University of Surrey: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

The University of Surrey operates across two distinct campuses, offering students a mix of research innovation, student living, and spirited public spaces. As one of the best public universities in the UK, it supports active learning and student engagement through state-of-the-art labs, historic architecture, and sporting infrastructure.

Here’s an overview of what you’ll find at the University of Surrey’s two campuses:

• Stag Hill Campus
  • Tiered architecture with a network of hidden pathways directly linking the campus to Guildford Cathedral, blending academia with historic charm.
  • Home to the Rik Medlik Building, one of the UK's most eco‑friendly structures, featuring adaptive lighting with roof sensors and a waste-heat-powered cooling system.
  • Hosts a striking collection of sculptures and statues across the piazza and lake area, including an oversized Alan Turing statue, mechanical-parts “fish on bicycles,” Knife Birds, wolves (“All The Gang Are Here”), Spine, Narcissus and a geodesic dome.
  • The Duke of Kent building combines natural-light design and architectural flair; it also served as a filming location for the TV show Primeval.
  • Lecture series like Adams-Sweeting and Roland Clift occur here, featuring expert-led talks on innovation, social justice, and environmental challenges.
  • The campus features an on-site 5G Innovation Centre and the Surrey Space Centre, pioneering research in mobile networks and satellite technology.
• Manor Park Campus
  • Hosts the renowned Surrey Sports Park, a major multi-sport complex with a 50 m pool, climbing wall, stadium, sauna and steam rooms, gym, and top-tier training facilities.
  • Venue for high-profile events such as Surrey Scorchers basketball, Surrey Storm netball, and hosted part of the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup, 2012 Olympic and Paralympic training camps, and 2017 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup.
  • Integral component of the Surrey Research Park, hosting over 100 R&D and tech firms, creating a hub for industry-university collaboration.
  • Features communal student event spaces like the Manor Park Social and Duncan White Auditorium, which hosts themed events including theatre evenings and comedy nights.
  • Manor Park living offers well‑equipped Band D and E ensuite flats, shared kitchen-diners and studio apartments, designed to create a strong sense of community.

Let’s now look at how the University of Surrey ranks nationally and internationally.

The University of Surrey continues to strengthen its international reputation, especially in student outcomes and applied research. It made a notable leap in the QS World Rankings, moving from 285 in 2025 to 262 in 2026, reflecting its growing academic influence.

Here’s how it performed across major global rankings in recent years.

Ranking Body	2024	2025	2026
QS World Rankings	244	285	262
THE World Rankings	251-300	201-250	NA
U.S. News & World Report Rankings	327	326	NA

Up next, discover the subject-level strengths where the University of Surrey excels.

Top Subject-Wise Rankings 2025/26

The University of Surrey ranks among the best for applied sciences, business, and healthcare fields. For example, its Petroleum Engineering program holds an impressive 13th place globally, while BSc in Nursing is placed in the 101–150 range in the QS World Rankings 2025. This shows the university’s growing strength in career-focused disciplines.

Below are some of the top-performing subjects and their latest rankings:

Subject	Ranking Body	Rankings
Petroleum Engineering	QS World Rankings 2025	13
Nursing	QS World Rankings 2025	101-150
Arts & Humanities	THE World Rankings 2025	201-250
Business & Economics	THE World Rankings 2025	95
Computer Science	U.S News & World Report Rankings 2025	94
Civil Engineering	U.S News & World Report Rankings 2025	97

Want to know where the university stands on the subject of your choice? Explore the University of Surrey rankings and get a complete breakdown of it’s global and subject-wise rankings. 

Now let’s break down the admission process and academic criteria for the University of Surrey.

The University of Surrey follows a step-by-step process for evaluating applicants. Most postgraduate courses require official transcripts that show modules, credits, and GPA, and you’ll also need to budget £776 (INR 90.5K) for the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge each academic year.

Here’s what you need to prepare for a successful application to the University of Manchester

Admission Requirements

The University of Surrey uses a structured approach to assess your eligibility. Most postgraduate courses require a 2:1 honours degree or a GPA of 3.3/4.0, and programs in business or science may also look for a GMAT score of 650 or GRE scores of 160 in both sections. These standards ensure your readiness for academic rigor and visa compliance.

Here’s what you need to prepare when applying to the University of Surrey.

Academic Qualifications

The University of Surrey evaluates your academic background based on your final degree classification or GPA. For most postgraduate programs, you'll need at least a 2:1 honours degree or a GPA of 3.3/4.0. Transcripts must include your full academic history, and non-English documents require certified translations.

Here’s a breakdown of the academic qualification requirements:

Academic requirement	Details
Academic qualification	Bachelor’s degree with at least a lower second-class honours (2:2) or equivalent internationally.  Postgraduate programmes typically require at least a 2:1 or equivalent.
GPA	A GPA of around 3.0/4.0 is considered equivalent to a 2:2. A GPA of around 3.3/4.0 aligns with a 2:1.  A first-class degree is typically equivalent to a GPA of 3.7/4.0.  Most postgraduate programmes require a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0.
Academic transcripts	Official transcripts are required, either final or interim. They must include modules, credits, grades, and a GPA or weighted average. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by certified translations.

Note: The information listed above is overall. The actual requirements might be different in specific programs.

Language Requirements

If you're applying from a non-English-speaking country, you'll need to meet the University of Surrey's English language criteria. Most postgraduate programs expect a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent score from other accepted tests.

Here are the recognised English language tests and their required scores:

Test name	Average Scores
IELTS	6.5
TOEFL	90
PTE	67
Cambridge CAE / CPE	176
Duolingo English Test	120

Note: The information listed above is overall. The actual requirements might be different in specific programs.

Competitive Exams

Some programs at the University of Surrey, especially in business, engineering, and science, may ask for competitive exam scores. A GMAT score of 650 or GRE scores of 160 in both Verbal and Quant are considered strong for postgraduate applications.

Here's a breakdown of commonly accepted exams and their average scores:

Test	Average Scores
GMAT	650
GRE	Verbal  160 & Quant 160
SAT	Accepted, but no minimum scores specified
ACT	Accepted, but no minimum scores specified

Note: The information listed above is overall. The actual requirements might be different in specific programs.

Visa Requirements

To study at the University of Surrey, you must apply for a student visa for the UK with the correct documents and financial evidence. One key requirement is the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), issued only after you hold an unconditional offer. You must also budget for the £776 (INR 90.5K) Immigration Health Surcharge per academic year.

Here’s a summary of the visa requirements:

Requirement	Details
CAS Letter	Must receive an unconditional offer and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
English language ability	Must demonstrate English proficiency to meet academic and visa standards (e.g., IELTS, PTE); specifics depend on the programme.
Financial evidence	Show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and personal living costs; Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per academic year must be paid.
Passport or travel documentation	A valid passport with at least one blank page for visa fingerprinting/photo; details must match those on CAS.
Correct application & fees	Submit appropriate Student Visa form; pay visa application fee and immigration health surcharge early (up to six months before start).

Now that visa planning is clear, let’s look at when to submit your application.

The University of Surrey has multiple application windows, each aligned with specific intake periods. For instance, if you're applying for a Master's in Law, the standard September postgraduate deadline is 15 July 2026. Research candidates must apply earlier, with a 15 May 2026 cutoff.

Here’s a breakdown of the official application deadlines for the 2026 intake:

Intake & Level	Key Dates for 2026 Intake
Undergraduate (UCAS)	30 June 2026
Postgraduate taught – February	10 December 2025
Postgraduate taught – September	15 July 2026
Postgraduate research	15 May 2026

Interested in knowing the admission process of the University in detail? Explore the University of Surrey admissions to get detailed information on eligibility, process, and subject-wise scholarships. 

Now that you know the deadlines, let's review the range of programs and degrees available at the University of Surrey.

The University of Surrey offers over 500 programs across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, blending academic rigor with real-world relevance. Students can pursue degrees in fields ranging from engineering and sciences to business, law, and the arts.

Here are some major program areas at Surrey:

• STEM: Robust offerings in Engineering, Computer Science, and Life Sciences focused on innovation and research.
• Business and Economics: Programs that prepare you for global markets in management, finance, and economics.
• Law: Comprehensive law degrees, including LLB and specialized LLM courses.
• Arts and Humanities: Courses designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and cultural knowledge.
• Health Sciences: Medicine, nursing, and allied health disciplines with practical clinical training.
• Social Sciences: Diverse programs such as psychology, sociology, and international relations, emphasizing societal impact.

Surrey’s broad curriculum equips you with skills applicable across multiple career paths. Next, let's look at the program fees at the University of Surrey.

When calculating the cost of studying in the UK, you must account for your tuition fees by degree level. A Master’s program at Surrey costs £24,900 (INR 29.26L) per year, while a doctoral degree is around £21,000 (INR 24.67L). 

Most undergraduate courses fall between £22,800 and £26,000, which equals approximately INR 26.79L to INR 30.55L annually.

Here’s a breakdown of tuition fees by study level:

Level of Study	Annual Tuition Fee (GBP)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Master's (PGT)	£24,900	INR 29.26L
Doctoral (PGR)	£21,000	INR 24.67L
Bachelors (UG)	£22,800–£26,000	INR 26.79L – INR 30.55L

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

To complete your financial planning, now review the estimated cost of living during your studies.

The cost of living in the UK while studying at the University of Surrey can add up to around £13,705 per year (INR 16.10L), depending on your lifestyle. 

Accommodation takes the largest share at £7,875 (INR 9.25L), followed by expenses on food, transport, and other essentials.

Here’s a detailed estimate of yearly living costs:

Expense Category	Annual Cost (GBP)	Annual Cost (INR)
Accommodation	£7,875	INR 9.25L
Groceries	£1,700	INR 2.00L
Social / Going out	£1,100	INR 1.29L
Transport	£700	INR 82.25K
Takeaways	£580	INR 68.15K
Clothes	£460	INR 54.05K
Mobile phone	£350	INR 41.13K
Gifts & charity	£210	INR 24.68K
Health & wellbeing	£130	INR 15.28K
Course materials	£160	INR 18.80K
Holidays & events	£140	INR 16.45K

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Now, let’s look at the scholarship opportunities available at the University of Surrey for 2025.

The University of Surrey provides several study-abroad scholarships to ease financial pressure for international students. 

These include tuition waivers of up to £30,200 (INR 30.39L) for MBA applicants and country-specific awards for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. Both internal and external scholarships are available based on merit and financial need.

Here are the key internal scholarships available for 2025 at the University of Surrey.

Internal Scholarships

The University of Surrey offers a range of internal awards to support high-performing and need-based applicants. Some of these include fully-funded scholarships, such as the Surrey MBA Global Changemaker Scholarship, which covers up to £30,200 (INR 30.39L) for full-time MBA students. Others offer partial waivers based on academic excellence or financial need.

Here are the key internal scholarships available for 2025:

Name	Type	Details
International Excellence Award (Post‑grad)	Postgraduate taught	Eligibility: Self-funded international students with offer for full-time master’s (excludes MBA & MSc Pharma) Benefits: £5,000 fee waiver (INR 5.03L)
Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship	Undergraduate	Eligibility: Low-income international applicants from selected countries, holding UG offer Benefits: £10,000/year tuition reduction (INR 10.06L/year, up to INR 30.18L total)
Surrey MBA Global Changemaker Scholarship	Postgraduate (MBA)	Eligibility: Self-funded international MBA applicants (full-time) with offer Benefits: 100 % tuition fee waiver (up to £30,200 or INR 30.39L for 2025/26 entry)

Now, see what external scholarships are available to help reduce your total study cost.

External Scholarships

International students at the University of Surrey can also apply for external, government-backed scholarships that reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK. 

Awards such as the GREAT Scholarship provide up to £30,000 (INR 35.25L) in tuition waivers, while Chevening and Commonwealth options cover tuition, living expenses, and more.

Explore the major external scholarships available for 2025:

Name	Type	Details
Chevening Scholarship	Master's (Postgraduate)	Eligibility: Outstanding leaders with an offer to study a one-year Master's in the UK Benefits:  Full tuition coverage Living allowance Return airfare Access to exclusive UK networking, workshops, and internships
Commonwealth Scholarships	Master's (Postgraduate)	Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries with academic merit and development focus Benefits:  Tuition fees Living stipend Travel grant (to/from UK) Warm clothing & dissertation allowances
GREAT Scholarship	Postgraduate taught merit-based	Eligibility:  Nationals of participating countries (e.g., China, France, Greece, India, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, Turkey) Accepted offer for a selected taught master's course Enrol in September No concurrent funding allowed Benefits:  £15,000–£30,000 (INR 17.63L – INR 35.25L) tuition fee waiver Join UK-wide community of GREAT scholars

Now let’s take a closer look at how the University of Surrey prepares you for employment through its career support and placement opportunities.

The University of Surrey has built one of the UK’s most effective placement ecosystems, combining employer reach with tailored support. 

It runs a Professional Training placement year, collaborating with over 2,300+ partners, and provides guidance on applications, visas, insurance, and funding. Around 80% of placements are paid, with more than half earning between £18,000 and £30,000 (INR 21.15L–35.25L) annually.

Here’s how the university supports your internship and career journey:

• Placement Services & Support
  • Awarded the Best University Careers/Employability Service in the UK (2022) by the National Undergraduate Employability Awards
  • Offers the Professional Training placement year, with 2,300+ employer partners, including IBM, Rolls-Royce, JP Morgan, and KPMG
  • Provides full placement support including application help, financial guidance, insurance, visa support, pre-departure sessions, and reintegration
• Placement & Employment Rates
  • 95% of undergraduates and 98% of placement participants enter graduate-level employment or further study after graduation
  • 87% of graduates find their roles meaningful; 82% say their jobs align with long-term goals
  • Among international students, 92.6% are employed, and 88.1% hold graduate-level positions within 15 months
• Placement Pay & Fees
  • 80% of placements are paid, with 57% earning £18,000–£30,000 (INR 21.15L–35.25L) per year
  • Placement year tuition fees are £1,850 (INR 2.17L) for UK placements and £1,385 (INR 1.63L) for international placements
• Average Graduate Salaries
  • Overall average salary for full-time working graduates: £26,592 (INR 31.24L)
  • Undergraduate average salary: £29,465 (INR 34.63L)
  • Postgraduate taught graduate average salary: £35,845 (INR 42.10L)
  • Postgraduate research alumni earn on average £41,181 (INR 48.38L)
  • Civil engineering graduates earn an average of £31,909 (INR 37.49L)

Let’s now examine the top recruiters that regularly hire talent from the University of Surrey.

Top Recruiters at The University of Surrey

The University of Surrey has a strong network of industry connections, facilitating excellent employment opportunities and international internships for its graduates. The university's emphasis on practical experience and global exposure enhances its graduates' employability.

Top recruiters at Surrey include:

• Airbus: A leading aerospace manufacturer offering opportunities in engineering and technology.
• Amazon: A global e-commerce and cloud computing company providing roles in operations, logistics, and technology.
• IBM: A multinational technology company offering positions in software development and IT services.
• McLaren Automotive: A manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports cars with opportunities in engineering and design.
• BMW: A renowned automobile manufacturer offering careers in engineering, design, and business.
• Oracle: A multinational computer technology corporation providing roles in software development and IT services.
• Walt Disney Company: A global entertainment company offering opportunities in media, entertainment, and business.

Now that you know the placement servies, let's explore student life at the University of Surrey.

Student life in the UK is shaped by community, clubs, and academic support, and Surrey delivers on all fronts. With 4,500 international students joining annually and strong national satisfaction scores, the campus experience is both global and student-led.

Here's how the University of Surrey creates an engaging environment for every student:

• Student Community & Satisfaction
  • Approximately 4,500 new international students join each year across two campuses in Guildford
  • Ranked 11th nationally for student satisfaction in the 2024 National Student Survey
  • Achieved 4th place overall in the 2023 National Student Survey
• Clubs, Societies & Sports
  • Offers over 100 student societies and more than 40 sports clubs, including rowing, football, and cheerleading
  • The Students’ Union hosts weekly social events at Rubix and The Basement
  • Surrey Sports Park held 90 public events in one year with 44,505 visitors and over 750,000 annual visits from members, clubs, and societies
  • Media & Creative Outlets: Students run Stag Radio (broadcast and online) and The Stag magazine, both of which have received national recognition
• Volunteering & Leadership
  • Student clubs regularly support outreach projects, with sports park initiatives involving 44 schools and over 7,600 children
  • The Students’ Union operates as a registered charity, offering volunteering, campaign initiatives, and academic advocacy
• Reach & Impact
  • Alumni network includes over 142,000 graduates across 184 countries, showcasing the university’s global reach
  • Signature events like Varsity foster competition and connection among student organisations and societies

Now let’s look at some of the University of Surrey’s most distinguished graduates.

With a global network of over 148,000 alumni in 184 countries, the University of Surrey has cultivated leadership across science, politics, finance, and innovation. From space entrepreneurship to national governance, graduates from Surrey continue to shape global agendas.

Here are some of the university’s most influential alumni and their contributions:

Name	Field	Contribution
Jim Al‑Khalili	Physics & Broadcasting	Theoretical physicist and science communicator on BBC, promoting public understanding of science.
Hassan Diab	Politics & Engineering	Served as Prime Minister of Lebanon (2020–21); academic engineering background.
Ameenah Gurib‑Fakim	Politics & Chemistry	Former President of Mauritius, renowned for contributions in chemistry and national leadership.
Jim O’Neill, Baron O’Neill	Economics & Finance	Coined “BRIC”; former Goldman Sachs Asset Management chairman, peer in House of Lords.
Linda Papadopoulos	Psychology & Media	Chartered psychologist and media personality promoting mental health awareness.
John Pickett	Agricultural Science	Awarded Wolf Prize in Agriculture for pioneering pest control and plant chemical research.
George Young, Baron Young	Politics & Public Service	Senior Conservative peer; served as Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra	Politics	Became Thailand’s Prime Minister in 2024; MSc from Surrey.
Sir Martin Sweeting	Engineering & Entrepreneurship	Founded Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd; key figure in commercial small satellite industry.
Michael Middleton	Business	British businessman; father of Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Let’s compare how Surrey stands against Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Kent across key metrics.

The University of Surrey records a 96% placement rate and an average graduate salary of £48,000 (INR 56.40L), making it one of the highest-earning institutions among its peers. It also offers 500+ programs, supported by leading internship services and fully funded scholarship options.

Here’s a comparison across key parameters to help you choose the right fit:

Parameter	University of Surrey	Cardiff University	University of Kent
QS Rankings 2026	262	181	397
Tuition Fees	£21K to £26K (INR 24.67L to INR 30.55L)	£19,500–£22,000 (INR 22.91L to 25.85L)	~£24K (INR 28.20L)
No. of Programs	500+	500+	300+
Popular Programs	MBA MS in Mechanical Engineering Masters of Arts Bachelors of Arts Bachelors of Finance	Master in Business Analytics MS in Finance MS in Computer Science Bachelors of Arts Bachelors of Science	Masters of Law MBA Masters of Commerce Bachelors in Business Bachelors of Arts
Scholarships	International Excellence Award (Post‑grad) Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship Surrey MBA Global Changemaker Scholarship	GREAT Scholarship Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship Vice‑Chancellor’s International Scholarship	GREAT Scholarship Kent International Award for Academic Excellence Kent Future Student Global Scholarship
Placement Rate	96%	95%	95%
Average Salary After Graduation	£48,000 (INR 56.40L)	£24,000 (INR 28.20L)	£30,000 (INR 35.25L)
PSW	Available up to 24 months	Available up to 24 months	Available up to 24 months

Surrey stands out for its high earnings and placement outcomes. If you value career support and salary prospects, Surrey has a measurable edge.

Tuition at the University of Surrey varies by level, with professional postgraduate programs typically more costly. For instance, an MBA costs £30,200 (INR 35.48 L), while the LLM is priced at £19,900 (INR 23.38 L). 

Undergraduate degrees such as BSc Economics & Finance or Business are close in cost at around £22,000–£22,800 (INR 25.85–26.79 L).

Here are the tuition fees for selected programs:

Programme	Tuition Fee (2025/26 entry)	Tuition Fee (INR)
MBA	£30,200	INR 35.48L
LLM	£19,900	INR 23.38L
MA Acting	£22,900	INR 26.91L
BSc Economics & Finance (Hons)	£22,000	INR 25.85L
Bachelors in Business	£22,800	INR 26.79L

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Next up is a full breakdown of total costs, with living expenses included.