Students now have more flexibility in how they pay their tuition fees, following new payment terms.

The updated system allows students to make multiple smaller payments throughout the year, as long as they meet key percentage thresholds by specific deadlines.

Following feedback from international students BCUSU President, Shoukat Mehsud, relayed the problems students were facing to the University to instigate this change.  

"By allowing smaller, more frequent payments, students can match their tuition payments with their own income schedules, such as part-time work or family support. This removes the pressure of needing to save up a large sum of money to be paid on a specific date.

"Hopefully, this flexibility can significantly reduce financial stress and allow students to better manage their budget throughout the academic year."

Key payment thresholds

Self-funded students must meet the following payment deadlines:

• 50% of the total fee must be paid to complete enrolment

• 60% of the total fee must be paid by 1st December 2025

• 80% of the total fee must be paid by 2nd February 2026

• 100% of the total fee must be paid by 5th May 2026

How the new terms work

Under the new plan, students are no longer required to make a single, large payment on an installment date. Instead, they can make smaller, more frequent payments at their convenience.

For example, a student could pay £300 in October and £100 in November etc. as long as their total payments reach the 60% threshold by 1st December.

Need support?

If you have questions about the new payment terms or need assistance, you can contact the Collections Team via email at collections@bcu.ac.uk

For in-person support, BCU's Student Support Centre is available to provide guidance on a range of student life topics, including finances. Contact them:

Online:

Via the Student Support Helpdesk

In person:

City Centre Campus (Curzon Building, 1st Floor). 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri

City South Campus (Seacole Building, Ground Floor). 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri

By phone:

0121 202 4804 (City Centre)

0121 331 7105 (City South)

Working as an international student

To help with your living expenses, you may want to find part-time work during uni. If you hold a Student Route Visa and your visa states that work is permitted, then you can work, but here's what you need to know before you enter employment as a student:

• If you are doing a full-time degree-level course, you are only able to work up to 20 hours per week during term time
• Outside term time you can work full-time (over 20 hours per week)
• "Term time" refers to the teaching dates and exam periods as laid out in the University’s academic calendar. This will vary depending on your course.
• Your employer may request your term dates in a formal letter before you start work. BCU's Student Support Centre can provide this to you  

For more information