# Study in Belfast — universities, cost of living and student life

> Belfast is the affordable, welcoming capital of Northern Ireland with two strong universities.

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, home to Queen's University Belfast (Russell Group) and Ulster University. It is one of the most affordable capital cities in the UK and Ireland, with a friendly, compact centre, a fast-growing economy and good flight links to Great Britain. Confirm visa and cost figures on GOV.UK and university pages.

## Quick facts
- **Universities:** Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University
- **Cost level:** Very affordable — well below London
- **London by air:** ≈ 1 hour 15 minutes (flight)

## Key takeaways
- Home to Queen's University Belfast (Russell Group) and Ulster University.
- One of the most affordable capital cities in the UK — strong value for students.
- A friendly, compact and increasingly cosmopolitan city.
- Good flight links to London and Great Britain (around 1 hour 15 by air).

## Why study in Belfast
Belfast offers capital-city amenities at some of the lowest living costs in the UK. Queen's University Belfast is a research-intensive Russell Group member with a beautiful historic campus, and Ulster University adds strong professional, creative and applied courses across the city and region. Belfast is compact, friendly and increasingly cosmopolitan, with a lively cultural scene, dramatic coastline nearby and a fast-growing technology and film economy — a genuinely good-value option for international students.

## What it costs
Belfast is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students, with accommodation and daily costs well below London and many mainland cities. Your total cost of study is therefore typically lower, while you still enjoy capital-city life. Study UK Now builds a realistic Belfast budget with you so there are no surprises on arrival.

## Frequently asked questions
### Is Belfast a good city for international students?
Yes — Belfast is friendly, compact and one of the most affordable capital cities in the UK, with two strong universities led by the Russell Group Queen's University Belfast. Its low living costs, growing economy and welcoming culture make it an excellent-value choice for international students.

### Which universities are in Belfast?
Belfast is home to Queen's University Belfast (a Russell Group member) and Ulster University (strong in professional, creative and applied subjects). Each has its own strengths and entry requirements — Study UK Now helps you choose the right one for your subject, budget and goals.

## Sources
- [Queen's University Belfast — international](https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/) — Queen's University Belfast

Canonical: https://studyuknow.com/cities/belfast
Verified: 2026-06-16