirement for Saudi student visa applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Nottingham as a Saudi student?

Saudi students need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their chosen university first. Then apply online through the UK government website with required documents including IELTS scores, financial evidence (£12,006 for living costs plus tuition), tuberculosis test, and academic certificates. Processing takes 3-6 weeks for standard applications, with priority services available for faster processing.

What is the cost of living for Saudi students in Nottingham?

Saudi students can expect monthly living costs of £800-£1,200 in Nottingham, significantly lower than London. This includes accommodation (£320-£720), food and groceries (£200-£300), transportation (£50-£70), and entertainment (£100-£150). University halls typically cost £120-£220 per week, while private accommodation ranges from £80-£200 per week.

How much are university tuition fees in Nottingham for Saudi students?

Tuition fees vary by university and programme. University of Nottingham charges £19,000-£26,000 for undergraduate courses and £20,000-£28,000 for postgraduate (Medicine up to £38,000). Nottingham Trent University is more affordable at £15,500-£17,500 for undergraduate and £16,000-£19,000 for postgraduate programmes. SACM scholarships can cover full tuition costs for eligible Saudi students.

What scholarship opportunities are available for Saudi students in Nottingham?

Saudi students can access SACM scholarships providing full tuition coverage, £1,200 monthly living allowance, and additional benefits. Universities also offer merit-based scholarships: University of Nottingham provides up to £4,000 International Excellence Scholarships, while Nottingham Trent offers up to £5,000 Academic Excellence Awards. Early application often increases scholarship chances.

How strong is the Islamic community and halal food availability in Nottingham?

Nottingham has an excellent Islamic community with the Central Mosque being the largest in the Midlands. Over 50 halal restaurants operate citywide, major supermarkets have halal sections, and Middle Eastern grocery stores are concentrated in Hyson Green. Universities provide prayer facilities and halal catering options, while the Islamic Society organizes regular community events.

What are the English language requirements for Saudi students applying to Nottingham universities?

Both University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University typically require IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall, with specific band requirements varying by programme. Medical and engineering courses may require higher scores (6.5-7.0). Alternative tests like TOEFL are accepted, and both universities offer pre-sessional English courses for students who need to improve their language skills before starting their main programme.

How do Saudi students typically find accommodation in Nottingham?

Most Saudi students choose university halls for their first year, costing £120-£220 weekly with utilities included and providing built-in social opportunities. After first year, many move to private shared houses (£80-£120 per room weekly) or flats. Popular student areas include Lenton, Beeston, and city centre. University accommodation services and Saudi Student Society provide guidance and sometimes arrange group viewings for private housing.

What transportation options are available for students in Nottingham?

Nottingham offers excellent student transportation with the modern NET tram system connecting universities to the city centre (student pass £52/month). Comprehensive bus networks serve all student areas with night services available. The city is very cycle-friendly with extensive bike lanes and secure university storage. Many students find cycling the most convenient and economical option, with bikes available from £100-£200.

Key Takeaways

✅ Nottingham offers excellent value with 40% lower living costs than London while maintaining world-class education standards

✅ Strong Islamic community with 50+ halal restaurants, major mosques, and active Saudi Student Society supporting 800+ Saudi students

✅ SACM scholarships provide comprehensive funding including full tuition, £1,200 monthly allowance, and family benefits

✅ University of Nottingham (QS rank 100) and Nottingham Trent University both offer excellent programmes with high employment rates

✅ Student visa processing takes 3-6 weeks with £12,006 financial requirement plus tuition fees

✅ Excellent transportation network including modern tram system and cycle-friendly infrastructure makes getting around easy and affordable