Soas University of London

SOAS University of London is ranked #508 in the world university ranking and #3 in Europe in the QS ranking, while in the THE Rankings, it holds the #401 position. The U.S. News Rankings place Monash at #1350 globally, highlighting its global reputation.

It is also ranked #7 in the UK and the top 100 globally (THE Impact Rankings) for its efforts in advancing gender equality, one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Here’s how SOAS University of London’s rankings have changed over the years:

Ranking Agency	2023	2024	2025
QS World University Rankings	443	511	508
Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking	501	401	401
U.S News & World Report	1463	1509	1350

Subject-wise rankings clearly show SOAS University of London's academic strengths across specific disciplines. Let’s take a closer look.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

According to QS Rankings, SOAS University of London's top-ranked courses include Development Studies (5th in the world), Politics (28th), and Anthropology (18th). Other notable courses include Geography (51st) and Economics (250th).

Here’s a closer look at how SOAS University of London performs across various academic fields.

Subject	Ranking Body	Rank 2025
Business	THE Ranking	201 - 250
Communication & Media Studies	QS Ranking	101 - 150
Social Policy & Administration	QS Ranking	101 - 150
Development Studies	QS Ranking	5
Arts and Humanities	THE Ranking	82
Social Sciences	THE Ranking	101 - 125
Law	THE Ranking	126 - 150

Unsure if SOAS University of London is the right choice for your master's studies? Check out the SOAS University of London Ranking 2025 for detailed insights and see how it stands globally!

Admission for SOAS University of London for specific programs may have additional requirements, such as ABB at A-level (or equivalent) for entry. For example, applicants for the BSc Economics must have at least a B grade in GCSE Maths (or grade 6 in the new structure) if they do not have A-level Maths.

Here are the admission requirements to study at SOAS University of London:

Academic Qualification

The academic criteria typically require a minimum score of 80–85% in previous studies, along with academic transcripts or school reports. Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Here are the academic requirements:

Undergraduate Requirements

Requirement	Details
Entry Requirements	A  minimum of ABB at A-level (or equivalent) is required. Some programs may offer contextualized offers based on your background or academic performance (e.g., BBB).
Subject Requirements	Certain programs may have specific subject requirements.  For BSc Economics: Applicants without A-level Maths (or equivalent) may need a minimum grade B in GCSE Maths (or grade 6 in the new structure).  You need to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) to pursue LLB.
Qualification Equivalency	For Indian applicants, the typical requirements are as follows: - CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards: 85% (AAA), 80% (AAB), 75% (ABB), 73% (BBB). - Other State Boards: Slightly higher percentage requirements.

Notes: The entry criteria may vary depending on the specific undergraduate course you are applying for. Check individual course pages for any additional or specific entry requirements.

Postgraduate Requirements

Requirement	Details
GPA	Equivalent to a UK 2:2 degree (60%)
Supporting Documents	Colour scans of degree transcripts and marks achieved
Interim Transcript	If the degree is still in progress
Degree Certificate	If the degree is completed
English Translations	Certified English translations of documents not in English
English Proficiency	Proof of English proficiency (optional but helpful)
Passport Copy	A copy of the identity page
CV/Resume	Updated CV or resume
Supporting Statement	Around 1000 words explaining motivations and suitability

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Language Proficiency

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Students who have completed previous education in English may be eligible for a waiver.

Here are the language scores needed:

Test	Overall Score	Subscore Requirements
IELTS Academic / for UKVI / Online	6.5	6.0 in all subscores
PTE Academic	65	60 in all subscores
TOEFL iBT	95	23 in writing, 20 in other subscores
IELTS Academic	35	30 in all subscores
Password Skills Plus	6.5	6.0 in all subscores
LanguageCert Academic	70	65 in all subscores

Note: 

• SOAS does not accept Duolingo, TOEFL Essentials, or Skills for English tests for taught programs.
• Requirements vary with programs. Check the official website for the latest updates.

Visa Requirements 

If you are coming to study a full-time course for six months or more at SOAS University of London, you will need to apply for a Student Visa for the UK. 

The UK denies about 41% of student visa applications each year. Understanding visa requirements in advance is crucial to avoiding this. 

Here are the visa requirements:

Requirements	Details
Before You Apply	Unconditional offer for a full-time program at SOAS.  Request and obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from SOAS. Meet financial and eligibility criteria outlined by SOAS.
Visa Application Process	Complete the Student Visa application form and pay visa/IHS fees online. Provide biometric information (fingerprints & photograph) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Financial Requirements	Proof of sufficient funds for the full cost of your course. Evidence of additional funds if bringing dependents.
After Receiving Your Visa	Verify personal details, visa expiry date, and permission to work (if applicable).
eVisas	No physical biometric residence permits. Applicants will receive a digital immigration status.
Required Documents	Valid Passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of your studies. CAS Statement: Confirmation from SOAS with a 14-digit reference number. Financial Documents: Evidence of funds for tuition and living costs. Proof of Relationship: If bringing dependents (spouse/children), provide relationship proof (marriage/birth cert.).

Now, let’s determine how application dates and deadlines vary across different programs.

Application Deadline and Intakes

While the primary intake for most programs is in October/September, some programs like Financial Management Studies offer additional intake periods in September and February, with corresponding application deadlines and enrollment periods.

Below are the latest timelines for admissions:

Intake	Intakes	Application Deadline
Research Programs	September 2025	June 15, 2025
Postgraduate Programs	October 2025	31st July 2025

Note: Check the specific program pages for individual course deadlines, as they may vary.

With the requirements and deadlines covered, let’s now understand the cost of studying for both Indian and international students at SOAS University of London.

SOAS University of London offers over 350 undergraduate degree combinations and more than 100 one-year master's programs, alongside doctoral opportunities across its diverse faculties. 

The university specializes in law, politics, economics, and area studies, focusing on regions like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Undergraduate courses typically span three years, postgraduate programs (MA, MSc, MBA) are completed in one year, and PhD programs last 3-4 years. 

Here’s a look at some popular courses offered at SOAS  University.

• Undergraduate: BA Economics, BA International Relations, BA Politics and International Studies
• Postgraduate: MA International Studies, MA Law, MSc Economics, LLM Law
• PhD Programs: Interdisciplinary research focusing on development, global politics, and cultural studies

For a clearer understanding of programs, let’s take a look at the tuition fees for different programs.

Determining an exact SOAS University of London acceptance rate can be challenging due to several factors:

• Program Specificity: Acceptance rates vary significantly depending on the program. Highly competitive programs like Law or certain language courses might have lower acceptance rates than others.
• Data Availability: SOAS, like many UK universities, does not publicly release overall acceptance rates.
• Application Volume and Quality: The number and quality of applications received each year can influence acceptance rates.

Based on general trends and available data, it is estimated that the acceptance rate at SOAS University of London is competitive.

To improve your chances of admission, focus on meeting the program-specific requirements, achieving strong academic results, and constructing a compelling personal statement.

The cost of studying at SOAS University of London varies depending on the program and level of study. For example, tuition fees for an MSc typically range around INR 28.5L, while undergraduate courses can cost between INR 28.4L and INR 30.4L. 

The course and degree level influence the specific fee structure, so it’s essential to consider the exact program when planning your budget. Here’s a detailed breakdown of tuition fees across different programs:

Courses	Annual Tuition Fees Average Cost (EUR)	Annual Average Cost (INR)
Foundation Year	£5,760	INR 5.5L
Undergraduate (Full-time)	£9,535	INR 9.1L
LLM	£26,700	INR 25.6L
Postgraduate (M.A., M.Sc., MBA)	£20,000 - £28,000	INR 19.2L - INR 26.6L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate. These fees are for the 2025/26 academic year and may increase by up to 5% in subsequent years.

Apart from tuition fees, there are additional costs such as housing and food. Let’s explore them.

Estimated Living Expenses in London (Monthly)

The cost of living depends on your lifestyle preferences. Major expenses include accommodation, food, and health insurance. If you live off-campus, you must also account for transportation costs.

Here are the additional expenses to consider.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Rent (1-bedroom city center)	£2,214	INR 2.12L
Rent (1-bedroom outside the center)	£1,638	INR 1.57L
Food (groceries + eating out)	£300 - £480	INR 28K - 46K
Transport (monthly pass)	£180	INR 17K
Utilities (electricity, heating, water)	£233	INR 22.7K
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal)	£150 - £200	INR 14K - 19.3K

Note: The figures are approximate and can vary based on individual lifestyle choices and accommodation location.

Financial aid can ease the cost of studying at SOAS. Let’s explore the different scholarships and funding opportunities available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

SOAS University of London boasts a vibrant and culturally rich campus in the heart of London, where students can immerse themselves in a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. The campus is a hub of academic activity, offering state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and collaborative spaces for students to engage in research and learning. 

Accommodation at SOAS is to cater to the diverse needs of students. They offer various options, including residence halls and rooms to share, ensuring students find a comfortable and secure place to live during their studies. 

Here's a breakdown of accommodation options and estimated costs: 

Accommodation	Weekly Cost
Fresh Pavillion Court	GBP 251 - 358
Vega Vauxhall	GBP 188
Wood Green Hall	GBP 155 - 170
Helen Graham House	GBP 265 - 275
Goldsmith House	GBP 220 - 230
Stay Club Camden	GBP 341 364
Stay Club Kentish Town	GBP 251 - 363
College Hall	GBP 289 - 332
Connaught Hall	GBP 235 - 319
International Hall	GBP 190 - 266
Nutford House	GBP 204 - 239
Garden Hall	GBP 269 - 358
Bonham Carter & Warwickshire House	GBP 227 - 237
Dinwiddy House	GBP 211 - 345

A master's degree at SOAS University of London typically costs around EUR 25,320 (INR 24.2L) for an MSc and EUR 26,300 (INR 25.1L) for an MA. At the undergraduate level, tuition fees for a BSc are approximately EUR 22,870 (INR 21.9L).

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees for key programs at SOAS University of London.

Base Course	Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
MBA (4 weeks)	EUR 3250	INR 3.1L
MSc	EUR 25,320	INR 24.3L
MA	EUR 26,300	INR 25.2L
LLM	EUR 26,700	INR 25.6L
BSc	EUR 22,870	INR 21.9L
BA	EUR 22,870	INR 21.9L
Online and Distance Learning: International Studies and Diplomacy	EUR 12,000	INR 1.2L

Note: 

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official SOAS University of London website.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

After a quick overview of tuition fees, let’s explore how it performs in different rankings.

SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships to support students. A recent highlight is SOAS’s partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, which has created the Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship. 

This £1.5 million initiative will fund 25 African master's and doctoral students annually, providing full tuition support, internships in Seoul, and seminars focused on sustainable tourism & development in Africa.

Below are some internal and external SOAS scholarships available to students:

Internal Scholarships

SOAS offers over 150 scholarships annually across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, which are funded through its resources or sponsorships. Popular options include the SOAS Master's Scholarships and the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship.

Here are some internal scholarships available to students:

Scholarship Name	Type	Benefits
SOAS Grant 2025/26	Need-based	£24,000 (INR 23L) total; fee waiver and maintenance stipend for students in need.
Global Excellence Scholarship	Merit-based	£8,000 (INR 7.7L) fee waiver for postgraduate students from selected countries.
Undergraduate International Academic Excellence Scholarship	Merit-based	£5,000 (INR 4.8L) fee waiver for overseas undergraduate students.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship	Need-based	Full tuition fees and up to £10,000 (INR 9.6L) stipend for UK Home Black African and Caribbean heritage students.
SOAS Future Leaders Scholarship	Merit-based	Full tuition fees for outstanding Master's students.

International students at SOAS University of London can also apply for external scholarships, such as the Visas For Future Annual Scholarship.

External Scholarships

SOAS collaborates with several external organizations to offer additional scholarships for international students. Here are some external scholarships available to international students:

Scholarship Name	Provided By	Benefits
Education Future International Scholarship	Education Future	For Indian students studying abroad. Scholarships range from INR 2L to INR 10L for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Felix Scholarships	Felix Foundation	Covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare for students from developing countries.
SOAS GREAT Scholarships	British Council	£10,000–£11,000 (INR 9.6L to INR 10.5L) fee waiver for students from selected countries.
Chevening Scholarships	UK Government (FCO & Partners)	Fully-funded scholarship for one-year Master’s degree programs. Includes tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
Visas For Future Annual Scholarship	Visas For Future	$1,000 (INR 85K) award promoting environmental sustainability and education.

After exploring financial aid through scholarships, let’s look at the placement opportunities offered by SOAS University of London.

Student life at SOAS University of London is full of opportunities for personal growth, networking, and cultural exchange. The university offers many extracurricular activities, primarily through the SOAS Students' Union, which supports over 100 diverse student societies. 

Here are some ways to get involved at SOAS University of London:

• Students can engage with various cultural societies such as Bangla, African Caribbean, and Albanian. These societies host events, cultural celebrations, and workshops.
• SOAS has creative societies like Chinese Percussion, Origami Club, and the World Music Choir. 
• For those with specific interests, clubs like the Debating Society, the Feminist Society, the Yoga Club, and the Anime Society are popular options for students.
• SOAS offers various sports teams that compete in local and national leagues, including basketball, football, hockey, netball, rugby, and tennis. 
• SOAS students participate in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions and the North London Varsity Tournament. 
• SOAS offers practical experiences through on-campus jobs and internships, such as Education Co-Creator, Santander Micro-internships, and Student Ambassador roles.
• SOAS provides pastoral care, academic advising, and cultural activities to integrate international students into campus life. 
• The Orientation Week includes language placement tests, cultural workshops, and a chance to connect with fellow students worldwide.

SOAS University of London is the alma mater of prominent figures like Zeinab Badawi and Jemima Goldsmith, who have made notable contributions across diverse fields.

SOAS University of London is committed to ensuring its students are well-prepared for the job market. The university’s Careers Service supports students by offering resources like internships and skill-building workshops for job opportunities in Philosophy to help them develop the skills needed to succeed in competitive job markets.

Here’s a brief snapshot of the placement outcomes:

• The latest survey shows that 85% of graduates from University of London degrees, including blended, flexible, and online learning programs, were either in work or further study within six months of graduation. 
• Of those employed, 84% worked in professional-level positions, highlighting the strong employability of SOAS graduates. 
• While SOAS's postgraduate employment rate stands at around 61%, placing it at the lower end compared to other University of London institutions, this is still a solid figure. 

Let’s explore the top companies that hire SOAS University of London graduates.

Top recruiters

SOAS graduates have secured positions with leading organizations globally. Here are some top companies that hire SOAS University of London graduates:

• Amnesty International
• BBC
• Bloomberg
• Clifford Chance
• Deloitte
• Department for International Development
• Edelman
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• KPMG
• Médecins Sans Frontières
• Oxfam
• PwC
• Save The Children
• The World Bank
• United Nations Development Programme
• Wall Street Journal
• WaterAid
• World Food Programme

Next, let’s understand the opportunities and support available to SOAS students.

Placement Opportunities and Support

SOAS provides various placement opportunities to enhance students' employability:

• Postgraduate Work Placement Year: Certain master's programs at SOAS offer a 10–12-month full-time work placement after the taught component of the degree.
• Virtual Industry Project: SOAS has implemented a Virtual Industry Project that placed 100 students with startups, SMEs, and NGOs to build their workplace skills through virtual and collaborative projects. 
• Project Feedback: The program received positive feedback, with 90% of students willing to recommend the experience to others.
• Placement Modules: Some SOAS degrees offer Placement Modules, where students complete a set number of hours working with an employer. These modules are integrated into the curriculum and provide practical experience relevant to the degree. 

To determine whether the SOAS University of London aligns with your career goals, it's important to compare it with similar institutions. Let’s examine how it compares to universities such as Glasgow Caledonian University.

SOAS University of London V/S University of Lincoln V/S  Glasgow Caledonian University: Which is Better?

Choosing a university abroad requires thorough research, including factors such as rankings, tuition fees, course offerings, and career prospects.

Let’s compare SOAS University of London with the University of Lincoln and Glasgow Caledonian University for a clearer picture.

Parameters	SOAS University of London	University of Lincoln	Glasgow Caledonian University
QS Ranking (2025)	#508	#851	#1001-1200
Tuition Fees	UG: £22,870 (INR 21.9L)	UG: £14,400 – £28,000 (INR 16.2 L – 31.5 L)	UG: £12,800 – £17,000 (INR 14.4 L – 19.1 L)
	PG: £25,320–£26,770 (INR 24.3L – 25.6L)	PG: £9,250 – £20,100 (INR 10.4 L – 22.6 L)	PG: £11,000 – £17,800 (INR 12.3 L – 20.0 L)
No. of Courses	450	632	182
Popular Courses	PG: MA International Studies, MSc Economics	PG: MSc Nursing, MSc Cyber Security	PG: MSc Public Health, MSc International Business
	UG: BA International Relations, BA Politics and International Studies	UG: BA Architecture, BA Business and Management, BSc Computer Science	UG: BSc Nursing, BA Business, BSc Computing
Post-study Work Visa	2-year visa for those completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree, and a 3-year visa for doctoral graduates.	Yes, up to 2 years (Graduate Route UK)	Yes, up to 2 years (Graduate Route UK)
Scholarships	SOAS Grant 2025/26 (reward amount £24,000 (INR 23.0L) total)	Lincoln International Excellence Scholarship (up to 50%)	International Excellence Scholarship (up to 50%)

After comparing SOAS University of London with other institutions, let’s explore what student life is like on campus.

SOAS University of London Campuses

SOAS University of London has one main campus in the heart of London, which is its central hub for teaching, research, and student life. SOAS's main campus is a prominent intellectual hub, renowned for its specialized focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East studies.

• The campus features the Philips Building, housing the 1.2 million-volume SOAS Library, one of Europe's largest for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies.
• The Brunei Gallery hosts over 15 annual exhibitions, focusing on global cultures and postcolonial themes.
• A Japanese-style rooftop garden offers a tranquil space used by over 3,000 students each semester for study and cultural events.
• Accommodation includes Dinwiddy House for undergraduates and Paul Robeson House for postgraduates, with 24/7 security, on-site laundry, and dedicated study zones.

Now that you’ve covered the academic environment and campus life,  let’s move on to understanding the student life at SOAS University of London.

SOAS University of London has a strong global alumni network of around 75,000 graduates worldwide, offering lifelong connections and personal and professional development support. This network spans over 140 countries, reflecting SOAS's international student body and global reach

Here are some of the well-known alumni from SOAS University of London.

Alumni	Field of Work	Contribution
Aung San Suu Kyi	Politics & Human Rights	Nobel Peace Prize laureate; former State Counsellor of Myanmar.
Zeinab Badawi	Journalism & Broadcasting	International broadcaster, President of SOAS, BBC presenter.
David Lammy	Politics	UK Member of Parliament; Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Maro Itoje	Sports	England rugby international; advocate for diversity in education.
Jemima Goldsmith	Journalism & Film	Journalist, screenwriter, and TV producer.
Ramla Ali	Sports & Advocacy	Champion boxer, model, author; first Somali woman to compete at the Olympics.
Mustafa Bülent Ecevit	Politics	Former Prime Minister of Turkey.
Paul Robeson	Arts & Activism	Human rights activist, actor, singer.
Inger Andersen	Environment & UN	Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Achim Steiner	International Development	Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).