Cranfield University

Cranfield University maintains its reputation as a world class postgraduate institution, with recognition in ranking for engineering, management, sustainability  and employability. It is fully dedicated to postgraduate courses giving students a more focused education.

The university was recognised by the UK Office for Students as a world-leading specialist provider, acknowledging the high quality of its teaching and the long-term impact of its graduates.

Below are some of the key rankings and distinctions of Cranfield University for 2025/26:

Cranfield University – Top Subject-Wise Rankings 2025

Cranfield University is globally recognized for its excellence in engineering, management, and sustainability-focused research. Below are its top subject-wise rankings across major global ranking bodies:

After exploring the Cranfield University ranking, let’s take a look at the admission requirements. 

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Cranfield University accommodates students from over 100 countries each year, offering a postgraduate-only course that emphasizes applied research, innovation, and career integration. The university’s admissions process is simple for international applicants, with clear criteria and support available at every step.

International students applying to Cranfield must meet required qualifications and English language requirements, and once admitted, will need to prepare additional documents for the UK's student visa application.

Below are the key admission requirements to study at Cranfield University:

Note: Some courses may have additional entry requirements, including work experience. For more information, you can check the Admission Page of Cranfield.

Cranfield University offers flexible entry points for international students, though most taught master's programs begin in October. Select programs may also offer January or March intakes, depending on the department.

For specific intake details by course, students should visit the Cranfield course finder.

Cranfield University primarily offers intakes in October and January, with limited spots available in the summer. Application deadlines differ by program type and are advised to be followed strictly to ensure timely processing, especially for international students.

Fall 2025 (October Intake)

Spring 2025 (January Intake)

Summer 2025

Note: Cranfield University advises all international applicants to apply at least three months in advance to accommodate visa processing and ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Cranfield University offers a wide variety of postgraduate programs, very well aligned with industry and research needs. With over 100 master’s degrees and various executive and doctoral options, the institution is the go-to destination for future-ready professional education.

Here are top 10 programs at Cranfield University with their degrees, duration, and tuition fees for international students (2025–26):

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary based on the program and campus.

Now that you've explored popular courses and fees that make up the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students, let's examine the cost of studying at Cranfield University.

Cranfield University offers a wide range of scholarships available to Indian students for studying in the UK: internal and external scholarships for exceptional postgraduate applicants and international students. Most are partial tuition fee awards, with a few full or substantial scholarships available.

Internal Scholarships 

These awards are funded directly by Cranfield and are often tied to academic excellence, sustainability focus, or regional representation:

External Scholarships 

Cranfield supports applications to several prestigious external awards—worth full/partial tuition plus living costs:

• Chevening scholarship: UK government-funded, covers full MSc tuition, living allowance, and travel.
• Commonwealth scholarships: For students from eligible developing countries, covering tuition, stipend, and flights.
• Marshall Scholarship: For US citizens, funds tuition and stipend (approx. £30,000/year) 
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM: Fully funds tuition for eligible academics

​Placement rates are a key indicator of academic outcomes at Cranfield University. Let's explore the placement rates at Cranfield University in more detail.

Cranfield University, a public postgraduate specialist institution, charges competitive tuition and additional costs for international students based on program type. Here’s an overview based on program type:

Note: Tuition fees are subject to change and may vary based on the specific program and duration. It's advisable to consult the official Cranfield website or contact the admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.​

In addition to the tuition fee, you need to pay for accommodation, tuition, and academic materials. Let’s find out the cost involved.

Cost of Living

The cost of living depends on your lifestyle, but the main expenses usually include accommodation, food, and course materials. If you live off-campus, you’ll also need to budget for transportation.

Here are the additional costs involved in studying at Cranfield University:

Note: These figures are estimates and actual expenses may vary. It's recommended to plan your budget accordingly and consider potential fluctuations in living costs.

Cranfield University offers scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. Let’s explore the internal and external scholarship options available to students.

Cranfield University has a good reputation for delivering real-world outcomes through its  partnerships with industry. With connections across over 1,500 global organisations, including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever, Boeing, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, and Amazon, students benefit from the highly credible opportunities given by these companies. At Cranfield, employability is inbuilt in the curriculum through industry placements, live consultancy projects, internships, and thesis collaborations, setting Cranfield students apart in competitive job markets.

Career Support

Career development at Cranfield is embedded within each master’s program, ensuring students are prepared for success from day one. The Career Development Service offers personalised guidance through:

• One-to-one career coaching sessions tailored to student goals
• CV, cover letter, and interview preparation workshops
• Access to exclusive employer networking events and recruitment fairs
• Support for internship applications and post-study job searches in the UK and globally

Practical modules such as company-sponsored group projects and career-focused assessments help students apply their skills in real-world settings.

Industry Connections

Cranfield’s academic structure is uniquely aligned with business and industry. The university collaborates with organisations across aerospace, defence, manufacturing, energy, environment, finance, and logistics sectors. Student-industry interaction includes:

• Live consultancy projects with companies like Airbus, PwC, and DHL
• Guest lectures and masterclasses by corporate leaders
• Placement-linked thesis opportunities with industry sponsors
• Co-developed course content with real-world relevance and innovation

These experiences offer students early exposure to future employers while working on impactful business challenges.

Top Recruiters

Cranfield graduates are highly sought after for their technical knowledge, leadership potential, and industry experience. While the university doesn’t publish a definitive recruiter list, consistent hiring trends highlight partnerships with globally recognised companies.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Cranfield University offers structured  internships in the UK and co-op programs  as a part of many postgraduate programs. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply classroom learning directly within industry settings, often leading to full-time job offers.

Key highlights of Cranfield’s internship and co-op ecosystem include:

• 3–6 month internships or project placements in partnership with leading global employers
• Industry-sponsored MSc thesis projects, where students face real business challenges
• Dual-focus modules blending academic research with operational problem-solving
• Opportunities in the UK, EU, and global markets, depending on the course and partner firm

Through its industry-driven curriculum, hands-on placements, and global corporate ties, Cranfield University prepares students for impactful careers in today’s most innovative and challenging sectors. Now, let's see how the student life is at Cranfield University.

Student life at Cranfield University is immersive, supportive, and tailored to help students thrive both academically and personally. With a family like environment, students enjoy a highly focused academic experience with activities and opportunities for recreation, networking, and cultural engagement.

1. Vibrant Campus Community

Cranfield’s single-site campus encourages strong student connections across disciplines.

• Postgraduate-only Environment: With all students at the master's or doctoral level, Cranfield offers mature academic discussions and professional networking from day one.
• Cultural Diversity: With over 100 nationalities on campus, diversity is deeply embedded in campus culture, fostering global friendships and collaboration.
• Events & Social Life: Students participate in themed nights, cultural celebrations, quizzes, and seasonal festivals organized by the Cranfield Student Association (CSA) and various student societies.

2. Sports and Wellbeing

Stay active and energized through Cranfield’s broad range of sports and fitness options:

• Fitness and Recreation Facilities: On-campus amenities include a fully equipped fitness centre, sports hall, outdoor pitches, and tennis courts.
• Sports Clubs: Join clubs such as football, basketball, badminton, and running, or explore the local countryside through walking and cycling routes.
• Health & Wellbeing: Students have access to confidential counselling, mental health support, and physical wellness services.

3. Personalised Student Support

Cranfield University is known for its comprehensive student services that support every aspect of academic life:

• International Student Support: Guidance is available on visas, accommodation, health insurance, and settling into UK life.
• Dedicated Support Teams: From disability support to academic skills assistance, students receive tailored help to succeed throughout their degree.
• Cranfield Student Association (CSA): Acts as a voice for students and organizes activities, events, and representation across campus life.

4. Campus Life & Facilities

Cranfield’s campus is designed as a self-contained, student-friendly environment:

• On-Campus Living: A range of affordable accommodation options is available, all within walking distance of teaching, sports, and social facilities.
• Dining & Social Spaces: Cafés, a bar, and food outlets cater to diverse tastes, while social lounges provide areas to relax and interact with peers.
• Safety & Accessibility: Cranfield’s secure campus has 24/7 security, excellent transport links, and proximity to Milton Keynes and London.

5. Career and Language Support

Cranfield places a strong emphasis on career development and employability:

• Career Services: Students benefit from one-on-one coaching, industry networking, CV workshops, and employer-led sessions throughout the year.
• English Language Support: Specialist academic English workshops help international students learn academic writing and presentation skills.

6. Research, Innovation & Social Impact

Students at Cranfield are encouraged to engage in impactful research and community development:

• Research-led Learning: Cranfield is known for applied research with real-world outcomes, often developed in collaboration with government or industry.

Sustainability & Community Initiatives: Participate in sustainability projects and volunteering efforts that make a tangible difference both locally and globally.

Cranfield University has a well renowned legacy of producing leaders, innovators, and change-makers across industries such as aerospace, business, technology, and government. With a focus on real-world impact, Cranfield alumni have gone on to hold prestigious positions in global organisations, launch successful ventures, and contribute to critical sectors worldwide.

Here are some well-known alumni of Cranfield University:

These alumni reflect Cranfield’s strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking. The university continues to cultivate professionals who make significant contributions across public, private, and international sectors

Now that you’ve explored Cranfield University, let’s understand how Cranfield University performs compared to other similar ones.

Choosing a university for higher studies is a big decision, and making the right choice often means comparing it with similar institutions. 

Here's a detailed comparison of Cranfield University, University of Manchester, and Durham University-

Note: The tuition fee is calculated as the average for top courses.

Cranfield University outshines Durham and Manchester with its exclusive focus on postgraduate education and over 150 specialised programs. This targeted approach ensures deep industry integration and career-focused learning.

Cranfield graduates earn an average salary of £50,000 (INR 53.5L), higher than Durham (£43,000 / INR 45.9L) and comparable to Manchester (£60,000 / INR 64.2L), reflecting its strong ties with global employers like Rolls-Royce and Airbus.

Cranfield University acceptance rate is 68%, which means 68 out of 100 applications are selected by the University. Therefore, admission in the University is moderately selective. The application procedure is lengthy and starts months in advance of the start of school. Undergraduate applications can be made through websites such as UCAS, whereas postgraduate applications must be submitted through the admissions office at Cranfield University. 

The courses and levels of study at Cranfield University affect the tuition costs. The Cranfield University fees for master's programs is between £20,000 and £39,000. The cost of tuition for a doctoral program ranges from £24,000 to £33,000. The cost of short courses and executive education varies. Scholarships are available from Cranfield University to students based on merit, need for financial assistance, and other factors. The availability, requirements, and value of scholarships differ. Through the scholarship page on the Cranfield University website, students can apply for scholarships.