Motto Knowledge is Power
Type Public
Established 1916; 105 years ago
Endowment £49.3 million (2020)[1]
Budget £89.2 million (2019–20)[1]
Chancellor The Princess Royal
(as Chancellor of the University of London)
President Graça Machel
Director Adam Habib
Students 5,795 (2019/20)[2]
Undergraduates 2,740 (2019/20)[2]
Postgraduates 3,050 (2019/20)[2]
Location London, United Kingdom
Campus Urban
Set in the heart of central London, SOAS University of London is an institution that encourages students to challenge conventional views. Specialising in the arts, humanities, languages, cultures, law and social sciences from a global perspective, SOAS is particularly renowned for its unique courses relating to Asia, Africa, the Near East and the Middle East. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in areas such as Anthropology, Development, Languages, Finance, Law and Politics, all taught by world-class experts.Over 40% of undergraduate courses offer a year abroad, giving students the chance to become immersed in the culture and language of our specialist regions. Around 45% of undergraduates take lessons in a second language, and choose to spend their third year in one of SOAS’s numerous partner universities across Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East.The world-famous library at SOAS is one of five National Research Libraries in the UK, with 1.5 million books, journals and study materials in 400 different languages. Attracting scholars from all over the world, our library not only contains 1.3 million printed volumes, but also a major collection of archives, manuscripts and rare books. As a SOAS student, free use of the University of London Library at Senate House is also a perk.Where you choose to study may well determine the route you take through life. At SOAS, you’ll have the freedom to define your journey. As part of a school with a global outlook, you’ll cross paths with students from over 135 countries, you’ll gain new perspectives, new insights into the challenges we face around the world, and a new sense of direction.
Services for International Students
With just over 6,000 students, SOAS has one of the highest proportions of international students in the world — and five times the UK national average. Studying in a new country can be daunting – but SOAS wants to make it as enjoyable as possible. A welcome day, specifically for international students, takes place at the beginning of the autumn term, and support continues from your arrival.
Advice on immigration and visas, as well as finance and benefits is offered on a free, impartial basis for all students. The Students’ Union also has a dedicated International Officer to provide personal support, outside of that offered by Student Advice and Wellbeing. International students also have free membership to International Students House, which provides a meeting place, events and activities for students of different cultural backgrounds.For students whose English is not yet at the required standard, SOAS also offers pre-sessional English for Academic Purpose courses, for four to twelve weeks before the start of term, as well as in-sessional English language support.