School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London [SOAS]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

London, EnglandLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1916established year
4965enrollment
Public

Important Alerts

EventsDates
International Business Administration Application Deadline For Session 2
Closing in 95 days
24th Feb 2025
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Closing in 95 days
24th Feb 2025
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Closing in 252 days
31st Jul 2025
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School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London is the top institution in Europe specializing in the study of Africa, Asia, and the near and Middle East. Founded in 1916 as the School of Oriental Studies, the school has grown to be the major national center for the study of 500+ programs concerned with Africa, Asia, and the Middle East regions. SOAS as it is fondly called is a remarkable institution with a vast repository of knowledge and expertise to inform and shape current thinking about the cultural, political, economic, security, and religious challenges of the world.

School of Oriental and African Studies Campus

With over 5,200 undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus, 3,000+ online students, 350+ undergraduate degree combinations, and 115 postgraduate programs taught by respected academics engaged in fieldwork and research, the school has achieved a 90% teaching satisfaction, the highest in London. It is one of the top 5 universities in the UK in terms of Library and IT expenditure per student. Moreover, the schools program in Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences and Public Health have been ranked 167th and 395th respectively by the U.S. News and Report 2022.

SOAS University of London Ranking

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London is ranked:

  • 346th in QS Global World Ranking by QS World University Rankings 2021. 
  • 401 – 500th in World University Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education.
  • 101 – 200th in Impact Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education.
  • 5th in Impact Rankings: Peace, justice and strong institutions 2022 by Time Higher Education
  • 80th in 2022 Best Global Universities Ranking in the UK by U.S. News and Report.
  • 462nd in 2022 Best Global Universities in Europe by U.S. News and Report.

Highlights

University Type Public
Establishment Year 1916
Location London, England
Campus Setting Urban
No. of campuses 1
On campus accommodation Available
Work study Available
Mode of Program Full-time/ Part-time/ Online
Total enrollment 5200+ (on campus)

SOAS University of London Campus

  • The SOAS University of London is housed in central London with the exact location at 10 Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London.
  • There are outstanding facilities on the SOAS campus including:
    • The Brunei Gallery provides a 40-room conference venue at the central London location.
    • The University library houses more than 1.5 million books, collections, journals, and publications in more than 400 languages making the school.
  • The University has eight regional centres coordinating regional expertise and running seminars, conferences, and workshops to provide in-depth and up-to-date knowledge.
  • Students are encouraged to join one or more of the 50 clubs and societies, or better still found their own club.
  • Sports activities on campus are also encouraged.

SOAS University of London Residence

  • SOAS University of London offers a variety of accommodation in halls of residence and rooms in shared flats/houses off-campus in locations within close proximity to the campus, amenities, and transport links.
  • The school has 6 residence halls namely – Dinwiddy House, Goldsmiths House, Helen Graham House, Paul Robeson House, Urbanest St. Pancras and Wood Green Hall.
  • Room types include single, studios, twin, en suite and non-en suite, catered and self-catered, double rooms, and flats (adapted), couples and family housing tailored to meet students’ budgets and requirements.
  • Facilities in these halls of residence include broadband internet, contents insurance, 24-hour security, common room with TV, vending machines, courtyard, laundry room, secured bike shed, wheelchair access & adapted rooms, etc
  • SOAS also provides support to students intending to live in private accommodation.

SOAS University of London Courses

  • SOAS University of London offers more than 350 undergraduate degree combinations and 115 postgraduate programs delivered by over 300 respected specialists.
  • There are five schools, ten departments and five centres of the school across which programs are offered.
  • The school also offers two International Foundation Year Programs to prepare students for undergraduate study.
  • Pre-masters programs are also available to international students to prepare them for a post-graduate program.
  • Through the language center, students can enroll in short courses to master new languages like Chinese, Arabic, Chinese, Persian and more.
  • All students have the option to study a language alongside their choice of degree programs.
  • SOAS also delivers online and distance learning programs equal in standard to those delivered on campus.

SOAS University of London Application Process

SOAS accepts applications from all domestic and overseas students. All international students who wish to study at SOAS are required to possess a Tier 4 student visa. The standard admission procedure and requirements applicable for both undergraduate and graduate students have been described below:

How to Apply?

The steps to be followed while applying for admission to SOAS University of London are as follows:

Application Portal: UG applicant – UCAS portal; PG applicants - School Application Portal

Application Fees: UG applicants: 18 GBP for one program, 25 GBP for multiple programs; PG applicants – Free

Application Deadline: June 30

Entry Requirements: The entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants must be fulfilled before applying:

  • Undergraduate: Admission requirements for individual programs vary, however, a typical offer ranges between 78% and 81% in the applicant’s best four Standard XII subjects (excluding Hindi and P.E).
  • Postgraduate: Applicants are required to possess a first or good second class honors bachelors’ degree from a UK university, or equivalent. Relevant work experience may also be considered. However, applicants are advised to consult the program page as Individual programs may have specific entry requirements.

Admission Requirements: The following documents must be submitted at the time of admission:

  • Original certificates
  • Official Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • References
  • Personal Letter
  • Program-specific requirements
  • English Language Test scores
  • Supporting statement
  • Up-to-date CV or Résumé

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English language but providing one of the following tests and their scores:

Test Minimum level for direct entry (UG and PG)
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in listening, reading, and speaking
PTE Academic 65 overall with 65 in writing and 60 in listening, reading, and speaking
TOEFL IBT 100 overall with 23 in writing and 21 in listening, reading, and speaking
Duo lingo 120
  • Some courses require a higher test score than what is listed above.
  • Other test scores are also accepted for admission.
  • English language test is not required if the applicant completed all of his/her undergraduate studies in the UK or in a country where English is the official first language

SOAS University of London Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance for SOAS University of London comprises the tuition fee and the cost of living depending on student’s preferences. The estimated cost of living for students per week is 220-430 GBP. This table provides a rough estimate of the cost of attendance for the 2023/2024 session.

Fees Undergraduate (in GBP) Postgraduate (in GBP)
Tuition Fees 18,630 20,530 – 22,810
Accommodation  120-260 per week 120-260 per week
Utility Bills 10-15 per week 10-15 per week
Food 30-40 per week 30-40 per week
Travels 10-30 per week 10-30 per week
Study Materials 5-10 per week 5-10 per week
Insurance 2 per week 2 per week
Mobile and Internet 15 per week 15 per week
Entertainment  20-40 per week 20-40 per week
Miscellaneous 10-20 per week 10-20 per week

SOAS University of London Scholarships/Financial Aid

  • International students studying in SOAS University of London are eligible to receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, bursaries, student loans and work-study.
  • London has lots of job opportunities, and students are permitted to work part-time to enhance their resume and help cover their bills.
  • Eligible Indian students can apply for Credila Indian Student Loans through GEMS to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs.
  • SOAS offers a variety of scholarships (merit-based and need-based) with deadlines for applications ending in January for the following academic year.
  • International students also have access to several research scholarships and scholarships from external organizations such as Chevening Scholarship, British Council, and Commonwealth Scholarship etc.

Some of scholarships available for international students include:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria Amount Awarded
Undergraduate SOAS Academic Excellence Scholarship New undergraduate program applicants. 7000 GBP
Undergraduate Research Awards Current undergraduate students Travel allowances and support
Felix Scholarships Indian student applying as a full-time student for a taught masters program Full cost of tuition fees, living costs, and returns airfare
International Postgraduate Scholarships International student applying for a full-time taught masters program 3000 GBP
British Council Overseas students interested in studying in the UK. Variable

SOAS University of London Alumni Network

The alumni members are entitled to the following benefits:

  • Tuition fee discounts for SOAS graduates
  • Free attendance at global networking events
  • Free access to campus facilities
  • Alumni library membership

Some notable alumni of the school include:

  • Zeinab Badawi - British-Sudanese journalist
  • Luísa Diogo – Former Prime Minister of Mozambique
  • Aung San Suu Kyi – state counselor of Myanmar
  • Swapan Dasgupta - Member of Rajya Sabha
  • John Atta Mills – former President of Ghana

SOAS University of London Placements

SOAS University of London maintains a dedicated web page where part-time jobs, full-time jobs, and internships are posted. Through CareerZone – SOAS’ career management system, students have access to jobs, internships and volunteering opportunities. 95% of students contacted six months after graduation reported that they are into full time employment, study, or engaging in other activities. Some common employers of the graduates include: UN Organizations, Bank of England, HM Treasury, HSBC Bank, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Standard Chartered Bank etc.

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams Score
Application Deadline For Session 1 (2nd Sep 2024)
Application Deadline For Session 2 (24th Feb 2025)
USD 14,196 /Yr
GBP 10,920 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
Application Deadline For Session 1 (2nd Sep 2024)
Application Deadline For Session 2 (24th Feb 2025)
USD 14,196 /Yr
GBP 10,920 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
Application Deadline (31st Jul 2025)
USD 32,916 /Yr
GBP 25,320 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
Application Deadline (31st Jul 2025)
USD 33,462 /Yr
GBP 25,740 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
Application Deadline (31st Jul 2025)
USD 33,462 /Yr
GBP 25,740 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
Application Deadline (15th Jun 2025)
USD 29,237 /Yr
GBP 22,490 /Yr

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Top Recommended Courses


2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL100
Important Date: 24 Feb, 2025
USD 14,196 /YrGBP 10,920 /Yr

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL100

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

3 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL100
Degrees Available: B.A
Important Date: 31 Jan, 2025
USD 28,587 /YrGBP 21,990 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Important Date: 15 Jun, 2025
USD 29,237 /YrGBP 22,490 /Yr
1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.0|TOEFL100
Important Date: 31 Jul, 2025
USD 33,462 /YrGBP 25,740 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Ranking

202520242023202220212020201920182017

QS World University logo

Overall 508 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

#49 out of 90 in UK 2025

Nearest Ranked Colleges

University of Huddersfield

Ranked 501
Score 24.1

University of Hull

Ranked 516
Score 23.6

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School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Felix ScholarshipsScholarship per student$17,894Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeCollege-Specific
1st Formations Business ScholarshipScholarship per student$636Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Cranfield MBA Scholarship for WomenScholarship per student$14,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeCollege-Specific
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
(ISC)² Women’s Cybersecurity ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Bhajan Lal ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

Attendance Cost

$28,587

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$28,587 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$32,916 / Year

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Campus Location


+44-20-78-98-4361
Telephone
Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0XG
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Bus Station
  • Book Store
  • Super Market
  • Shopping Mall
  • Hospital
  • Airport

Bus Station

Russell Square (Stop J)0.13 km
Russell Square (Stop D)0.17 km
Russell Square (Stop E)0.20 km
Russell Square Station (Stop H)0.23 km
Show More

Super Market

Planet Organic0.35 km
Tesco Metro1.28 km
Whole Foods Market1.40 km
Marks & Spencer BOND STREET SIMPLY FOOD1.68 km
Show More

Hospital

National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery0.49 km
Great Ormond Street Hospital0.59 km
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital0.95 km
The London Clinic1.42 km
Show More

Book Store

Waterstones0.20 km
Forbidden Planet London Megastore0.82 km
FOPP0.98 km
Stanfords1.07 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

The Brunswick Centre0.44 km
Burlington Arcade1.67 km
West One1.68 km
One New Change2.52 km
Show More

Airport

Poster Sites Uk0.54 km
Ground Operations Software System0.91 km
David Nejad Trading Co. Limited1.31 km
Grosvenor Executive Chauffeurs1.76 km
Show More

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


1 Comment
M
malika jamilova

Hi, I wanna know about scholarships. Does the university give scholarships for international students?

L
Lagan Kapoor

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London offers scholarships to international students! However, check the available scholarships, their benefits, and eligibility for the SOAS scholarships.


- No More Comments -

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