Cranfield University is a specialist public university located in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England. Established in 1946 as the College of Aeronautics, it is one of the few universities in the UK that offers only postgraduate (Master's and PhD) programmes.
The university has two campuses: the main Cranfield Campus in Bedfordshire and the Shrivenham Campus in Oxfordshire, which focuses on defence and security studies. Cranfield is home to around 5,000 students from more than 110 countries, with international students making up nearly 68% of the student population.
Key Highlights
- Type: Public, Postgraduate-Only University
- Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England, UK
- Established: 1946
- Student Population: Around 5,000 students from 110+ countries
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 68% (as per unofficial stats)
- Popular Courses: MBA, Management, Artificial Intelligence, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Strategic Marketing
- Entry Requirements: Bachelor's degree with typically 55–65%+ from a recognised Indian university
- English Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT: 92 or 4.5, PTE: 65 overall
- Tuition Fees: Approximately £29,000–£49,500 (₹37–63 lakh) depending on the programme
Check all the courses offered by Cransfield University for International Students
*INR values are calculated at £1 = ₹127.97.
- Cransfield University Popular Courses
- Cransfield University Admission Deadlines
- Cransfield University Admission Requirement
- Cransfield University Campus
4.1 What Students Say About Cranfield University
- Cransfield University Cost of Living
- Cransfield University Rankings
- Cransfield University Scholarships
- FAQs
Cransfield University Popular Courses
Cranfield offers 50+ full-time taught master's programmes across engineering, management, aerospace, sustainability, data science, and defence. All programmes are at the postgraduate level.
The courses are grouped broadly under two schools: the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing (SATM) and the Cranfield School of Management (SOM). Most programmes at Cranfield are 1-year full-time, a major advantage for Indian students who want to save time and money compared to 2-year master's programmes elsewhere in the UK. Tabulated below are some popular courses among the international students:
| Program Name | Duration | Tuition Fees (in GBP) | Tuition Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.B.A | 1 Year | £49,500 | ₹63.35 Lakh |
| M.Sc Astronautics and Space Engineering | 1 Year | £33,045 | ₹42.29 Lakh |
| M.Sc Management | 1 Year | £35,950 | ₹46.01 Lakh |
| M.Sc Strategic Marketing | 1 Year | £29,650 | ₹37.94 Lakh |
| M.Sc Automotive Engineering | 1 Year | £29,025 | ₹37.14 Lakh |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] Strategic Marketing | 1 Year | £29,650 | ₹37.94 Lakh |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] Applied Artificial Intelligence | 1 Year | £29,025 | ₹37.14 Lakh |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] Astronautics and Space Engineering | 1 Year | £33,045 | ₹42.29 Lakh |
| Master of Science [M.Sc] Management | 1 Year | £35,950 | ₹46.01 Lakh |
Note: Some defence-specific programmes (e.g., Guided Weapon Systems, Military Aerospace and Airworthiness, Cyberspace Operations) are primarily for sponsored military or government personnel and may not be open to general international applicants. Always check individual course pages.
Cransfield University Admission Deadlines
Cranfield University is a postgraduate-only university, meaning it does not offer traditional undergraduate (Bachelor's) degrees. Most MSc and postgraduate taught programmes follow rolling admissions. Applications are assessed as they are received, and offers are made continuously until seats are filled.
There is no single fixed application deadline for most courses, but international students should follow the university's recommended deadlines.
September 2026 Intake (Main Intake)
| Applicant Type | Recommended Deadline |
|---|---|
| International students requiring ATAS | 22 June 2026 |
| International students not requiring ATAS | 29 June 2026 |
| CAS document submission | 13 July 2026 (Academic Document) 10 Aug 2026 (Financial Document) |
| CAS Deadline | 14 Sept 2026 |
| Registration & Welcome Week | 28 Sept 2026 |
Learn more: UK Intakes 2026
Cransfield University Admission Requirement
As a postgraduate-only university, Cranfield University assesses applicants based on their academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and supporting documents. Entry requirements vary by programme, particularly for MBA and specialist management courses.
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university with typically 55–65%+ or equivalent UK 2:2/2:1 classification. |
| MBA Requirement | Honours degree and a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience. |
| Application Portal | Direct application through the Cranfield University online portal. |
| Application Fee | No fees, but need to pay £49 (₹6,300)* as Qualification Check fee. |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 overall (5.5 in each band) | TOEFL iBT: 92 or 4.5 | PTE: 65 overall (59 in each component) | Duolingo: 120 overall (95 in each subscore) |
| Required Documents | Academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport, CV/resume, personal statement, and two academic/professional references. |
| Qualification Verification | Mandatory verification through Qualification Check (£49 fee, adjusted against tuition fees). |
| Additional Requirements | ATAS clearance may be required for certain engineering, aerospace, and technology programmes. |
*Note on the Qualification Check fee: Cranfield charges a £49 fee to verify your academic qualifications as part of the application process. This is not a standard application fee, it is a verification step. Additionally, this amount is adjusted against your tuition fees if you accept an offer and enrol.
Explore: Cransfield University Admissions
Cransfield University Campus
Cranfield University is located in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, around 15–20 minutes from Milton Keynes and 20 minutes from Bedford. The university has two campuses: Cranfield Campus, which offers most postgraduate courses, and Shrivenham Campus, which focuses on defence and security programmes.
Student Life Around Cranfield University
- Transportation: Regular bus services connect the campus with Milton Keynes and Bedford. London is around 1 hour away by train from nearby stations.
- Food: Students can access cafés, dining outlets, and the CSA Café/Bar on campus. Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and Indian food options are available.
- Shopping: Nearby Milton Keynes and Bedford offer shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and cinemas.
- Outdoor Spaces: The campus features woodland trails, sports fields, green spaces, and a Tiny Forest for recreation and relaxation.
- Student Activities: The Cranfield Student Association (CSA) organises events, trips, and student activities throughout the year.
- Clubs & Societies: Popular options include the Cranfield Indian Society, Islamic Society, Aeronautical Society, entrepreneurship groups, and sports clubs such as cricket, football, badminton, and gym activities.
- International Community: Cranfield has a diverse student population with a strong Indian student community, making it easier for international students to settle in and build connections.
- Location Advantage: Students enjoy a quiet campus environment while remaining close to major towns and within easy reach of London.
What Students Say About Cranfield University
Based on student reviews shared on Reddit, Quora, and YouTube, Cranfield University is generally praised for its strong industry links and career-focused education, while its quiet countryside location receives mixed reviews.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong industry connections and employability | Quiet campus with limited nightlife |
| Excellent reputation in Aerospace, Engineering, and Management | Fewer part-time job opportunities nearby |
| Close-knit international and Indian student community | Less suitable for students seeking a big-city university experience |
| Modern facilities and focused study environment | Weekends can feel slow due to the rural location |
Cransfield University Cost of Living
According to Cranfield University, living costs vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. The estimates below are based on monthly expenses for a single student at the Cranfield campus.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (GBP) | Monthly Cost (INR)* |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £570 – £1,400 | ₹72,903 – ₹179,060 |
| Food | £300 – £400 | ₹38,370 – ₹51,160 |
| Travel | £39 – £85 | ₹4,988 – ₹10,872 |
| General Expenses | £300 – £400 | ₹38,370 – ₹51,160 |
| Estimated Total | £1,209 – £2,285 | ₹1.55 lakh – ₹2.92 lakh |
Additional Costs
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Laundry | £5–£8 per week (₹640–₹1,023) |
| Winter Clothing | £350–£450 (₹44,765–₹57,555) |
| TV Licence (Optional) | £174.50 per year (₹22,314) |
Estimated Annual Living Cost: Approximately £14,500–£27,500 (₹18.5–35.2 lakh) excluding tuition fees.
Note: Students living on campus and sharing accommodation often spend closer to the lower end of the range, while private accommodation and a more active lifestyle can increase monthly expenses.
Read more: Rising Cost of Living in UK — What Indian Students Should Know
Cransfield University Rankings
The table below highlights Cranfield University's rankings across major global ranking bodies
| Ranking Body | Rankings 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking | #55 |
| US News Global University Ranking | #817 |
| CWUR | #916 |
Cranfield performs particularly well in Engineering and Management. It is ranked #5 in the UK and among the Top 55 globally for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (QS 2026), while its Full-Time MBA is ranked #6 in the UK by Financial Times 2026, making it a strong choice for Indian students pursuing engineering or management careers.
Cransfield University Scholarships
Cranfield University offers a range of university-funded and external scholarships for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies. Awards are based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and course eligibility.
| Scholarship | Award Value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Venkatesan Prabhu Endowed Memorial Scholarship | Full tuition fee | Indian students enrolled in selected Aerospace MSc programmes. |
| Cranfield Excellence International Scholarship | £10,000 (₹12.9 lakh) |
International students with an offer for a full-time School of Management MSc. |
| Cranfield Excellence Merit Scholarship | Up to £10,000 (₹12.9 lakh) |
High-achieving international students across eligible MSc programmes. |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Variable loan scholarship | Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. |
| GREAT Scholarships (British Council) | £10,000 (₹12.9 lakh ) |
Indian students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential |
| Chevening & Commonwealth Scholarships | Varies | Eligible international students applying for master's programmes in the UK. |
Note: Most scholarships require a separate application after receiving an admission offer. Students are advised to apply early, as funding opportunities are competitive and may have programme-specific deadlines.
Explore more funding options: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Ranked #33 globally in Engineering by QS 2026 and #7 in UK research power for Engineering & Technology, Cranfield offers strong ROI through its industry-focused setup, own airport for aerospace hands-on, and vibrant Indian society with events like Diwali and cricket. Based on 27 Collegedunia Cranfield University reviews, it scores 7.5/10 overall. Indian students praise the academic quality for research opportunities and faculty for mentorship, plus social life due to cultural comfort. Accommodation and infrastructure get high marks for campus facilities, but some note placement could improve for non-UK job hunts, though global networks help many return to India with boosted careers.
FAQs
Ques: Is a Pre-Master's pathway available at Cranfield University?
Ans: Yes. Cranfield University works with Kaplan International College London. Successful completion of the Pre-Master’s pathway guarantees progression to your chosen Master’s course at Cranfield University.
Ques: What kind of group projects or practical experiences can students expect at Cranfield University?
Ans: Cranfield University is known for intensive group design projects (often 10–12 weeks long) where students work on real industry problems. These are presented to professionals and help develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills valued by employers.
Ques: Is there a Flying Laboratory or unique aviation facility at Cranfield University?
Ans: Yes! Cranfield University operates the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) with its own aircraft (e.g., Saab 340B). Students in aerospace and related fields get hands-on flight test experience — a rare facility among UK universities.
Ques: Does Cranfield University have a dedicated representative for students from India?
Ans: Yes. Cranfield University has an official representative for South Asia (Trisha Hegde) who can assist Indian students with queries, applications, and country-specific advice.
Cranfield University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 1 year | Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (21st Jul 2026) | USD 65,340 /Yr GBP 49,500 /Yr | TOEFL:5.0,IELTS:7,Duolingo:130,PTE:68 | |
Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (21st Jul 2026) | USD 43,619 /Yr GBP 33,045 /Yr | TOEFL:4.5,IELTS:6.5,Duolingo:120,PTE:65 | ||
Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (29th Jun 2026) | USD 38,313 /Yr GBP 29,025 /Yr | TOEFL:4.5,IELTS:6.5,Duolingo:120,PTE:65 | ||
M.Sc Management 1 year | Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (28th Sep 2026) | USD 47,454 /Yr GBP 35,950 /Yr | TOEFL:5.0,IELTS:7,Duolingo:130,PTE:68 | |
M.Sc Strategic Marketing 1 year | Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (26th Jun 2026) | USD 39,138 /Yr GBP 29,650 /Yr | TOEFL:4.5,IELTS:6.5,Duolingo:120,PTE:65 | |
E.M.B.A 24 months | Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (29th Jun 2026) | USD 52,140 /Yr GBP 39,500 /Yr | TOEFL:4.5,IELTS:6.5,Duolingo:120,PTE:65 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake | Closing in 29 days |
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Cranfield University Reviews
33 Reviews Found
Likes
- Faculty is excellent. Professors have really good experience and the course is delivered. A great format.
Campus Life
- Student association and other clubs are available around the campus.
Fees
- £21500 when I did the course in 2021
Likes
- The Advantage is Called Cranfield Advantage, Strong Industry Links, Strong Alumni support across globally, Strong Visibility and Credibility for Automotive and Aersospace STEM courses. Strong reputation now joined with King's College london and now also a part of the Esteemed Russell Group.
Dislikes
- The disadvantage is no after college life, remote location to major cities like London, Birmingham. Expensive Tuition fees. Less Diverse and Majorly Indian cohort, Food and amenities are expensive part time job necessary for upkeep of financials.
Campus Life
- The one-year course at PG university does not have much to offer, considering your one year dedicated to your field, course, and academic interest. There are several campuses providing accommodation and livelihood, clubs and events also take place along with extracurricular activities, and a minimalistic focus on sports and their quotas.
- However, mainly research activities are carried out, and the main focus is on academics.
Fees
- GBP 30,000
Likes
- All the professors were very supportive and approachable.
- They provided tailored help for each student if requested.
- The campus is in a rural area and is very beautiful.
Dislikes
- But, some people found it too quiet.
Campus Life
- The campus is in a rural area. Cranfield village is not a particularly lively area, but many events and parties take place on campus.
Fees
- It was around 30 lakhs.
Likes
- The college is a postgraduate only college, making the atmosphere perfect for studying and focusing on your career if you are a career oriented person.
- The college has world class facilities which help you to grow and develop skills which you would require for your development in your field.
- The college has a huge campus and is located in a village, making the place a quiet and serene area to study.
Dislikes
- Basic necessities are available but scarce in the village.
- Bus service is there but not totally reliable.
- The weather is too cold in the winters, but if you can manage cold weather, it's perfect.
Campus Life
- The college has two campuses in the UK only, the main one in Cranfield and the other one in Shrivenham.
- We have 2 libraries, sports facilities like gyms, badminton, tennis, basketball, a football ground, medical attention center.
- Cranfield has their student association, CSA, who conduct events every once in a while. There are multiple student associations you can attend, depending on what you like.
Fees
- My fees were inclusive of all tuition fees only. I did a master's by research course, which made my fees around 22,000 GBP and around 8,000 GBP for living expenses, inclusive of rent for accommodation. An estimate of my monthly expenses would be 700-750 GBP per month.
- The fees are charged yearly at the beginning of the year. Transportation is not that expensive if you use public transport like trains and buses.
Likes
- The secluded campus but well connected at the same time,
- Diversity of people from different parts of the world,
- Opportunities to learn and develop skills,
Dislikes
- The food is definitely something that takes getting used to.
- The weather is really something that hits very different as it's cold gloomy and rainy
- There is not a lot of social things to do around campus with CSA just being the only
Campus Life
- Cranfield University has two campuses: the main Cranfield University campus in Bedfordshire and Shrivenham in Oxfordshire.
- Cranfield offers a strong library, sports centre, gym, medical and wellbeing services. Campus life includes MBA socials, sports clubs, consulting and entrepreneurship societies, and student-led events throughout the year. You can start your own if it does not exist on campus
- There are no events that happen here like the colleges in India
Fees
- The full tuition fee is supposed to be paid before reaching the campus. (£44000)
- Hotel fee can be paid Monthly, quarterly, or altogether (this depends on which hostel you take up, and the cost varies yearly, considering various factors). Mine cost £1244.50 per month and £700 security deposit
- Monthly £300-£400 should be enough to take care of everything, but this exceeds depending on various external factors.
Likes
- Love the research atmosphere
- Like that there’s so many facilities we have access to
- Like how the college is isolated and peaceful making it an ideal study and focused environment
Dislikes
- It’s a fast moving college, there’s not much time for anything else other than academics
- High tuition cost
- Academic Pressure
Campus Life
- It has 2, one of the main Cranfield ones, and there’s another campus in Shrivenham ( it’s a military base). There’s Coop and Londis for grocery needs, there’s Costa Coffee, and vending machines everywhere. The library is open 24/7.
- There’s a sports centre that has a gym. There’s basketball, football, tennis, and cricket. The sports center has badminton, Muay Thai, table tennis, and other such sports. All the fun events are organised by the Cranfield Student Association (CSA). It conducts fun Friday nights and has a bar every day of the week.
Fees
- My tuition fee is 27910 pounds, and my living costs me 190 pounds per week. There are no other charges. The tuition is a single payment at the start of the course, whereas with the accommodation, we get to choose if we want to pay monthly, quarterly, or once every 6/9 months.
- My general monthly expenses come up to around 200 pounds, but if I’m being more liberal with spending, then 300-400.
Likes
- I liked everything.
Dislikes
- Other than teaching method, especially how the syllabus is completed, may be most of the foreign university happens like this, people don't write on the board, everything is on ppt, and they fast forworded very fast, honestly speaking course content is not possible cover in the 1 year course structure.
Campus Life
- Lots of clubs were, for whatever reason, on the university website regarding this, which is true.
Fees
- It was 27000 pounds during sep 2023.
Likes
- Environment in and around the college
- The library services are available 24x7
- Greenery in the university meant, calm and soothing space for mental health
Dislikes
- Public transport (bus) commute is minimal in off-peak hours
- Accessibility to large grocery stores was dependent on the availability of the buses
- Feels a little fast-paced
Campus Life
- Number of campuses: 2
- Locations: Cranfield and Shrivenham
- Facilities: Library (Engineering, Management, Defence), Sports, Gym, Medical Services
- Extracurricular activities: Cricket, Football, Badminton, Tennis, Squash, Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis. The Student Association hosts events from regional to international cultural events
- Student Organisations - acts as a main body for many diverse clubs, from nationalities and religious to science and fun activities
Fees
- Tuition: £28000
- Accommodation: ranging from £450 to £1000 (based on the type of accommodation preferences)
- The fee payment is charged yearly
- Monthly expenses: £710 - 750
- Rent: £550 (my rent) - off-campus; however, on campus ranges about the same (for a decent room size with all the amenities) - all bills are generally included.
- Groceries: £120-160
- Travel: £39 (monthly pass with unlimited travel from Bedford - Cranfield - Milton Keynes)
Likes
- The university is close to the village and the nearby cities are around 45 mins via public transport.
- This causes the part time opportunities a bit difficult.
Campus Life
- The university has lots of extracurricular activities, such as indoor/outdoor games, events, clubs, and parties every Friday evening. The whole vibe was quite amazing.
Fees
- £25,000 which is somewhat equivalent to lacs+ in INR (it may increase more as per the currency value)
Dislikes
- Marking was quite strict and the teaching was not up to the point
Campus Life
- Yes, it is good for research and postgraduation but slightly of higher standards compared to Indian universities so it is very hard to clear the exams
Fees
- When I studied it was £24,000 but now it is around £32,000
Cranfield University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranfield Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Saltire Scholarships | Scholarship per student$8,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowship | Scholarship per student$3,105 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based |
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Cranfield University Admissions
September Intake for Shrivenham courses Deadlines
Important Date: June12 (Application deadline)September Intake for Cranfield courses Deadlines
Important Date: July3 (Application deadline)
Cranfield University Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| Duolingo | - | 120 | - | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Production | - | 75 | - | - |
| Literacy | - | 95 | - | - |
| Comprehension | - | 100 | - | - |
| Conversation | - | 85 | - | - |
| Language Proficiency | ||||
| TOEFL | 106 | 92 | 120 | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Reading | - | 18 | - | - |
| Listening | - | 17 | - | - |
| Speaking | - | 20 | - | - |
| Writing | - | 17 | - | - |
| IELTS | 7.5 | 6.5 | 9 | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Reading | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Listening | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Speaking | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Writing | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| PTE | 77.5 | 65 | 90 | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Reading | - | 59 | - | - |
| Listening | - | 59 | - | - |
| Speaking | - | 59 | - | - |
| Writing | - | 59 | - | - |
| Graduate | ||||
| GMAT | 680 | 600 | 800 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 755 | - | - | - |
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Cranfield University operates on a rolling admissions basis for most programs, which means application deadlines are flexible throughout the year. However, you can explore the Cranfield University courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.