Starting September 2025, SOAS University of London will implement a new two-semester academic calendar, replacing the current three-term structure. This change is part of the university's commitment to enhancing the student experience.
The new calendar will feature two 10-week teaching blocks, each followed by a reading week. There will be two assessment periods: one in January and another in May, with an additional reassessment period in August.
The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS University of London) is a public research university located in the Bloomsbury area of central London. SOAS is a member institution of the University of London.
SOAS houses one of England's five national research libraries. With an annual income of £113.8 million for 2023-24, of which £9.6 million came from research grants, SOAS is a vital hub for research and academic inquiry.
The institution is structured into three colleges: the College of Development, Economics andFinance; the College of Humanities; and the College of Law, Anthropology and Politics, which includes the SOAS School of Law.
Before you explore its SOAS’s admissions, academic programs and others in detail, let's take a look at its overview:
Note: The tuition fee may vary depending on the specialization. The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.
Here’s a snapshot of SOAS University of London’s demographic profile:
Curious if SOAS University of London matches your academic and career aspirations? Book a free 1:1 counselling sessionwith upGrad’s expert advisors for tailored guidance on programs, eligibility, tuition, and scholarships.
After a quick overview of SOAS University of London, let’s check out the programs you can study at SOAS University of London.
SOAS University of London's Fees
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.
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.
Accommodation
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
Scholarship
SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarshipsto 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:
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.
SOAS University of London's Admission
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 AptitudeTest (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.
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.
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.
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.
SOAS University of London's Ranking
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:
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.
Unsure if SOAS University of London is the right choice for your master's studies? Check out the SOAS University of London Ranking 2025for detailed insights and see how it stands globally!
What are the key academic disciplines at SOAS University of London?
SOAS specializes in a range of academic disciplines, particularly focusing on areas related to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Key disciplines include development studies, economics, politics, law, anthropology, and regional studies. The university is known for its leadership in development studies, ranking 5th globally in the QS World Rankings for this subject.
How does SOAS support international students in adjusting to life in London?
SOAS offers extensive support to international students, including an international student wing, pastoral care, and dedicated academic advising. Students also participate in a comprehensive Orientation Week, which includes cultural workshops, language placement tests, and networking opportunities to help students adjust to university life in London.
What is the global reputation of SOAS University of London in various fields?
SOAS University of London has a strong global reputation, especially in social sciences and humanities. It is ranked 5th globally for Development Studies (QS 2025) and 28th for Politics. SOAS also ranks 18th globally for Anthropology, highlighting its world-class academic programs in these areas.
Can international students avail of scholarships at SOAS University of London?
Yes, SOAS offers a variety of scholarships for international students. The Global Excellence Scholarship, for example, provides up to £8,000 (INR 7L)in fee waivers for postgraduate students from selected countries. Additionally, SOAS partners with external organizations like the British Council for scholarships such as the SOAS GREAT Scholarships, offering £10,000 (INR 9L) –£11,000 (INR 9.9L) fee waivers.
How does the student population at SOAS University of London compare globally?
SOAS is known for its diverse student body, with students from over 130 nationalities. The university has a significant international presence, with 43% of the student population coming from outside the UK. The gender balance is skewed towards females, with 63% female students and 37% male students.
What are the career prospects for SOAS graduates?
SOAS graduates enjoy strong career prospects, with 85% of graduates from University of London programs securing employment or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. Many graduates go on to work with prestigious organizations like the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Deloitte, securing professional-level roles in their respective fields.
What are the tuition fees for postgraduate programs at SOAS?
Postgraduate tuition fees at SOAS vary by program. For example, an MSc typically costs EUR 25,320 (INR 22.8L), while an MA is priced at EUR 26,300 (INR 23.7L) annually. Some specialized programs, such as the LLM, can cost up to EUR 26,700 (INR 24L). The university also offers options for online and distance learning, with fees starting at EUR 12,000 (INR 10L) for international students.
Does SOAS provide any work placement opportunities for students?
Yes, SOAS provides several work placement opportunities, particularly through the Postgraduate Work Placement Year. This allows students to gain real-world experience during their studies. SOAS also offers a Virtual Industry Project, which successfully placed 100 students in startups and NGOs, with 90% of participants recommending the program to others.
What financial aid options are available to students at SOAS?
SOAS offers both internal and external scholarships to support students financially. Notable internal scholarships include the SOAS Grant, which provides up to £24,000 (INR 24.3L) in fee waivers and maintenance stipends. External scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship offer full funding for one-year Master's degrees, including tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
What is the application process for SOAS University of London?
The application process varies depending on the program. For most undergraduate programs, applications are submitted through UCAS by January 15 each year. For postgraduate programs, applications can be made directly to SOAS by the end of July.
How does SOAS University of London’s location benefit students?
Located in the Bloomsbury area of central London, SOAS offers students access to one of the world’s most dynamic cities. The university is well-connected to key transport hubs like King’s Cross and Euston, providing easy access to cultural events, internships, and networking opportunities with leading organizations in fields like international relations, law, and business.
SOAS University of London: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions
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