SOAS University of London, formerly known as the School of Oriental and African Studies, is one of the United Kingdom's most unique institutions, with a global reputation for its expertise in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. If you're looking for information on the SOAS admissions process, when to apply, the true cost of living in London, the perks of staying on campus, and how much tuition is, this guide has it all. Below is a detailed breakdown of the admission process for both domestic and international students, including entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees for popular programs, the benefits of living in SOAS halls of residence, and a realistic monthly budget for studying in London.
About SOAS University of London
SOAS was founded in 1916 and is a constituent institution of the University of London, located in Bloomsbury, central London. The university focuses on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, offering over 350 undergraduate courses and over 200 postgraduate programs in subjects such as Economics, Law, Politics, Anthropology, Development Studies, Media and Communications, and Regional Languages.
SOAS has a student population from over 130 nations, making it one of the most globally diversified campuses in the UK. It is one among the world's top colleges for Development Studies, with good global rankings in Anthropology, Politics, and Area Studies. The university has a fairly selective admissions method, with an overall acceptance rate estimated at around 44 percent.
Why Students Choose SOAS University of London
- A truly global student body representing over 130 nationalities
- World renowned specialisation in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies
- A central London location close to government institutions, embassies, NGOs, and major employers
- Small group teaching with a favourable student to staff ratio
- A wide range of scholarships aimed specifically at students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
- Strong links with international organisations, useful for internships and career placements
SOAS Admission Process for Local UK Students
UK based undergraduate applicants apply to SOAS through UCAS, the shared application system used across almost all British universities. The typical steps are as follows.
- Create a UCAS account and search for your chosen SOAS undergraduate course.
- Add SOAS to your UCAS application alongside up to four other university choices.
- Complete your personal statement, academic reference, and predicted or achieved grades.
- Submit your application before the relevant UCAS deadline for your intake.
- Track your application status and any offers through UCAS Track.
- Meet any conditions on your offer, such as final exam results, then confirm SOAS as your firm choice.
Postgraduate applicants who are UK residents apply directly through the SOAS online application portal rather than UCAS, and can typically apply on a rolling basis for most taught masters programs.
SOAS Admission Process for International Students
International applicants, including students from Nigeria and other African countries, follow a broadly similar process but with a few extra steps around document checks and visa preparation.
- Choose your course and confirm the exact entry requirements listed on the official SOAS course page, since requirements vary by subject and study level.
- Apply for undergraduate courses through UCAS, or apply for postgraduate taught and research programs directly through the SOAS online application system.
- Upload your academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement, an academic reference, and your English language test result.
- Receive your offer letter, which will be conditional or unconditional depending on outstanding requirements.
- Accept your offer and pay any required tuition deposit to receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as a CAS.
- Use your CAS reference to apply for a UK Student visa through the official UK government visa application service.
- Apply for accommodation, since SOAS opens its housing portal for new students in April each year ahead of the September intake.
Entry Requirements for International Students
Exact requirements differ by course, so always check the specific course page before applying. As a general guide, SOAS expects the following.
- Undergraduate applicants: strong grades in your final secondary school qualification, such as A Levels, the International Baccalaureate, or an equivalent national qualification, along with any subject specific requirements for your chosen course.
- Postgraduate taught applicants: a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, generally equivalent to a UK upper second class honours degree, though some courses accept a lower second class result alongside relevant experience.
- English language requirement: most courses ask for an IELTS score of around 6.5 overall, with a minimum score in each component, although requirements can be higher for Law and some other specialist programs. SOAS also accepts a range of alternative English tests, so check the English language requirements page for your specific course.
- Financial requirement: as part of a UK Student visa application, you must demonstrate proof of funds covering any remaining tuition balance and a set living cost allowance defined by UK Visas and Immigration.
Documents Required for Admission
- Completed online application (UCAS for undergraduate, direct portal for postgraduate)
- Academic transcripts and certificates, officially translated if not issued in English
- Valid international passport
- English language test certificate, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
- Personal statement outlining your motivation and academic background
- Academic or professional reference letter
- CV or resume, mainly for postgraduate applicants
- Proof of funds for visa purposes, once your offer has been confirmed
When to Apply: SOAS Application Timelines
SOAS runs a main September intake that covers almost every undergraduate and postgraduate course, and admissions for postgraduate study generally open in the autumn of the year before entry.
- Undergraduate applications through UCAS: the equal consideration deadline for courses starting in September falls in mid January, with a final UCAS deadline at the end of June. Applying by the January deadline gives your application the same priority as every other early applicant, which is the safer route if your school leaving results are already available or predicted.
- Postgraduate applications: the application window typically opens around the end of October the year before entry and stays open through most of the following July, operating on a rolling basis with no single fixed deadline. Because places and scholarship funding are limited, it is best to apply as early as possible within that window rather than waiting until the final weeks.
- Scholarship deadlines: SOAS scholarships for international students, including regional awards for African, Asian, and Middle Eastern applicants, usually carry their own earlier deadlines, so check the scholarships and bursaries page as soon as you decide on a course.
As a general rule, international students should aim to submit a complete application at least three to six months before their intended start date, to allow time for offer processing, deposit payment, accommodation booking, and UK Student visa approval.
SOAS Tuition Fees for Popular Programs
Tuition fees at SOAS depend on your fee status, your level of study, and in the case of postgraduate courses, which subject band your program falls into. The table below summarises the official 2026 to 2027 overseas tuition fees for popular study levels. Always confirm the exact figure for your specific course on the official SOAS fees page, since individual programs can vary.
| Study Level / Program | Typical Duration | 2026-27 Overseas Tuition Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 1 year | £23,780 |
| Undergraduate degree (BA, BSc, LLB) | 3 to 4 years | £23,780 per year |
| Undergraduate Year in Industry | 1 year | £1,425 |
| Outgoing Year Abroad | 1 year | £11,770 |
| Postgraduate taught, Band 1 (most subjects) | 1 year full time | £25,320 for the course |
| Postgraduate taught, Band 2 (Finance, Management) | 1 year full time | £26,000 for the course |
| Postgraduate taught, Band 3 (Law) | 1 year full time | £27,840 for the course |
| Postgraduate taught, Band 4 (International Studies and Diplomacy) | 1 year full time | £28,840 for the course |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Law | Less than 1 year | £9,280 for the course |
| Postgraduate research (MPhil, PhD) | 3 to 4 years | Varies by project, check individual course page |
SOAS overseas fees can increase by up to five percent in later years of a multi year program, so it is worth budgeting for a modest annual rise if your course runs longer than one year. Home fee rates for UK students are considerably lower and are capped by the UK government each year.
Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students
SOAS is well known for offering a wide range of scholarships aimed at students from the regions it specialises in studying.
- SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships: merit based awards covering partial or full tuition fees for taught masters students.
- Regional and country specific awards: dedicated scholarships for students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting the university's academic focus.
- International Undergraduate Scholarships: awarded to high achieving international undergraduate applicants.
- Alumni and family discounts: a reduced tuition rate for returning SOAS graduates or their close family members.
Scholarship places are limited, so applying to your course and any relevant scholarship as early as possible within the application window gives you the best chance of funding support.
Advantages of Living in SOAS Campus Accommodation
Choosing to live in SOAS halls of residence rather than private rented housing comes with several practical benefits, particularly for international students settling into a new city for the first time.
- All bills included: SOAS halls typically bundle rent, utilities, and internet into a single weekly cost, which makes budgeting far easier than managing separate bills in a private flat.
- Short walk to campus: most halls are a short distance from the Bloomsbury campus, cutting daily transport costs and commuting time compared with living further out in London.
- 24 hour security: SOAS halls of residence operate around the clock security, which offers extra peace of mind for students living away from home for the first time.
- Built in social community: living alongside other new students makes it easier to build friendships quickly, particularly valuable for international students who do not yet know anyone in London.
- No need for a UK guarantor: unlike many private landlords, university halls generally do not require a UK based guarantor, which removes a common obstacle for international applicants.
- Simplified contracts: hall contracts are designed around the academic year, avoiding the complications of standard 12 month private tenancy agreements that do not match term dates.
Because of these advantages, many international students choose to spend at least their first year in halls before deciding whether to move into private accommodation.
Cost of SOAS Accommodation
SOAS offers a range of halls of residence in central and greater London, generally located between five and forty five minutes travel time from the Bloomsbury campus.
- Weekly rent for SOAS managed halls generally starts at around £160 per week for standard rooms with all bills included.
- Depending on room type, location, and whether the contract covers the academic year or the full calendar year, weekly rates can rise considerably higher for en suite rooms, studios, or apartments in prime central London locations.
- Over a typical contract length of 38 to 51 weeks, this can add up to anywhere from roughly £6,000 to well over £15,000 for the year, depending on the hall and room type chosen.
- Private rented accommodation in London can sometimes offer a lower headline rent, but students are usually responsible for separate gas, electricity, and water bills on top.
New students can apply for SOAS accommodation once the housing portal opens each spring ahead of the September intake, and accommodation codes are issued directly by the university once you have accepted your offer.
Cost of Living in London for SOAS Students
London is considerably more expensive than most other UK university cities, so international students should plan a realistic monthly budget beyond tuition and rent.
- Accommodation: the single largest expense, ranging from roughly £160 to £400 or more per week depending on hall type or private housing choice.
- Food and groceries: shopping at large supermarkets and buying value range or own brand items can keep monthly food costs manageable, though London prices run higher than many other UK cities.
- Transport: an Oyster card or a monthly Travelcard is the standard way to get around London, with costs depending on how many transport zones you travel through regularly.
- Utilities and mobile phone: students in private accommodation should budget separately for gas, electricity, water, and a mobile phone plan, since these are not always included in rent.
- Personal and social spending: museums, markets, and much of central London's cultural life are either free or low cost, which can help offset some of the city's higher living costs.
Taken together, many students report that living costs in London, including accommodation, run noticeably higher than in cities such as Sheffield, Manchester, or Leeds, so it is worth building a generous buffer into your budget when planning your finances as an international student.
Visa Requirements for International Students
Once you accept your offer and, where required, pay a tuition deposit, SOAS issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. You then use this CAS reference number to apply for a UK Student visa. Alongside your CAS, you will generally need to show proof of your identity, evidence of sufficient funds to cover any remaining tuition balance and living costs, and in some cases a tuberculosis test result, depending on your country of origin. Visa processing can take several weeks, which is another reason to submit your university application as early as possible within the intake window.
Step by Step Summary: How to Apply to SOAS University of London
- Research your course and confirm entry requirements on the official SOAS course page.
- Prepare your academic documents, English test result, and personal statement.
- Submit your application through UCAS for undergraduate study, or the direct SOAS portal for postgraduate study.
- Receive and review your offer letter.
- Accept your offer and pay any required deposit to receive your CAS.
- Apply for your UK Student visa using your CAS reference.
- Apply for SOAS accommodation once the housing portal opens, and arrange your travel ahead of orientation.
When you are ready to begin, you can start your application directly through the official SOAS University of London course finder and application portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at SOAS University of London?
SOAS maintains an overall acceptance rate of around 44 percent, making it moderately selective compared with some other London universities.
Can international students apply directly without an agent?
Yes. International students can apply directly through UCAS for undergraduate courses or through the SOAS online application portal for postgraduate courses, without needing an education agent.
What IELTS score do I need for SOAS University of London?
Most courses ask for an IELTS score of around 6.5 overall, with a minimum score in each component, though some programs, particularly Law, may ask for a higher score. Always check the specific requirement listed on your chosen course page.
How much does SOAS accommodation cost?
SOAS halls of residence generally start at around £160 per week with all bills included, though costs vary by room type, location, and contract length, and can run considerably higher for en suite rooms or studios.
When should international students apply for the September intake?
International students are advised to apply within the postgraduate window that typically opens in late October and closes the following July, or by the January UCAS equal consideration deadline for undergraduate courses, leaving enough time for visa processing.
Is it better to live on campus at SOAS?
Living in SOAS halls offers several advantages for new international students, including bills included in one weekly payment, a short walk to campus, twenty four hour security, and no need for a UK based guarantor, which together make settling in considerably easier during your first year.
How much does it cost to live in London as a student?
Living costs in London are higher than in most other UK university cities, with accommodation as the largest expense, followed by food, transport, and utilities, so international students should budget generously beyond tuition fees.
Does SOAS offer scholarships for African students?
Yes, SOAS offers a range of regional and country specific scholarships aimed at students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, reflecting the university's academic specialisation in these regions.