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SOAS University of London

London, United Kingdom · Public · Est. 1916

Updated 28 Oct 2026

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Established

1916

Type

Public

Location

London, United Kingdom

QS World University Rankings 2027

=458 in the world

About the university

SOAS University of London was founded in 1916 and is a specialist public research university focused on Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It is a member of the University of London and is based in Bloomsbury, central London.

SOAS is known for development studies (2nd in the world in the QS subject rankings 2026), politics, anthropology, languages, law and human rights, and economics and political economy. Its library is one of the world's most important for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Indian students often choose SOAS for development, economics, international relations, diplomacy, law and international business. SOAS offers the Felix Scholarships, which cover tuition, living costs and air fare for Indian nationals with first-class degrees.

London living costs are high. SOAS students can apply for SOAS and intercollegiate University of London halls across central and greater London.

Founded
1916
Type
Specialist public research university and member of the University of London
Campus
Russell Square, Bloomsbury, central London
Community
Students and staff from more than 130 nationalities
International faculty
Joint 1st in the UK for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2027, quoted by SOAS)
Intakes
September

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    =458 in the world

  • Complete University Guide (UK) 2027

    94th of 130 UK universities

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 14 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (GBP)Approx. in rupees
MSc International Business1 year (full time)£26,330≈ ₹32.1 lakh
MSc Development Studies1 year (full time)£26,330≈ ₹32.1 lakh
MSc Development Economics1 year (full time)£26,330≈ ₹32.1 lakh
MSc Economics1 year (full time)£26,330≈ ₹32.1 lakh
MSc Public Policy and Management1 year (full time)£26,330≈ ₹32.1 lakh
MA International Studies and Diplomacy1 year (full time)£29,990≈ ₹36.6 lakh
LLM International Law1 year (full time) or 2 years (part time)£28,950≈ ₹35.3 lakh
MA Global Media and Digital Communications1 year (full time)£26,330≈ ₹32.1 lakh

Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

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Scholarships

  • Full-time taught master's or PhD

    Felix Scholarships

    Value: Full tuition fees, living costs and a return air fare

    Eligibility: Indian nationals not currently living or studying outside India, with at least a first-class bachelor's degree from an Indian university (an upper second may be considered with a first-class master's). Deadline 26 February 2027.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Taught master's

    SOAS Master's Scholarship (International)

    Value: £8,000 tuition fee waiver (over 150 awards in 2026/27)

    Eligibility: Overseas applicants with outstanding academic performance. The 2026/27 round closed on 30 June 2026; check for the 2027/28 round.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • LLM Human Rights, Conflict and Justice (1 year, full time)

    Beena Sondhi LLM Scholarship

    Value: Full tuition fees (one award)

    Eligibility: Applicants who completed their undergraduate studies in India, with strong results and a commitment to human rights and criminal justice. Listed as opening in January.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Standard XII: 80% from CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or West Bengal boards, or 85% from other state boards, is listed as equivalent to AAB for courses such as BSc Economics.
  • Typical A-level offers for BSc Economics, BSc Management, BSc Accounting and Finance and BA International Relations are ABB, with contextual offers of BBB.
  • Foundation programmes are available at the SOAS IFCELS centre for students who do not meet direct entry.

Postgraduate

  • Most master's ask for a 2:2 or above. For Indian degrees SOAS lists 55% (or 5.5/10) from top universities and 60% (or 6.0/10) from other universities as equivalent to a 2:2.
  • Three-year and four-year Indian bachelor's degrees from recognised institutions are accepted for master's entry.
  • SOAS considers supporting statements and work experience alongside grades; references are optional for some courses.

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Degree certificate and transcripts (or Class 10 and 12 mark sheets for bachelor's)
  • English test score
  • Supporting statement
  • References where the course asks for them

Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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English language requirements

English requirements
Test or routeTypical requirement
IELTS Academic6.5 overall with 6.0 in all subscores for direct entry.
PTE Academic65 overall with 60 in all subscores (test centre version; Pearson Academic Online is not accepted).
TOEFL iBT95 overall with 23 in writing and 20 in other subscores (old scale), or 5.0 with 4.5 in writing and listening and 4.0 in reading and speaking (new scale).
Duolingo English Test120 overall with 110 in each subscore.
Pre-sessional EnglishStudents slightly below the requirement can take a pre-sessional English course; passing one at a UK university counts as evidence of English.

Accommodation and living costs

SOAS postgraduates can live in SOAS and intercollegiate University of London halls. Postgraduates are expected to take September-to-September contracts, with limited 38–43 week options. Prices below are 2026/27 weekly rates.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn GBPApprox. in rupees
Cordwainers Court, single room with shared bathroom (50 weeks)£204per week≈ ₹24,888
Wood Green Hall, single room with shared bathroom£185–219per week≈ ₹22,570 – ₹26,718
Paul Robeson House, single en-suite (51 weeks)£248per week≈ ₹30,227
International Hall (catered), single shared bathroom (40 weeks)£302per week≈ ₹36,794
Stay Club Camden studio£388–418per week≈ ₹47,336 – ₹50,996

Campus and location

SOAS's campus is at Russell Square in Bloomsbury, central London, alongside other University of London colleges.

  • SOAS Library, one of the world's leading libraries for Asian, African and Middle Eastern studies.
  • Access to University of London intercollegiate halls and facilities.
  • School of Finance and Management ranked 2nd in the UK for research impact (REF 2021, quoted by SOAS).
  • Industry projects with Practera for finance and management students.

Careers and graduate outcomes

SOAS graduates work in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, government, media, finance and business. SOAS notes alumni such as the politician David Lammy and the writer Fatima Bhutto. For post-study work options, see our UK guide.

Graduate outcomes
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Studying in the UK

Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:

Other universities in the UK

Compare all universities in the UK

FAQs

How much is a master's at SOAS?

Most taught master's cost £26,330 for 2027/28. Law master's are £28,950 and International Studies and Diplomacy is £29,990.

Is there a scholarship for Indian students?

Yes. Felix Scholarships cover full tuition, living costs and a return air fare for Indian nationals with first-class degrees (deadline 26 February 2027). SOAS also offers £8,000 Master's Scholarships to international students.

What percentage do I need for a master's?

SOAS treats 55% (or 5.5/10) from top Indian universities, or 60% (6.0/10) from other universities, as equivalent to a UK 2:2.

Does SOAS accept Duolingo?

Yes. SOAS accepts Duolingo with 120 overall and 110 in each subscore, as well as IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each) and PTE 65 (60 in each).

Does SOAS have a January intake?

The on-campus courses on this page start in September only.

Sources

  1. SOAS: MSc International Business (opens in a new tab)
  2. SOAS: BSc Economics (opens in a new tab)
  3. SOAS: postgraduate taught fees (opens in a new tab)
  4. SOAS: undergraduate fees (opens in a new tab)
  5. SOAS: information for prospective students from India (opens in a new tab)
  6. SOAS: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
  7. SOAS: postgraduate taught scholarships (opens in a new tab)
  8. SOAS: Felix Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
  9. SOAS: postgraduate halls 2026/27 (opens in a new tab)
  10. SOAS: about (opens in a new tab)
  11. Complete University Guide 2027 league table (opens in a new tab)

Official website: www.soas.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

Check the latest details

We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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