Postgraduate taught course tuition fee deposits

To ensure that we offer you the best possible experience as a Sheffield student, we can only accept a limited number of students on each course. By paying a tuition fee deposit you'll indicate to us that you definitely intend to take up your place.

For this reason, we'll only arrange your CAS number once you've paid your deposit.

Your tuition fee deposit will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register at the University.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the University of Sheffield ask for a tuition fee deposit?

Places on courses at the University of Sheffield are competitive, and we receive many more applications than we have places available. Paying a deposit will show us that you definitely intend to take up your study place, and we shouldn't offer it to another student.

Who pays a fee deposit?

Fee deposits are normally paid by International fee-paying students who have accepted an Unconditional offer of a place on a campus-based postgraduate taught course.

Some of our most competitive postgraduate taught courses ask International students to pay a deposit when they accept a Conditional offer.

Will I be required to pay a tuition fee deposit?

Paying a tuition fee is compulsory for all International students on campus-based postgraduate taught courses, unless you're sponsored by a University-recognised sponsor (see below).

My tuition fee is going to be paid by a sponsor. Will I still need to pay a tuition fee deposit?

This will depend on who's sponsoring you and by how much.

If at least half of your tuition fee will be sponsored by a body recognised by the University (for example your national government or your employer), you won't need to pay a deposit. If we ask you to pay a deposit, you'll need to send us proof of this sponsorship arrangement.

If your sponsorship covers less than half your tuition fee, and/or your sponsor is not recognised by the University of Sheffield (for example a family member), you'll still have to pay the deposit.

How much is the tuition fee deposit?

The deposit is £1000 (£5000 for applicants to our DClinDent courses).

How will I be able to pay the tuition fee deposit?

The quickest and easiest way to pay is by credit or debit card using our online payment system. You can also pay by bank transfer.

We'll give you more information about how to pay, including the link to our online payment system, when we send your offer letter.

Will I receive a receipt after I've paid a deposit?

The University doesn't automatically issue paper receipts for payments made. However you will receive email confirmation of your payment if you make it by credit or debit card online.

When do I need to pay the deposit?

You'll only need to pay the deposit when we ask you in an offer letter. For most courses, this will be the Unconditional offer letter. The offer letter asking you to pay will include information about any deadlines for your course.

For offer-holders for courses that use our Staged Admissions process, the deadline is normally 4 or 5 weeks after the date of the offer letter.

We won't be able to arrange your CAS number or send you information about registering at the University until you've paid the deposit.

Will I be rejected for not paying my deposit on time?

If we give you a deadline in your offer letter and you don't pay your deposit by that deadline, we may withdraw your application.

Can I get my CAS number before paying my deposit?

By accepting your offer and paying a tuition fee deposit you're indicating that you definitely intend to take up your study place. Therefore, we won't arrange the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number necessary for a UK Student visa until you've paid your fee deposit.

You can find more information about the CAS number application process on our CAS application webpages.

I've applied for more than one course. Will I need to pay a deposit for each course?

No, you'll only have to pay a deposit for the course you decide to study.

When you log into the online payment system you'll be asked to indicate the choice number of the course you've accepted. You'll then be able to pay the deposit for this course. The online system won't allow you to make more than one payment.

Will my fee deposit be refunded if I can't come to the University of Sheffield (2024 entry)?

For 2024 entry, we will only be able to refund a tuition fee deposit for one of the reasons listed below. Except where indicated, please attach appropriate documentary evidence, for example a medical note or a letter from your school or university. Please see section 7 of the University's Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer for the full policy.

If you are found to have provided fraudulent information or omitted key information as part of the application process, the refund policy will not apply. In such circumstances we will withdraw any offer we have made you, and we will retain the deposit payment.

1. If you request a refund within 14 days of accepting an offer or paying the deposit (we will not require evidence for this reason)
2. If you are unable to travel to Sheffield to begin your studies due to UK or other government restrictions on travel
3. If your exams are cancelled or your university is closed
4. If your UK Student visa application is refused or rejected, except where there is evidence of fraud
5. If the University is unable to provide the course as advertised, and you do not accept an alternative
6. If you are unable to take up your place due to the ill health of yourself or a dependant, or due to a family bereavement
7. For applicants holding a Conditional offer, if you attempt but fail to meet the conditions of your offer, and you are not accepted at the University
8. For applicants to courses requiring ATAS clearance, if your application for ATAS clearance is refused

If you request a refund for one of the reasons listed in points 2-8 above, you should submit your request by 1 November 2024. The final decision will rest with the University of Sheffield.

You should submit your request, and any evidence required, through our form:

Tuition fee deposit refund request form

Please note that if you request a refund of your tuition fee deposit, your application will be automatically withdrawn. If you wish to be considered for the same course or a different course at a later date, you will need to re-apply to the University.

Will my fee deposit be refunded if I can't come to the University of Sheffield (2025 entry)?

For 2025 entry, we will only be able to refund a tuition fee deposit for one of the reasons listed below. Except where indicated, please attach appropriate documentary evidence, for example a medical note or a letter from your school or university. Please see section 8 of the University's Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer for the full policy.

If you are found to have provided fraudulent information or omitted key information as part of the application process, the refund policy will not apply. In such circumstances we will withdraw any offer we have made you, and we will retain the deposit payment.

1. If you request a refund within 14 days of accepting an offer or paying the deposit (we will not require evidence for this reason)
2. If the college or university at which you are currently studying is closed and you are unable to complete your entry qualifications
3. If you are unable to travel to the UK to begin your studies due to UK or other government restrictions on travel
4. If your UK Student visa application is refused or rejected, except where there is evidence of fraud
5. If we are unable to run your course and you do not accept an alternative
6. If we make material changes to your course and you choose to decline your offer
7. If you are unable to take up your place because of the ill health of yourself or a dependant, or because of a family bereavement
8. For applicants holding a Conditional offer, if you attempt but fail to meet the conditions of your offer, and you are not accepted at the University
9. For applicants to courses requiring ATAS clearance, if your application for ATAS clearance is refused

You should submit your request, and any evidence required, through our form by 1 November 2025:

Tuition fee deposit refund request form

Please note that if you request a refund of your tuition fee deposit, your application will be automatically withdrawn. If you wish to be considered for the same course or a different course at a later date, you will need to re-apply to the University.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the tuition fee deposit?

If you have more questions, please get in touch with us:

Contacts for prospective students