SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom
Quick facts
- World rank
- Unranked
- Acceptance rate
- —
- Students
- —
- International students
- —
- Institution type
- Public
- Founded
- 1916
Overview
SOAS University of London is a specialist public research university and member of the University of London, focused on the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Founded in 1916 and located in Bloomsbury, central London, SOAS brings together scholars, students and practitioners from over 130 nationalities to address global challenges through research, teaching and public engagement. SOAS is internationally renowned for its expertise in languages, cultures, politics, economics, law and development studies relating to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, SOAS achieved 5 subjects in the global top 40, including Development Studies (2nd worldwide), Politics (16th), Anthropology (19th), History of Art (24th), and History (36th). SOAS was shortlisted for University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2026 and ranked Joint 1st in the UK for International Faculty (QS 2027). Over 320 scholarships totalling £4 million are available for 2026/27, with 1 in 3 international postgraduates receiving support.
Fields of study
- Languages
- Development Studies
- Politics and International Studies
- Law
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Religion
- Cultural Studies
- Music
- History
- Philosophy
- Gender Studies
- Global Media and Communications
Accreditation: Office for Students (OfS)
Admissions requirements
- IELTS (minimum)
- —
- TOEFL iBT (minimum)
- —
- GPA (minimum)
- —
- Intakes
- September
- Application deadlines
- Varies by program
- Rolling admissions
- No
- Admissions contact
- study@soas.ac.uk
Requirements differ between programs. Check the program page and the university's admissions office for the latest criteria.
Tuition & costs
International students
Varies by program
Domestic students
Varies by program
Tuition fees depend on programme of study and Home or International fee status. Online/Distance Learning fees for 2026/27: CEFIMs £12,000 per year (£2,000 per module); CEDEP £12,000 per year (£3,000 per module inclusive of dissertation). Specific fees for campus programmes are listed on individual programme pages.
Tuition varies by program. Confirm with the university before applying.
Official fee source (opens in a new tab)Information last verified Oct 4, 2026. Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Fees, deadlines and requirements change — always confirm with the university.