Information for offer-holders who have been asked to pay a tuition fee deposit

As an International applicant who has been offered a place on a taught postgraduate course, we've asked you to pay a deposit towards your course tuition fee when you accept your offer.

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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.

We won't arrange the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number necessary for a UK Student visa until you've paid your deposit. You can find more information about the CAS number application process on our CAS application webpages.

Pay your tuition fee deposit via our online payment systemWhen we've processed your payment we'll send you an email notification. Your deposit will then be deducted from the course tuition fee charged when you register at the University.

Exemptions

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.

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. Please send proof of the sponsorship through our Student Fees Enquiry Form and we'll remove the deposit requirement from your record.

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 still have to pay the deposit.

Refunds

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.

If you request a refund within 14 days of accepting an offer or paying the deposit (we will not require evidence for this reason)
If you are unable to travel to Sheffield to begin your studies due to UK or other government restrictions on travel
If your exams are cancelled or your university is closed
If your UK Student visa application is refused or rejected, except where there is evidence of fraud
If the University is unable to provide the course as advertised, and you do not accept an alternative
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
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
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.

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 request a refund within 14 days of accepting an offer or paying the deposit (we will not require evidence for this reason)
If the college or university at which you are currently studying is closed and you are unable to complete your entry qualifications
If you are unable to travel to the UK to begin your studies due to UK or other government restrictions on travel
If your UK Student visa application is refused or rejected, except where there is evidence of fraud
If we are unable to run your course and you do not accept an alternative
If we make material changes to your course and you choose to decline your offer
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
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
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

Frequently asked questions for offer-holders who have been asked to pay a tuition fee deposit

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.

How can I pay the tuition fee deposit?

You can pay your tuition fee deposit by Visa, Mastercard or American Express card using our online payment service. Please note that you can only make one payment with a single card. The amount you pay will be fixed by the online payment system.

When you've paid your tuition fee deposit, you'll receive an email to confirm that you've made the online payment (this should arrive within 24 hours).

For more information on how to pay and to make your payment, go to:

Tuition fee deposit online payment system

What if I can't pay by card?

Paying by Visa, Mastercard or American Express card is the most reliable and efficient way of paying your tuition fee deposit. However, if you're unable to pay by card, you should pay by bank transfer. Please note that you should only make one single payment by bank transfer. The amount you pay will be fixed by the online payment system.

For more information on how to pay by bank transfer, go to:

Tuition fee deposit online payment system

When do I need to pay the deposit?

For some courses, a deadline for paying the deposit is indicated in the offer letter. If you haven't paid the deposit by this deadline, we may withdraw our offer.

If there's no deadline in your offer letter then there's no time limit, but until you've paid the deposit we won't be able to arrange your CAS number or send you information about registering at the University.

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

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

If we haven't given you a deadline then we won't withdraw your application for non-payment, but we won't arrange the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number necessary for a UK Student visa until you've paid. This could delay your arrival in Sheffield so it's important that you pay your deposit as soon as possible.

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

Can I get my CAS number before paying my deposit?

No.

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 application process on our CAS application webpages.

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. Please send proof of the sponsorship arrangement to admissions@sheffield.ac.uk and we'll remove the deposit requirement from your record.

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 still have to pay the deposit.

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

No, you 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.

My offer is Conditional. Do I need to pay the deposit in order to get an Unconditional offer?

No. In order to get an Unconditional offer you are only required to meet the academic conditions of your offer.

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

Please see our refunds policy at the top of this page.

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