About SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London is a unique specialist institution focusing on the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Located in Bloomsbury, it offers unparalleled expertise in languages, cultures, politics, economics, and development studies of these regions, attracting students from over 130 countries.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 5,500 total students
- • 2,500 international students
- • 60 student societies
Location
- • Located in London
- • Public university
- • Established 1916
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, Certificate
Popular Subjects
Development StudiesInternational RelationsLawEconomicsJapaneseChineseArabicAfrican StudiesSouth Asian Studies
Student-Staff Ratio
12 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Languages and Cultures
China and Inner Asia, Japan and Korea, South and South East Asia, Near and Middle East, Africa, Linguistics
Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
Law, Economics, Politics and International Studies, Development Studies, Financial Studies
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
History, Religions and Philosophies, History of Art and Archaeology, Music, Study of Religions
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAA - ABB depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 35-37 points depending on programme, Access to HE: Pass with Distinctions, International qualifications from Asia, Africa, Middle East welcomed
IELTS: 7
R 7 / W 7 / L 7 / S 7
TOEFL iBT: 105
Personal statement demonstrating interest in Asia/Africa/Middle East • Writing sample for some programmes • Interview may be required
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or international equivalent
GPA: 3.3
IELTS: 7
R 7 / W 7 / L 7 / S 7
TOEFL iBT: 105
Two references • Research proposal for PhD • Writing sample • Statement of purpose
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £20,000
- Postgraduate: £20,000
- Foundation: £19,500
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £10,000
- Food: £3,200
- Transport: £1,500
- Entertainment: £1,300
- Other: £1,000
- Total: £17,000
Scholarships
SOAS Master's Scholarship
MeritCompetitive scholarship for exceptional postgraduate applicants.
Value: £10,000 (Partial)
Outstanding academic achievement • Master's applicants
SOAS Regional Scholarship
MeritScholarship for students from SOAS's focus regions.
Value: £5,000 (Partial)
Students from Asia, Africa, or Middle East • Strong academic record
SOAS Hardship Fund
Need-basedEmergency financial support for students facing difficulties.
Value: £2,000 (Partial)
Current students • Demonstrated financial hardship
Campus & Facilities
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
Compact central London campus in Bloomsbury, adjacent to Russell Square and the British Museum. Historic buildings housing world-class libraries and archives on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Size: 3 acres
Facilities
Academic
Main Building (Russell Square), Paul Webley Wing, Language Learning Centre, Computer labs, Seminar rooms
Research
SOAS Library (world-renowned collection), Archives on Asia, Africa, Middle East, Research centres on regions and themes
Student Life
SOAS Students' Union, The Brunei Gallery (exhibitions), SOAS Food Co-op, Fair Trade café
Libraries
SOAS Library
One of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with over 1.5 million volumes.
09:00-22:00 (extended during term)
Senate House Library
Access to University of London central library resources.
09:00-21:00
Sports Facilities
University of London Sports Facilities
Access to ULU gym, swimming pool, and sports facilities in Bloomsbury.
Student Services
Student Advice and Wellbeing
Support for academic, financial, and personal matters.
studentadvice@soas.ac.uk
Disability and Wellbeing
Support for students with disabilities and mental health needs.
disability@soas.ac.uk
Careers Service
Career guidance with focus on international development, NGOs, and global opportunities.
careers@soas.ac.uk
Accommodation
Paul Robeson House
IntercollegiateSOAS-nominated rooms in intercollegiate hall near campus.
Cost: £200 - £280 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Common rooms • Central location
Distance: 10-minute walk
Contract: 40-51 weeks
University of London Halls
IntercollegiateAccess to various University of London intercollegiate halls.
Cost: £180 - £320 (per week)
Various room types • Catered and self-catered options • Social events • Central London
Distance: 10-30 minutes
Contract: 39-51 weeks
First-year undergraduates can apply for University of London halls. Apply through SOAS accommodation service after receiving offer.
Housing advice service, help with private rentals, international student orientation.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 60
Teams: 12
Cultural Activities
- Brunei Gallery Exhibitions — Throughout the year
- SOAS World Music Festival — Annually
- Language Society Events — Weekly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@soas.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: No
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)20 7637 2388
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
400
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 78%
Further study: 15%
Unemployed: 4%
Average Salary
£30,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
United NationsWorld BankDFID/FCDOOxfamSave the ChildrenBBCReutersCivil ServiceBritish CouncilInternational NGOs
Career Services
- Careers Service: Specialist advice for careers in international development, diplomacy, and global organisations.
- Alumni Network: Strong connections in international development, journalism, and academia.
- Internship Support: Help finding internships with NGOs, UN agencies, and media organisations.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
London City Airport
14 km • 40 minutes by tube
Public Transport
- Underground: Russell Square (Piccadilly line) is 2-minute walk; Euston and King's Cross within 10 minutes. • £2.80 single (Oyster)
- Rail: Euston, King's Cross, and St Pancras stations all within 10-minute walk. • Varies by destination
Local Area
Bloomsbury is London's academic and literary heartland, surrounded by the British Museum, universities, and beautiful Georgian squares.
Cost of Living: High
Attractions: British Museum, British Library, Russell Square Gardens, West End theatres, Covent Garden
Shopping: Oxford Street (nearby), Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Independent bookshops
Entertainment: West End theatres, Bloomsbury pubs, British Museum events, Arts cinemas, Live music venues
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, University of London member, Bar Standards Board (Law), Various professional bodies for languages
Partnerships
- Academic: University of London — Member of University of London with shared resources and degrees.
- Research: British Museum — Research collaboration and access to collections.
- Development: United Nations agencies — Research partnerships and graduate recruitment.
Research Highlights
- Development Studies — World-ranked research on global development, poverty, and international policy. (2024)
- Language Documentation — Leading work on endangered languages of Asia and Africa. (2024)
- Middle East Studies — Critical research on politics, society, and culture of the Middle East. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Aung San Suu Kyi — Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Myanmar democracy leader (1985)
- John Maynard Keynes — Economist (Honorary Fellow) (1919)
- Paul Theroux — Travel writer and novelist (1968)
Metadata
Source: SOAS University of London official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io