London is an exciting place for students, full of history, culture, and opportunities. From lively neighbourhoods and cafés to museums and libraries, there’s always something to explore. International students often look for universities with a global perspective, and SOAS University of London stands out, attracting around 6,000 students from over 135 countries.
Specialising in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, it offers courses in politics, law, economics, languages, and social sciences within a diverse community. Students also take part in research, cultural events, and city life. This guide covers courses, fees, acceptance rate, scholarships, campus life, and employability to help plan your journey confidently.
SOAS University of London: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Location | Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG, UK. |
| Specialisation | Study of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East; languages, cultures, law, social sciences, and humanities. |
| Student Population | According to HESA data for 2023/24, SOAS University of London had 6,285 students enrolled, including 4,505 from the UK and 1,780 international students. |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% |
| Student-Staff Ratio | 15:1 (Complete University Guide 2025) |
| Global Ranking | QS World University Ranking 2026 – 511Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 -401 – 500 |
| Notable Alumni | Aung San Suu Kyi, Zeinab Badawi, Jung Chang |
Also Read: Student Life In London: A Ultimate Living Guide 2026
About SOAS University of London
History
Founded in 1916, SOAS University of London began as the School of Oriental Studies, created to promote a deeper academic understanding of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Established during the First World War, the institution was designed to support research, diplomacy and cultural knowledge related to regions beyond Europe. In 1938, its scope expanded to formally include African studies, leading to its current name, the School of Oriental and African Studies. Over the decades, SOAS has grown into a globally respected centre for area studies, languages and interdisciplinary research.
Located in Bloomsbury, central London, the university is known for its distinctive focus on non-Western perspectives and its commitment to critical, globally informed scholarship. Today, SOAS continues to play a vital role in shaping conversations around culture, politics and international development.
Location and Accessibility
Address: 10 Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG, UK.
Popular Places Nearby:
| Where To Visit | Distance in Miles | Travel Time | How to Reach? |
| British Museum | 0.3 miles | 6 minutes | Walk north on Russell Square |
| Russell Square Gardens | 0.1 miles | 2 minutes | Walk south in the square |
| Covent Garden | 0.8 miles | 15 minutes | Piccadilly Line from Russell Square tube |
| Oxford Street | 0.7 miles | 12 minutes | Walk northwest or bus 7/68 |
| Bloomsbury Theatre | 0.2 miles | 4 minutes | Walk east on Gordon Square |
Acceptance Rates
SOAS University of London follows a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 44 per cent. While academic performance is important, personal statements also play a central role in admissions decisions, particularly in distinguishing applicants within a competitive pool. As Tristan, an Admissions Officer at SOAS University of London, explains, personal statements help applicants show “who they are, what they care about, and why they want to make a difference.” This reflects a balanced admissions approach that values academic readiness while remaining accessible to qualified international applicants.
Over the past five years, acceptance rates have stayed relatively stable, typically ranging between 40 and 45 per cent. This consistency links to steady application numbers and focused recruitment in specialist disciplines such as area studies, languages, and social sciences. Recent trends show growing global interest in SOAS’s niche programmes, yet admission standards remain competitive rather than restrictive. For you, this means strong preparation improves your chances, without facing extreme selectivity.
See what SOAS students really say about studying in London on this Reddit thread
Got accepted! Experience from current students? – r/SOAS from r/SOAS
SOAS University of London Ranking
Global Rankings:
| Ranking Body | Rank |
| QS World University Ranking 2026 | 511 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 | 401 – 500 |
Notable Alumni of SOAS
| Alumni | Profession | Degree & Field of Study |
| Maro Itoje | Professional Rugby Player | BA Politics |
| Fatima Bhutto | Writer and Columnist | MA South Asian Studies |
| Paul Robeson | Human Rights Activist, Actor and Singer | Student of Swahili and Phonetics |
| Zeinab Badawi | Journalist | MA Middle East History and Anthropology |
| Lowkey | Hip-Hop Artist and Political Campaigner | MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies |
| David Lammy | Labour MP for Tottenham | LLB (Hons) |
| Ramla Ali | Boxer, Model and Author | BA Law |
| Poompat Iam-Samang | Actor and Model | MSc International Relations and Diplomacy |
| Nick Mulvey | Singer-Songwriter | BA Music Studies |
| Jemima Khan | Screenwriter, Producer and UNICEF UK Ambassador | MA Middle Eastern Studies |
| Poppy Ajudha | Singer-Songwriter | BA Social Anthropology |
Ready to see what sets SOAS apart? Watch this quick video for a snapshot of its unique academics, vibrant London campus and student life:
Also Read: 10 Best Places For Students To Live In London
Why Study at SOAS University of London?
- Unmatched Regional Specialisation
SOAS is one of the few universities globally dedicated to the in-depth study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. If your academic interests lie beyond Europe and North America, SOAS offers a level of regional depth that most UK universities cannot replicate.
- Languages taught alongside Social Sciences
SOAS uniquely integrates language study with disciplines such as law, politics, economics, and development studies. This combination helps you gain both subject expertise and linguistic or cultural fluency, which is highly valued in international careers.
- Diverse and International Student Community
Students at SOAS University of London represent over 130 nationalities, creating an inclusive learning environment. This diversity enhances classroom discussions and prepares you for a global career. As Professor Lindiwe Dovey at SOAS explains, “You are what you watch. We have to be very conscious of what we feed to our eyes and our ears.” SOAS places strong emphasis on critical engagement with global narratives.
- Strong Employability Support
Employability at SOAS is supported through a dedicated Careers Service offering personalised guidance, internships, volunteering opportunities, skills workshops, employer events, and alumni engagement. This structured support helps you prepare for international careers while studying and beyond graduation.
See what students are saying on Quora about studying at SOAS University of London, from courses and campus life to career outcomes:
SOAS University of London Courses
- Undergraduate courses
| Course Name | Department | Avg Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA Arabic | School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics | – Home Students:£9,535- International Students: £23,780 |
| BA History | School of History, Religions and Philosophies | – Home Students:£9,535- International Students:£23,780 |
| BA Creative Arts and Cultural Industries | School of Arts & Department of History of Art and Archaeology | – Home Students:£9,535- International Students:£23,780 |
| BA Economics | Department of Economics | – Home Students:£9,535- International Students:£23,780 |
| BA Global Development | Department of Development Studies | – Home Students:£9,535- International Students:£23,780 |
- Postgraduate Taught course
| Course Name | Department | Avg Annual Tuition Fees |
| LLM | College of Law | – Home Students:£16,370- International Students: £27,840 |
| MA African Studies | School of Languages, Cultures andLinguistics | – Home Students:£12,965- International Students:£25,320 |
| MA Anthropology of Food | Department of Anthropology and Sociology | – Home Students:£12,965- International Students:£25,320 |
| MA Buddhist Studies | School of History, Religions and Philosophies | – Home Students:£12,965- International Students:£25,320 |
| MA Documentary, Photojournalism and Global Justice | Department of Media Studies | – Home Students:£12,965- International Students:£25,320 |
- Postgraduate Research degrees
| Course Name | Department | Avg Annual Tuition Fees |
| MPhil/PhD in African Languages and Cultures | School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics | – Home Students:£5,055 per year- International Students: £23,390 per year |
| MPhil/PhD in Anthropology and Sociology | Department of Anthropology and Sociology | – Home Students:£5,055 per year- International Students:£23,390 per year |
| MPhil/PhD in Development Economics | Department of Economics | – Home Students:£5,055 per year- International Students:£23,390 per year |
| MPhil/PhD in Finance and Management | School of Finance and Management | – Home Students:£5,055 per year- International Students: £23,390 per year |
| MPhil/PhD in Gender Studies | Department of Gender Studies | – Home Students:£5,055 per year- International Students:£23,390 per year |
Cost of Studying at SOAS
Undergraduate Programs
When planning your studies at SOAS University of London, understanding undergraduate tuition fees early helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises later. Tuition fees apply to all on-campus undergraduate programmes, including Foundation Year courses, BA, BSc, LLB degrees, and certificate programmes. These fees cover teaching, assessment, and access to academic facilities, but they do not include living or personal expenses.
| Programme Type | Home Fees | Overseas Fees |
| Foundation Year | £5,760 | £23,780 |
| Undergraduate – Full-time | £9,535 | £23,780 |
| Undergraduate – Part-time (continuing students only) | £4,767.50 | £4,767 |
| Outgoing Year Abroad | £1,425 | £11,770 |
| Incoming Study Abroad (full year) | £9,535 | £23,780 |
| Incoming Study Abroad (semester) | £4,765 | £11,890 |
Postgraduate Programs
Postgraduate on-campus fees apply to MA, MSc, MRes programmes, and Postgraduate Certificates. These fees cover teaching, supervision, assessments, and access to academic facilities, but they exclude accommodation and living expenses.
| Band 1 – All Other Subjects | ||
| Study Mode | Home Fees | Overseas Fees |
| Full-time (1 or 2 years) | £12,965 | £25,320 |
| Full-time with work placement | £14,390 | £26,745 |
| Part-time (over 2 years) | £6,480.00 | £12,660 |
| Part-time (over 3 years) | £4,320 | £8,440 |
| Band 2 – Finance and Management | ||
| Study Mode | Home Fees | Overseas Fees |
| Full-time (1 or 2 years) | £15,000 | £26,000 |
| Full-time with work placement | £16,425 | £27,425 |
| Part-time (over 2 years) | £7,500 | £13,000 |
| Part-time (over 3 years) | £5,000 | £8,665 |
| Band 3 – Law | ||
| Study Mode | Home Fees | Overseas Fees |
| Full-time (1 or 2 years) | £16,370 | £27,840 |
| Part-time (over 2 years) | £8,185 | £13,920 |
| Part-time (over 3 years) | £5,455 | £9,280 |
| Band 4 – International Studies and Diplomacy | ||
| Study Mode | Home Fees | Overseas Fees |
| Full-time (1 or 2 years) | £19,500 | £28,840 |
| Part-time (over 2 years) | £9,750 | £14,420 |
| Part-time (over 3 years) | £6,500 | £9,610 |
Postgraduate Research Degrees
Research programmes include MPhil and PhD routes delivered on campus, often involving extended study periods and fieldwork. Tuition fees cover academic supervision, research support, and access to specialist resources, but they do not include living or personal expenses.
| Mode of Study | Home Fees | Overseas Fees |
| Full-time (including fieldwork) | £5,055 | £23,390 |
| Part-time (including fieldwork) | £2,525 | £11,695 |
| Continuation / Writing-up (12 months) | £380.00 | £380 |
Additional Cost Considerations
- Accomodation, Fieldwork and Research Materials:
Alongside tuition, daily expenses form a major part of your budget, and understanding the cost of living in London for students helps you plan accommodation, transport, and lifestyle choices more realistically. Some courses require fieldwork, specialist resources, or equipment that aren’t covered by tuition.
- Books & Academic Supplies:
Textbooks, software, and academic materials vary by course, but many students allocate several hundred pounds a year for these essentials. Libraries and second-hand books can reduce costs.
- Transport & Travel:
London is divided into Zones 1 to 9, which determine public transport costs across the city. Zone 1 covers central London and major universities, while Zones 2-3 are popular with students for their balance of connectivity and rent. Zones 4-9 offer more affordable housing but involve longer commutes. Although London’s public transport system provides student discounts, travel costs, especially when living farther from campus, should be factored into your monthly budget.
- Healthcare & Insurance:
National Health Service (NHS) access is typically included once you pay the immigration health surcharge, but additional private insurance for travel or personal items may be advisable.
- Social & Personal Spending:
Meals out, entertainment, gym memberships, and social outings can add to your overall expenses, so it’s helpful to track a realistic monthly budget from the start.
Cut London living costs without compromise. With UniAcco, explore student accommodation in Coventry and commute easily while enjoying lower rent and student-friendly living.
🔍 Explore Coventry Student HousingScholarships at SOAS University of London
| Award Name | What’s covered | Eligibility | Deadline |
| Cowrie Foundation Scholarship | Tuition + stipend up to £10,000 | – Home fee status- New UG applicants (2025/26)- Ethnicity: Black Caribbean, Black African, Mixed White/Black- Household income ≤ £25,000- Must apply for Student Finance & receive full support | 30 April 2025 |
| SOAS Sanctuary Scholarship | Full tuition + £12,000 maintenance/ year | – Displaced person: asylum seeker, DLR/LLR, Humanitarian Protection, Refugee, or dependent- Arrived under schemes: UKRS, ARAP, Afghan CRS, Syrian VPRS/VCRS, Ukraine schemes- No access to Student Finance- UK resident- No prior equivalent/higher study- Provide immigration evidence (and Student Finance rejection if possible) | 16 June 2025 |
| SOAS Grant 2025/26 | £24,000 total (fee waiver + remaining paid to student) | – New admissions only for any UG, taught master’s, or research degree- Full-time or part-time | 2 May 2025 |
| SOAS Alphawood Scholarship | Fees + £18,700 allowance + flights + visa & health costs | – Must hold SOAS offer by Mar 2026- Usual residence: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam- Others considered if they show commitment to return/relocate to the region and contribute to its development (evidence required) | 21 February 2026 |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | Tuition (overseas rate) + flights + stipend support | – Unconditional SOAS offer by Jan 2026 shortlist- Citizen/refugee/British Protected Person from an eligible Commonwealth country- Permanent resident in an eligible country- Start studies Sept 2026- Degree: minimum 2:1 or 2:2 + relevant master’s- No prior study/work ≥1 year in a high-income country | 9 December 2025 |
| Felix Scholarships | Full tuition, living costs, return airfare | – Indian nationals living/studying in India- For master’s: first-class UG (priority to higher first)- For PhD: first-class UG or upper-second UG + first-class master’s- No prior long-term overseas study; no prior master’s application for master’s; no prior PhD for PhD- No recipients of other PhD scholarships in India- Meet English requirements if conditional | 31 January 2025 |
| Beena Sondhi Scholarship | Full tuition for LLM Human Rights, Conflict & Justice | – Full-time LLM (2025/26)- UG completed in India- First-class or high 2:1 in Law (exceptions for strong professional experience)- Demonstrated interest in human rights/criminal law- New admissions only | 30 May 2025 |
| SOAS Future Leaders Scholarship | Full tuition | – Any 1-year full-time taught master’s- Home & Overseas eligible- New admissions only (2025/26)- First-Class degree (2:1 may apply)- Preference for applicants with no prior postgraduate study- Must apply to SOAS- Must meet English conditions if applicable | 15 May 2025 |
| SOAS Research Studentships | Tuition + stipend (£20,622 min) | – Any full-time MPhil/PhD (2025/26)- Open to UK/EU/Home & Overseas applicants- Must hold an offer by the panel date- Must meet English conditions by 10 May 2025- Cannot hold another major award | 21 March 2025 |
Also Read: UK Government Scholarships For International Students In 2026
Employability & Career Prospects
- SOAS graduates work with leading organisations worldwide, including Amnesty International, BBC, Bloomberg, Clifford Chance, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, Oxfam, Save the Children, Médecins Sans Frontières, the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, World Food Programme, Wall Street Journal, WaterAid, and UK government bodies such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
- The Careers Service supports you throughout your studies and beyond, offering access to external internships, SOAS-based Education Co-creator internships, volunteering opportunities in the UK and abroad, skills development sessions, and practice interviews.
- Andrew Mahiga, MSc Public Policy & Management graduate (2021), shares that his SOAS degree helped him analyse and formulate policies impacting the private sector and business environment in Tanzania through engagement with government and business associations.
SOAS Careers Service – Career Support During and After Your Studies
- Lifelong career guidance
The SOAS Careers Service supports you throughout your studies and after graduation, helping you explore career options, plan next steps, and build long-term professional confidence.
- One-to-one careers advice
You can book personalised appointments for career planning, CV and application feedback, interview preparation, and practice interviews, available both online and on campus.
- Jobs, internships, and volunteering opportunities
CareersZONE acts as a central platform where you can access part-time roles, graduate jobs, internships, and volunteering opportunities in the UK and internationally.
- Skills development and digital resources
Students gain access to career tools such as GoinGlobal, Graduates First, and CareerSet, alongside online learning pathways focused on employability and job readiness.
- Events, workshops, and employer engagement
The Careers Service hosts regular employer sessions, alumni talks, skills workshops, and sector-focused events, helping you build networks and industry awareness.
- SOAS internship programmes
Opportunities such as the Education Co-Creator internships and SOAS Summer Internship Programme allow you to gain paid, hands-on experience while studying.
Top Companies hiring SOAS graduates
| Sector | Employers |
| International Organisations | United Nations Development Programme, World Bank, World Food Programme |
| Humanitarian & NGOs | Amnesty International, Oxfam, Save the Children, Médecins Sans Frontières, WaterAid |
| Consulting & Professional Services | Deloitte, KPMG, PwC |
| Media & Communications | BBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Edelman |
| Law & Government | Clifford Chance, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office |
| Development & Research | Department for International Development |
Housing choices shape the student experience. Explore verified student accommodation in London with UniAcco to understand real rent ranges, neighbourhoods, and living options near SOAS.
🔍 Explore SOAS Student HousingWrapping Up!
SOAS University of London offers more than a degree; it is a gateway to understanding the world and building a global perspective. Its courses, scholarships, campus life, and career opportunities help students make informed decisions and plan their journey with confidence. Whether your interests lie in languages, politics, law, or social sciences, SOAS equips you with the skills, experiences, and connections to thrive academically and professionally.
For international students, it provides a diverse community and a chance to engage with cultures across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. To make the most of student life, finding the right accommodation is key, and UniAcco helps you explore verified housing options near SOAS.
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