By Shruti Menon Seeboo
For international students looking to build a successful future, the University of Exeter stands as a beacon of opportunity, blending academic excellence with global outreach. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, Exeter has built a reputation for preparing students not just for a degree, but for impactful careers in a rapidly changing world.
Nestled in the scenic South West of England, this vibrant and inclusive university attracts thousands of international students each year, offering them not just an education, but a gateway to lifelong success. Ahead of the Annual International Study Fair 2024, we spoke with Taylor Wearne, Regional Manager for Africa & Latin America at the University of Exeter, to explore what makes Exeter a top choice for students worldwide—and why the university is a transformative place for international students seeking to unlock their potential.
Why Choose the University of Exeter?
The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the best in the UK, Taylor explains, Exeter stands out for its commitment to both high-quality teaching and impactful research.
“At the University of Exeter, we combine teaching excellence and high levels of student satisfaction with world-class research at our campuses in Exeter and Cornwall,” Taylor says. “Students who study with us have the chance to work with experts in their fields throughout their degree programmes and join a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community of over 7,000 international students. Our community contributes to our overarching objective of making the world a greener, healthier, and more socially just place to live.”
For international students, Exeter offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a rich student experience. Due to its location, Exeter provides access to beautiful beaches, parks, and countryside. “Exeter is a small, historic city known for being safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. The relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities like London also makes it an attractive option for international students,” Taylor points out.
Moreover, Exeter provides an enriching environment outside the classroom. The natural beauty of the city and surrounding areas gives students plenty of opportunities to explore the UK’s outdoors, making it easy to balance academic work with leisure. In addition, the local culture and the presence of international students create a truly global community on campus, allowing students to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas.
Furthermore, the university’s global impact is evident in its sustainability efforts. “Exeter is world-leading in the area of climate change,” Taylor continues. “In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, Exeter was ranked #1 in the world for our action on Clean Water and Sanitation and ranked 10th overall. This reflects our commitment to sustainability, improving health, and tackling inequality.”
Exeter’s leadership in the global movement towards sustainability gives students a chance to be part of solutions to pressing global issues. For those interested in climate change, health, or social justice, Exeter is an institution that actively seeks to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
Financial support for international students
Tuition fees are often one of the most significant concerns for international students. To address this, the University of Exeter provides a range of scholarships and funding opportunities aimed at making studying in the UK more accessible. Taylor highlights the university’s commitment to supporting international students financially.
“We offer a broad range of funding opportunities for international students. Chief among these are the Excel at Exeter Scholarships, launched in November 2024, which offer merit-based discounts on tuition fees, ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 per year of study,” he says. “For the 2024/25 academic year, Exeter had more than £5 million worth of scholarships available, and this support will continue for the 2025/26 intake.” Full details of the schemes for September 2025 are available here from mid-November 2024.
The opportunity for international students to access such significant financial support makes Exeter an attractive option for those looking to receive a top-tier education without taking on crippling debt.
Supporting student wellbeing and mental health
At Exeter, the wellbeing and mental health of students are of paramount importance. With a dedicated team in place to support students through any challenges they may face, the university strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all its students.
“Our dedicated wellbeing services team is here to support students throughout their time at university,” Taylor explains. “Whether students are dealing with difficult personal circumstances, health conditions or disabilities, or simply need mental health support, we provide free and confidential advice tailored to each student’s individual needs.”
Mental health is a key priority for Exeter, which has invested in building a comprehensive wellbeing system to ensure that every student has access to support. The university offers a variety of services, from counselling and therapy to peer support programs, ensuring that no student feels alone when facing challenges.
“We also provide advice for friends, family, or staff members who are supporting students with wellbeing needs,” Taylor adds, reflecting Exeter’s commitment to supporting the wider community surrounding its students.
Exeter’s Residence Life team also plays a significant role in helping students feel at home. “Our Residence Life team is there to help students settle in, ensuring that they have everything they need to thrive both academically and socially,” Taylor says.
This holistic approach to wellbeing ensures that Exeter students are not only academically supported but also mentally and emotionally well-equipped to succeed in their studies and beyond.
Career prospects and industry partnerships
Exeter’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers is evident in its extensive network of partnerships with businesses and organisations worldwide. The university offers a range of services to help students enhance their employability, including internships, career advice, and networking events.
“Exeter has over 8,000 employers engaging with our students through ‘Handshake’ — a modern career development platform that connects students with employers and opportunities. Students can submit applications, attend career fairs, and gain access to a range of job opportunities,” Taylor explains. “We also work closely with businesses around the world to respond to the challenges of our time, preparing students to be the leaders of tomorrow.”
The University of Exeter’s Business School also stands out for its focus on graduate prospects. “Exeter’s Business School is ranked in the top 10 across all departments for ‘Business Graduate Prospects’ according to the Complete University Guide 2024,” Taylor points out. This reflects Exeter’s success in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a competitive job market.
The university’s approach includes not just academic knowledge but practical experience. “We work in partnership with organisations globally, bringing our expertise directly into the workplace through Executive Education and connecting businesses with our world-leading researchers,” Taylor says. “Our students develop the skills businesses need, ensuring they are ready to tackle real-world challenges and become future industry leaders.”
Exeter’s strong career development programs and partnerships are designed to help students transition smoothly from academic life to the professional world, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks to succeed.
Exeter Alumni: Success stories and career trajectories
The University of Exeter takes pride in the success of its alumni, with many going on to make significant contributions in their respective fields. Taylor shares some notable alumni stories from Mauritius that highlight the university’s impact on career trajectories.
One such example is Sonali, a BSc Accounting and Finance graduate. “After leaving Exeter, I was offered a position at EY Singapore as a full-time auditor,” she recalls. “I then moved to PwC Mauritius and joined their audit team, which was a great opportunity to learn and complete my ACA exams. The exposure to different businesses and meeting new clients was invaluable.”
Another success story is that of Antish, an MA in Creativity, Innovation, and Business Strategy graduate, who is now a Chevening Scholar. “During my course, I networked and worked with various local UK businesses, which helped me understand the entrepreneurial journey and the latest innovation methodologies,” Antish reflects. “The key skills I gained, such as creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and project management, have been invaluable in my career.”
Lastly, Trisha, a graduate of the LLB English Law and French Law program, describes her experience: “The dual legal degree from Exeter and the University of Rennes 1 is a rewarding degree for any Mauritian law student who aspires to practice law. It also provides an opportunity to graduate with a degree from a Russell Group University and a prestigious French law faculty.”
These stories demonstrate the long-term impact the University of Exeter has on its graduates, giving them the tools they need to excel in their careers.
