Quick Summary
Situated in London, United Kingdom, SOAS University of London is a public research university established in 1916. Ranked #511 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 5800 students including 52% from outside United Kingdom. Known for strengths in Development Studies, Anthropology, Politics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Global leader in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East; located in the heart of London; highly diverse and politically active student body.
Subject Strengths
Development StudiesAnthropologyPoliticsReligionsLanguagesLawHistory
Founded1916
TypePublic Research University
Total Students5800
Intl Students52%
Faculty Ratio11.5
CampusUrban
Campus Size5
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationPrivy Council
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#511
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Foundation, Distance Learning
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
SOAS South Asia Institute, Centre for African Studies, SOAS China Institute, Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Privy Council
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS7
TOEFL105
Min GPA3.3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 31 (UCAS), June 30 (International Postgrad)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Emphasize regional interests and language aptitude in personal statements. Highlight cross-cultural experiences and specific research alignment with SOAS faculty.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Pound Sterling
UG Tuition
£21,160/yr
per year · GBP
Living Cost
£16,000/yr
per year · GBP
PG Tuition
£23,200/yr
per year · GBP
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
£371,885/yr
tuition + living + essentials · GBP
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$6,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Foundation, Distance Learning programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Development Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Social Anthropology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$42,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship Placementyes
Industry Connections
Strong links with Foreign & Commonwealth OfficeUN agenciesInternational NGOsand global financial institutions.
Notable Alumni
Aung San Suu Kyi, Paul Robeson, David Lammy, Jung Chang, Zeinab Badawi
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Access to University of London Student Central facilities, including swimming pool and gym.
Student Clubs
Over 150 societies including regional, political, and cultural groups.
Library Resources
SOAS Library is one of only five National Research Libraries in the UK, holding over 1.3 million volumes.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available