The University of London, one of the oldest and largest university systems in the world, is making it easier than ever for Indian students to get a top British degree – either by coming to London or studying from home.
Unlike normal universities, the University of London is a federation of 17 independent, world-famous colleges that share the same name and high standards. Students get the same respected University of London degree whether they study at UCL, King’s College, LSE, or fully online from India.
- Started in 1836 – older than most Indian universities.
- Over 120 Recognized Teaching Centers across 40 countries in the world.
- More than 40,000 students study fully online from over 190 countries.
- National leader of Humanities: Its School of Advanced Study is the only UK institution nationally funded by Research England to promote and facilitate humanities research.
- Degrees accepted by all Indian companies and government jobs.
- Big Indian student societies – celebrate Diwali and Holi every year.
Read Along: Why Study in UK?
History of the University of London Federation
The University of London federation began in 1836, when it received its first Royal Charter. It originally served as a degree-awarding body for students from University College London and King’s College London. In 1900, it was reorganized into the federal structure we see today.
Over the last 200 years, the federation has expanded, but its core purpose remains the same—working together to provide some of the UK’s best education and research. Each member institution is independent and different in size and focus, yet all are known for delivering high-quality learning.
Spread across London, the top universities in UK under the Uni of London federation play an active role in their local communities and economies.
Today, the University of London federation is one of the world’s largest and most diverse networks, with more than 250,000 students and alumni from 190 countries.
Universities Under the University of London Federation
Here, the universities under the University of London federation are tabulated below:
| University | Guardian Ranking 2026 | Complete University Guide Ranking 2026 | QS WUR 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkbeck, University of London | - | - | #388 |
| Brunel University of London | #117 | #67 | #385 |
| City St. George’s, University of London | #86 | - | #310 |
| Courtauld Institute of Art | - | - | - |
| Goldsmiths, University of London | #67 | #71 | #711-720 |
| King’s College London | #21 | #19 | #31 |
| London Business School | - | - | - |
| London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | - | - | - |
| Queen Mary University of London | #72 | #41 | #110 |
| Royal Academy of Music | - | #7 for Performing Arts | - |
| Royal Holloway, University of London | #79 | #35 | #461 |
| SOAS University of London | #116 | #62 | #511 |
| The Institute of Cancer Research, London | - | - | - |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | #4 | #3 | #56 |
| The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama | - | #3 for Performing Arts | - |
| The Royal Veterinary College | - | - | - |
| University College London (UCL) | #10 | #13 | #9 |
With 17 prestigious member institutions, a global student base, and flexible study pathways, the University of London continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s most influential education networks. For Indian learners, it offers an accessible route to a respected British degree—on campus or online—backed by a 190-country federation known for academic excellence and global employability.
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