Coventry for students

Located in the West Midlands of England, Coventry is home to Coventry University (ranked among the world’s top 700), and the University of Warwick (ranked in the world’s top 65) – the latter is located just south of the city on a 700-acre campus.

Their combined student population gives Coventry the highest score for the student mix indicator (first out of 100 cities).

Coventry also gets a strong rating from graduate employers, thanks to the strong reputation of its universities as well as the city’s long history of leadership in manufacturing and design. This legacy is reflected in the fact that Coventry University is one of only a few institutions to offer a course dedicated to automotive design, while the University of Warwick has a centre dedicated to supporting innovative collaborations between academia and industry (Warwick Manufacturing Group), which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Warwick University’s Arts Centre, which houses various performance spaces, galleries and a cinema, is one of the largest arts centres in the UK. Coventry has several other theatres and art galleries, and there are a number of large venues in and around the city which are used for both music concerts and major sports events. These probably helped the city in its success in being awarded the title of UK City of Culture 2021. 

When asked to name the best thing about studying in Coventry, one respondent to our student survey described it as “a very friendly and multicultural city” and that the city “feels safe with low crime rates and great affordability.”

Best universities in Coventry - QS Best Student Cities ranking: =40th

More about Coventry

Coventry scored well across the ranking indicators, despite slipping seven places for employer activity. It did, however, improve for desirability, ranking 75th this year.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Coventry?

Good job prospects for graduates

Coventry ranks in the top 60 in the world for employer activity and boasts great job prospects for graduates – particularly in the manufacturing and design sectors.

Affordable rent and living costs

Although tuition fees are relatively high for international students, rent and living costs are lower compared to other student cities in the UK, such as Manchester and London.

Numbeo estimates that a single person’s monthly costs are around US$878 plus an additional US$976 for a single bedroom apartment in the city centre.

UK City of Culture 2021

There’s a lot for students to see and do in Coventry. Warwick University’s Arts Centre is one of the largest arts centres in the UK and houses various performance spaces, galleries and even a cinema.

There are also various theatres and art galleries, as well as a number of large venues in and around the city which are used for both music concerts and major sports events.

What is the cost of studying in Coventry?

Tuition fees at universities in the city average at around US$21,200 per year for international students. With a lower cost of living in the city Coventry scores 86th for affordability. 

Life & culture in Coventry

Coventry was heavily bombed in the second world war and only a handful of original streets remain, offering a small glimpse of the old city of Coventry. The city was also the home of many British motor manufacturers including Jaguar and Rolls Royce before its demise in the 1980s.

Today, the city offers a vibrant cultural scene with its fair share of late-night bars, restaurants, cafés, shopping centres and various entertainment and music venues.

Coventry is also known for being a major sporting hub. From football to rugby, ice hockey to netball, even if you’re not a fan of playing sport, you’ll definitely want to go and watch.

Careers in Coventry

If you’re thinking of staying in Coventry after graduation, you’ll be pleased to discover that the city holds on to its top 60 place this year in the employer reputation indicator – a reflection of the strong reputation of the city’s graduates amongst employers in the area.  

Coventry boasts lots of jobs for graduates looking to work in various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and automotive, all of which are on the lookout for talented, skilled graduates.