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University of Southampton

Southampton, United Kingdom · Public · Est. 1952

Updated 23 Oct 2026

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Established

1952

Type

Public

Location

Southampton, United Kingdom

QS World University Rankings 2027

=111 in the world

About the university

The University of Southampton is a public research university on the south coast of England. Its roots go back to the Hartley Institution, which opened in 1862. It became a university college in 1902 and received its Royal Charter in 1952, so 2027 marks its 75th year as a university.

Southampton is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities. It ranks seventh in the UK for the total value of EPSRC research grants (engineering and physical sciences). The web scientist Professor Dame Wendy Hall was appointed Regius Professor of Computer Science here in 2017.

Most students study at Highfield Campus, a green campus in the north of the city with the main library and Students' Union. Engineering and the Business School are largely at Boldrewood Innovation Campus nearby. Ocean and earth science is taught at the National Oceanography Centre on the waterfront.

The university says it has an active and growing Indian student community. It runs a careers programme for international students, Career Advantage, with an India-specific strand. It also has its own campus in Gurugram, near Delhi, which is separate from the UK courses on this page.

Founded
1862 as the Hartley Institution; full university by Royal Charter in 1952
Type
Public research university and a founding member of the Russell Group
Total students
About 24,500 (24,530 in THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
International students
More than 10,000, from over 130 countries
Student–staff ratio
12.6 to 1 (Complete University Guide 2027)
Campuses
6 in Southampton plus Winchester School of Art; overseas campuses in Malaysia and Delhi (Gurugram)
Main intake
September, for undergraduate and most taught master's courses

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    =111 in the world

  • THE World University Rankings 2027

    =136 in the world

  • Complete University Guide (UK) 2027

    15th of 130 UK universities

  • Guardian University Guide (UK) 2027

    18th in the UK

  • The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (UK) 2027

    18th in the UK

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 21 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (GBP)Approx. in rupees
MSc Data Science1 year (full time)£36,800≈ ₹44.9 lakh
MSc Computer Science1 year (full time)£36,800≈ ₹44.9 lakh
MSc Artificial Intelligence1 year (full time)£36,800≈ ₹44.9 lakh
MSc Electronic Engineering1 year (full time)£36,800≈ ₹44.9 lakh
MSc Business Analytics and Management Science1 year (full time)£37,000≈ ₹45.1 lakh
MSc International Management1 year (full time)£37,000≈ ₹45.1 lakh
MSc Finance1 year (full time)£38,100≈ ₹46.5 lakh
Master of Business Administration (MBA)1 year (full time)£37,400≈ ₹45.6 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

  • Taught master's (not Business School courses)

    75th Anniversary India Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship

    Value: £7,000 off tuition fees

    Eligibility: Permanent residents of India paying overseas fees themselves, with an offer for a full-time, on-campus, 1-year master's starting in 2027. Awarded automatically if you pay the tuition fee deposit by 31 July 2027.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Business School taught master's

    75th Anniversary India Postgraduate Business School Excellence Scholarship

    Value: £12,000 off tuition fees

    Eligibility: Permanent residents of India paying overseas fees themselves, with an offer for a full-time, on-campus, 1-year Business School master's. Awarded automatically if you pay the tuition fee deposit by 31 July 2027.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Undergraduate (all subjects except Medicine)

    75th Anniversary Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

    Value: £3,000 off tuition fees each year, up to £12,000 over 4 years

    Eligibility: Permanent residents of India and 11 other listed countries paying overseas fees themselves, with an offer for a full-time, on-campus undergraduate course. Awarded automatically; no separate application.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Taught master's in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (includes the four engineering and computing MSc courses on this page)

    Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Global Talent Award

    Value: £10,000 off tuition fees (up to 5 awards)

    Eligibility: Self-funded international students who exceed the course entry requirements. Apply with a 250-word statement by 30 April 2027, 5pm UK time. Competitive.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Southampton Law School taught master's (LLM)

    Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences Global Talent Award – Law

    Value: £10,000 off tuition fees (1 award)

    Eligibility: Open only to permanent residents of India or Malaysia who are self-funded and exceed the entry requirements. Apply with a 250-word statement by 30 April 2027, 5pm UK time.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Full-time MBA

    Dean of Southampton Business School MBA Global Talent Award

    Value: £17,000 to £25,000 off tuition fees (up to 11 awards)

    Eligibility: Self-funded applicants who exceed the entry requirements and pass an interview. Three rounds: 28 November 2026 (£25,000 awards), 1 March 2027 (£20,000) and 29 May 2027 (£17,000).

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Class 12 (HSC/Standard XII) with at least 75% from CBSE, CISCE (ISC) or a Metro State Board (Delhi, Maharashtra, Chennai, Kolkata or Karnataka).
  • UK A levels taken in India, or the International Baccalaureate (28 to 38 points depending on the course), are also accepted.
  • Each course sets its own subject needs. BSc Computer Science asks for strong maths; MEng Mechanical Engineering asks for maths and physics. Check the course page.
  • Apply through UCAS. Southampton's UCAS institution code is S27.
  • If you do not meet the entry grades or subjects, a one-year foundation year (engineering, maths or physics) or an OnCampus foundation programme can lead to a degree.

Postgraduate

  • Most master's courses ask for a UK 2:1 or 2:2 equivalent. Data Science, Computer Science, AI, Electronic Engineering and the LLMs ask for a 2:1. Business Analytics, International Management, Finance and the MBA ask for a 2:2.
  • Your Indian percentage is judged by your university's tier. For a 2:1 you need about 60% (Tier 1), 65% (Tier 2) or 70% (Tier 3). For a 2:2 you need 55%, 60% or 65%. Use the university's tier list to check your institution.
  • The MBA also needs 3 years' experience supervising or managing people, two references and an interview.
  • Apply online through the university's postgraduate portal. There is no application fee for taught master's courses starting in 2027.
  • International deadline for most courses on this page is 18 August 2027 (MBA: 4 August 2027). Courses can close earlier if they fill, so apply early.
  • After you accept an offer, you pay a £2,000 tuition fee deposit. It counts towards your fees, and paying it on time is also needed for the automatic India scholarships.
  • If you have a 2:2 equivalent but need a 2:1, the OnCampus pre-master's programme (two semesters, from IELTS 5.0) can lead to a place.

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (for undergraduate applications)
  • Degree transcripts and certificate, or an interim transcript if you are still studying (for postgraduate applications)
  • Personal statement
  • English test score, or proof that you qualify for an exemption
  • References (one or two, depending on the course; the MBA asks for two)
  • CV or résumé where the course asks for it (for example the MBA)
  • Scholarship statement of up to 250 words, if you apply for a competitive award

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 each skill for most courses on this page. The LLMs ask for 7.0 with 6.5 in each skill. Tests must be within 2 years of your course start.
PTE Academic67 overall with 64 in each skill (IELTS 6.5 courses). 76 overall with 67 in each skill (IELTS 7.0 courses).
TOEFL iBTTests from 21 January 2026 (new 1–6 scale): 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each skill, or 5.0 with 4.5 for IELTS 7.0 courses. Older tests: 92 or 100 overall, with section minimums.
Class 12 English (undergraduate only)70% or more in Standard XII English from CBSE or ISC meets the requirement for undergraduate degrees, if awarded within 3 years of your course start. State boards are not on this list.
Degree taught in English (postgraduate)A bachelor's degree taught and assessed in English, finished within 2 years of your start date, may be accepted with a transcript or official college letter. Older degrees need a test or proof of 12 months' recent work using English.

Accommodation and living costs

New full-time postgraduates and undergraduates are guaranteed a single room in halls if they apply by the deadline and accept a contract of 38 weeks or longer. For 2026 entry the deadlines were 1 July (undergraduate) and 1 August (postgraduate); check the 2027 dates. Most postgraduates take a 51-week contract and live with other postgraduates. Rent in university-owned halls includes bills, Wi-Fi, contents insurance and a Unilink bus pass. Hall prices below are for 2026–27; the other costs are the university's weekly averages.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn GBPApprox. in rupees
University halls, shared bathroom (self-catered)2026–27 prices, mainly at Wessex Lane and Glen Eyre; bills included£139–186per week≈ ₹16,969 – ₹22,682
University halls, en suite room (self-catered)2026–27 prices; bills and bus pass included£177–235per week≈ ₹21,649 – ₹28,652
University studio flat2026–27 prices; mostly 51-week contracts£253–281per week≈ ₹30,812 – ₹34,297
Highfield Hall, part-cateredBreakfast and a main meal on weekdays in term; vegetarian and halal options£223–270per week≈ ₹27,243 – ₹32,947
Private partner hallsContract is with the private provider; Orion Point (Unite) also asks £350 advance rent£119–236per week≈ ₹14,457 – ₹28,823
Private rented roomUniversity's average; add about £30 for utilities and £4 for Wi-Fi£115per week≈ ₹14,030
Food shoppingUniversity's average£50per week≈ ₹6,100
Other weekly costs if you live in hallsOur total of the university's averages for phone, travel, social, clothing, trips and course books£164per week≈ ₹20,008

Campus and location

Southampton is a port city on England's south coast, about 1 hour 20 minutes from London by fast train. The university says it is cheaper to live in than many other Russell Group cities. It has more than 37,500 students, around 160 languages spoken, Purple Flag status for safe nightlife, and big green spaces such as Southampton Common.

  • Highfield Campus is the main campus, with the 24-hour Hartley Library, the Students' Union, the Jubilee Sports Centre and wind tunnels also used by the aerospace, motorsport and marine industries.
  • Boldrewood Innovation Campus, close to Highfield, is home to most engineering courses and the Business School (including the MBA).
  • Ocean and earth science is based at the National Oceanography Centre on the waterfront.
  • Unilink buses link the campuses, halls, railway stations and Southampton Airport, which is about 2.5 miles from Highfield.
  • Portswood, next to Highfield, has a busy high street with affordable international food shops and restaurants. The city holds an annual Mela festival.
  • The Indian Society (part of the Students' Union) runs events that celebrate Indian culture.
  • The university also has campuses in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia, and Gurugram, India. Courses there are separate from the UK courses on this page.

Careers and graduate outcomes

The figures below come from the UK Graduate Outcomes Survey, as shown on Southampton's course pages. The survey asks graduates what they are doing 15 months after finishing. Figures cover all graduates of the subject area, not only international students, and past results do not promise future outcomes. International students also get Career Advantage, a careers programme that starts when you accept your offer, has an India strand, and runs for up to 5 years after you graduate.

Graduate outcomes
WhatFigureSource
MSc Data Science, Computer Science, AI and Electronic Engineering: in a skilled job or further study92%University of Southampton course pages (Graduate Outcomes Survey)
Same MSc courses: average professional salary£50,000University of Southampton course pages (Graduate Outcomes Survey)
Business School MSc (Business Analytics, International Management, Finance): in a skilled job or further study81% (average salary £33,000)University of Southampton course pages (Graduate Outcomes Survey)
BSc Computer Science: in a skilled job or further study94% (average salary £39,000)University of Southampton course pages (Graduate Outcomes Survey)
MEng Mechanical Engineering: in a skilled job or further study92% (average salary £34,000)University of Southampton course pages (Graduate Outcomes Survey)
Graduate prospects (outcomes), whole university80.6%, 21st in the UKComplete University Guide 2027

Studying in the UK

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FAQs

Can I use my Class 12 English marks instead of IELTS?

For undergraduate degrees, yes, if you scored 70% or more in Standard XII English from CBSE or ISC within 3 years of your start date. For master's courses, a degree taught and assessed in English may be accepted instead of a test. The university decides case by case, so check before you skip a test.

What Class 12 percentage do I need for a bachelor's degree?

At least 75% from CBSE, CISCE or a Metro State Board. Some courses ask for more or for specific subjects, such as maths for Computer Science or maths and physics for Mechanical Engineering.

What percentage do I need in my Indian degree for a master's?

It depends on your university's tier. A 2:1 equals about 60% for Tier 1, 65% for Tier 2 and 70% for Tier 3 institutions. A 2:2 equals 55%, 60% or 65%. The university publishes a list showing which tier your institution is in.

Which scholarships do Indian students get automatically?

For 2027 entry, Indian residents starting a 1-year master's get £7,000 off, or £12,000 off for a Business School master's, if they pay the deposit by 31 July 2027. Undergraduates get £3,000 off each year, up to £12,000. You only receive the single highest-value university award.

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee for taught master's courses starting in 2027. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS.

When should I apply for September 2027?

The international deadline for most master's courses on this page is 18 August 2027, and 4 August 2027 for the MBA. Courses may close earlier when full. Apply well before the deadline if you also want a scholarship or a guaranteed room in halls.

How much is the deposit?

International students on most full-time master's courses pay a £2,000 deposit after accepting their offer. It is taken off your tuition fees. Your offer letter gives the deadline and refund terms.

Does the university have a campus in India?

Yes. University of Southampton Delhi is in Gurugram and offers business, accounting and finance, management, computer science and economics programmes. It has its own admissions, fees and course list, separate from the UK campus.

Sources

  1. University of Southampton: entry requirements for Indian students (opens in a new tab)
  2. University of Southampton: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
  3. University of Southampton: English test band scores (opens in a new tab)
  4. University of Southampton: MSc Data Science (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  5. University of Southampton: MSc Computer Science (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  6. University of Southampton: MSc Artificial Intelligence (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  7. University of Southampton: MSc Electronic Engineering (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  8. University of Southampton: MSc Business Analytics and Management Science (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  9. University of Southampton: MSc International Management (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  10. University of Southampton: MSc Finance (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  11. University of Southampton: MBA (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  12. University of Southampton: LLM Laws (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  13. University of Southampton: LLM Maritime Law (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  14. University of Southampton: BSc Computer Science (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  15. University of Southampton: MEng Mechanical Engineering (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  16. University of Southampton: postgraduate scholarships (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  17. University of Southampton: undergraduate scholarships (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
  18. University of Southampton: how to apply for a taught master's (opens in a new tab)
  19. University of Southampton: accommodation fees and contracts 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)
  20. University of Southampton: accommodation guarantee (opens in a new tab)
  21. University of Southampton: student living costs (opens in a new tab)
  22. University of Southampton: our campuses (opens in a new tab)
  23. University of Southampton: Highfield Campus (opens in a new tab)
  24. University of Southampton: things to do in Southampton (opens in a new tab)
  25. University of Southampton: international students (opens in a new tab)
  26. University of Southampton: Career Advantage (opens in a new tab)
  27. University of Southampton: rankings and reputation (opens in a new tab)
  28. University of Southampton Calendar: history (opens in a new tab)
  29. QS World University Rankings 2027: University of Southampton (opens in a new tab)
  30. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027: University of Southampton (opens in a new tab)
  31. Complete University Guide 2027: University of Southampton (opens in a new tab)

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

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We researched this page on 23 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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