Information for UK based international prospective students

International students based in the UK

Welcome to the country page for International Students based in the UK, where we have gathered specific information for students interested in studying at SOAS.

Contact us


SOAS attends exhibitions across the UK to meet with students interested in studying at SOAS. Further information can be found in our listings for events in your country.

If you are in London please feel free to come in for a chat. The Student Recruitment Office is open Monday - Friday between 10am - 4pm and we also run campus tours at 2pm every Wednesday and Friday.

Minimum entry requirements

These are guidelines only and do not guarantee entry. Each application will be judged on its own merits.

Undergraduate study

Please see our undergraduate entry requirements, where we list the most common qualifications. If your qualification is not on the list or you have completed a foundation year, please contact Matt who will be happy to advise you.

Postgraduate study

Most courses ask for students to achieve an upper second class honours from a UK university. Our postgraduate entry requirements are listed under each course page.

Foundation courses

Those applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements or would like to improve their English language before studying for a degree, could consider applying for the Undergraduate Foundation programme offered at the SOAS IFCELS centre.

Students can improve their English while studying academic courses in an area of their choice, including Development Studies, International Business, Media and Communication and International Politics.

Students who achieve a minimum level of academic and English language performance on the ICC Foundation programme are guaranteed progression to SOAS for undergraduate study (subject to satisfying eligibility requirements), and will receive a 5% discount in all 3 years of undergraduate study. However the ICC Certificate award from the University of London is recognised by UK universities as an entrance qualification for undergraduate degree programmes and our Academic Advice Team provides one-to-one support with every stage of the undergraduate application procedure.

SOAS will also consider applications for direct entry from students who have completed one of the qualifications listed below;

Provider Programme name
Bell English University Foundation Programme
Bellerbys College Foundation Programme
CATS Colleges Undergraduate Foundation Programme
David Game University Foundation Programme
EF International Year One
INTO International Foundation Certificate
King's College London, University of London King's International Foundation
Queen Mary, University of London International Foundation Course
University of Reading International Foundation Programme
Royal Holloway, University of London University Foundation Programme
UCL, University of London University Preparatory Certificate

Students who are pursuing a Foundation Degree elsewhere are welcome to contact Matt by email for guidance on whether the qualification will be recognised for direct entry.

English language proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English will normally have to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Please check the English language requirements page for detailed information. SOAS does offer English summer courses (‘pre-sessionals’) for those who do not meet the exact entry requirements so that students have the opportunity to improve their language skills before beginning academic study.

Scholarships

SOAS offers a wide-range of scholarships, bursaries and awards to support students.
A number of scholarships are also provided by the University of London, the British Government and other external organisations, for a list please visit scholarships and bursaries.

UK/EU Funding

Students who are eligible for UK/EU fees can also apply for a loan from Student Finance. The loan covers your tuition fees, is paid direct to SOAS and does not need to be paid back until after you complete your studies.

Careers

The SOAS Careers Service is part of the The Careers Group, University of London, which is the biggest careers service in the country. The Careers Service provides a range of services including a careers information library, career counselling services and various events throughout the year, to help with career choice, job hunting, applications and interviews.

Alumni

SOAS has alumni all over the world, if you would like to contact an alum to ask any questions, please visit SOAS alumni.

Useful links

  • The British Council is the British Government's international organization for educational and cultural relations. Their website is designed for those seeking information and advice on education and contemporary arts in the UK.
  • Education UK is produced by the British Council to help international students interested in a UK course or qualification.
  • UKCISA - The UK Council for International Students Affairs provides information on many aspects of studying overseas, including visas and working while studying.
  • The UK Visa & Immigration service also has up to date information on immigration and visa requirements.
  • UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admission Service is the body through which all applications for undergraduate study must be made.