Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of Sunderland is a public university based in northeast England and maintains a student population of about 20,000. Admissions are still quite open, with a typical acceptance rate of 64%. Best courses include Nursing, Media, Business, and Engineering. Graduation rates hover between 65-68%, and early career salaries for graduates reportedly reach about INR 26-30 lakhs per annum (£24,000-28,000).
University of East London (UEL) is a metropolitan public university based in East London, with about 17,000 students. Similar to Sunderland, admissions remain open, with acceptance rates approximating 56%. Flagship areas of study include Psychology, Architecture, Business, and Computer Science. The graduation rates are a bit higher at around 68-72%, with early career pays reported between INR 28-32 lakhs per annum (£26,000-30,000).
| University of Sunderland | University of East London | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 27 The Guardian 2026 # 1501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1201 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 33 The Guardian 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 1001 Times Higher Education 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 1001 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023 # 34 for Law by The Guardian 2026 | # 1001 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023 # 68 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -134 PG Programs -68 | UG Programs -101 PG Programs -76 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 64.0 % | 45.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-561 GRE-305 IELTS-6 PTE-59 SAT-1350 TOEFL-89 | GMAT-550 GRE-299 IELTS-6 PTE-62 TOEFL-89 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 13721.8 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 15418.1 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 7560 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 13740 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16740 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25543 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: PhD: $107,000 Master (Other): $57,000 Executive MBA: $53,000 MBA: $52,000 Masters in Science: $48,000 Bachelor of Arts: $40,000 | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA : $65,000 Master (Other) : $56,000 LLM : $49,000 Masters in Finance : $48,000 Other Degree : $45,000 Masters in Science : $43,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit English language proficiency scores Check program specific requirements | Academic Transcripts; Proof of English language proficiency; Personal Statement; Work Experience; Interviews (for a few PG programs); Other supplementary documents (Portfolios, Auditions, Research proposal, etc.). |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 6.2/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.7/10 Read 11 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 28 for Business by The Guardian 2026 | # 72 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 801 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120 | IELTS - 6.0/9 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -31448 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -30885 |
| Return on Investment/Average Package | #Average Salary | #Average Salary65000 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Sunderland | University of East London |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1901 | 1898 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 29:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 43% Male, 57% Female | 43% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | There are two campuses in Sunderland, one in Hong Kong and one in London. The Sunderland campuses are City Campus and the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. | 2 campuses- Stratford (located in one of the best-connected area of London, close to Stratford’s thriving town center, 15 min from London’s West End, close to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) and London Docklands (near Waterfront campus located in Royal Albert Dock). |
| Library | The University has two state-of-the-art libraries: The Murray Library and St Peter's Library. The Murray Library is open 24 hours a day and St Peter's Library until midnight during term time. Library services offer access to excellent resources and the support and skills you need to make best use of them. Each library houses fantastic subject collections for you to borrow while a considerable range of books, journals and module resources are available online. | 2 Physical Libraries; Library, Archives and Learning Services open 24/7 during term time; houses high-quality academic resources, expert advice, inspirational study spaces, books, journals, DVDs, archival collection |
| Campus Life | The University of Sunderland has four halls of residence: Scotia Quay, Panns Bank, Clanny House, and The Forge U-Student Village. The Students' Union is responsible for offering support and advice to students, leading campaigns and being the voice of the student body. The Students' Union's mission is to make all its members' University experience valuable for life. All students enrolled on a course at Sunderland University are automatically members of the Students' Union. The university's Institute of Sport organises training events, courses and other sporting activities for students, staff and the local community. There are over 50 clubs and societies in the university. Users have access to the £12m CitySpace building on the City Campus, which features a climbing wall, fitness suite, physiotherapy and injury centre, sports hall, multi-purpose suite and spectator seating. | Docklands Campus: 24/7 Docklands library; 26 million USD SportsDock centre; Campus shop & bookstore; Children’s Garden Nursery; Cafés, eateries, & a late bar; Student Union facilities- student lounge. |
| Hostel | #Accomodation - $6120 | #Rooms (Standard) - $8036 #Rooms (Detached Flat) - $8323 #Rooms (Studio) - $9184 |
| Famous Alumni |
| Sonam Kapoor (Bollywood Actress); Kemi Adeosun (Minister of Finance of Nigeria); Tazeen Ahmad (British journalist & broadcaster); Roger Ashton-Griffiths (British actor, writer & director); Garry Bushell (British journalist & broadcaster); Simon Carter (Artist); Gemma Gibbons (Judo Olympian); Jeffrey Lawal-Balogun (track athlete) |
| City Life |
| London- 1st in QS News Best Student Cities (2019); Capital city of England; known for Palace of Westminster, Tower of London, London Eye, Arts Galleries, Museum of London, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, & various other cultural attractions; UK parliament; PM’s home; BBC headquarters. |
| Weather |
University of Sunderland vs University of East London
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Presently, neither Sunderland nor UEL features in the global top 500 but does hold regional recognition for certain subjects, with Sunderland being recognized for Pharmacy, Nursing, Media, and Business, emphasizing vocational training, while UEL is stronger in Architecture, Psychology, Business, Sports Science, and Creative Industries. Sunderland is attractive for students interested in health and applied sciences, whereas UEL is known for creative and professional programs linked to London industries.
General Information
The University of Sunderland was established in 1901 and gained university status in 1992. It has around 20,000 students across its campuses, including those in Hong Kong and London. It offers a supportive, community-focused environment with a strength in vocational education. Established in 1898 and since 1992 a university, the University of East London has about 25,000 students. Located in the Docklands and Stratford areas of East London, it occupies a vibrant urban setting with close ties to industry in one of the world's most diverse cities.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Sunderland believes having a mostly open admissions policy, with a nearly 64% acceptance rate. It attracts a variety of students each year, including mature and international applicants. UEL follows suit, with a 56% acceptance rate, and is therefore equally very diverse, but more students compete for the creative and business programs due to its location and industrial connections.
Research Impact & Facilities
The two institutions focus on applied and local research as opposed to globally impacting research. Sunderland focuses on health sciences, pharmacy, and applied business research; UEL contributes to the psychology, urban sustainability, and social sciences fields with the support of East London and an urban-focused research agenda. The visibility of research stands modest at both institutions, albeit industry-relevant.
Cost & Financial Aid
The international tuition fees at two universities average yearly between GBP 13,000 and 15,000, depending upon the program. A low cost of living is one of the pocket-friendly aspects that Sunderland has to offer, whereas UEL students are met with greater living expenses occasioned by London's higher living charges. Both offer scholarships, although UEL offers more in the form of funding for international and underrepresented students.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
Sunderland graduates typically go into professions of healthcare, pharmacy, media, and teaching since the training is vocational in character. UEL graduates go into business, creative industries, sports science, and social work and are favored by London for job and global opportunities. Sunderland offers the more affordable options and good paths, while UEL is better with industry exposure and networking being right in the capital city.
