History
SOAS was founded in 1916 as a college of the University of London and became School of Oriental and African Studies in 1938.
We offer degree programmes at all study levels across the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Business.
Today we are a top-ranked institution across multiple subjects in the UK and the world.
Education
At SOAS, we view the world through a different lens. The expertise in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East shapes the understanding to tackle the global challenges of the time. Come to SOAS and join a welcoming, diverse, and close-knit community in central London. Here, we challenge perspectives, broach debate and empower the students to find solutions to the issues facing the world today.
Research
Whether at the unique Research Library or working with partners around the world, SOAS researchers work to expand human knowledge and address the global challenges of the time. Collaborating with partners worldwide, SOAS researchers address challenges and strive for a more equal and just world.
Career
A SOAS education gives you a unique perspective on the world, providing you with the cultural insights and skills to make a difference where it matters most.
Gain the knowledge and skills to make an impact. SOAS graduates are well regarded by employers for their global outlook and unique specialisms. We have a dedicated careers service team on hand to help you at whatever stage you are at.
The careers team are accredited with AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services) Membership Quality Standard and offer one-to-one consultations, skills sessions, career fairs, an online CareersZONE, e-mentoring with alumni, plus access to the University of London Careers Group.
Top reasons to study here
- Global reputation: Top 20 in the world for Development and Anthropology, Top 30 in the world for Politics
- Student diversity: 135 countries represented across the student body
- Non-Eurocentric and decolonial approaches to teaching and learning
SOAS University of London Key Statistics & Highlights
- #401 Ranking
- 156 Masters
- 83 Scholarships
- 600 Academic Staff
- 6,285 Students
- 2,400 Students (int'l)
- 3,840 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
SOAS University of London Overview
SOAS University of London Scholarships
SOAS University of London Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to SOAS University of London. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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SOAS University of London Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 43 reviews
- 5 Star 22 Reviews
- 4 Star 11 Reviews
- 3 Star 6 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 2 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.3
- Student Diversity 4.5
- Quality of Student Life 4.2
Statement of purpose
My name is Isimbi Queen Carmella, currently in Riviera High school Rwanda-Kigali What I liked about my experience in education is that it opened my eyes to the real world, I knew a few things but education enhanced my level of thinking. However, nothing can be really improved, I never had a challenge In a nutshell, my overall study experience was a successful experience, all goals were achieved!
My Academic Journey
My undergraduate experience was a period of disciplined growth, intellectual curiosity, and practical leadership. Throughout my studies, I developed a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication. The academic environment required consistent engagement with complex ideas, which sharpened my ability to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and communicate solutions clearly. Beyond coursework, I actively participated in collaborative learning and leadership opportunities. Working with diverse peers strengthened my interpersonal skills and taught me how to guide discussions, resolve challenges, and coordinate group initiatives. These experiences were particularly valuable in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations My academic journey also deepened my commitment to service-oriented leadership. I became increasingly interested in how education, ethical leadership, and innovation can influence communities and organizations in meaningful ways. This perspective encouraged me to pursue continuous learning and to seek advanced training that can expand both my strategic thinking and practical impact. Overall, my bachelor’s degree experience shaped my intellectual discipline, strengthened my leadership capacity, and clarified my long-term goals. It provided a solid academic and professional foundation while also revealing areas where deeper specialization is necessary. For this reason, I am motivated to pursue graduate-level study, where I can further refine my analytical abilities, expand my global perspective, and contribute more effectively to complex organizational and societal challenges.
good
I am currently study in Nepal and i am planning to study further in abroad.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
SOAS University of London Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 401 | 401 | 401 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
Dropped 3 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 511 | 508 | 511 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 137 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1463 | 1530 | 1667 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
Students are offered Academic and Personal Support.
All students are allocated an Academic Advisor.
Your Advisor will:
- Help you to settle into SOAS
- Assist you with any personal matters that may arise
- Inform you of important updates
- Provide general support and guidance
You will have 2 scheduled appointments with your Advisor in each term
Other Student Offices to support your journey at SOAS
- Careers
- Immigration and finance
- Student Advice and Wellbeing
- Disabilities and neurodiversity support
Housing services
Living in central London is an unrivalled experience. SOAS offers a variety of housing options to match your needs, budget and taste - in locations close to the SOAS campus in historic Bloomsbury and further afield. Applyaccommodation@soas.ac.uk
Library services
- Home to 1.3 million resources including archives, manuscripts, rare books and special collections
- Largest East Asian library collection in Europe
- The UK’s national research library for Asia, Africa and the middle East
ICT services
This SOAS Services Portal provides SOAS users with a dedicated single location for all IT and technical support and access to a library of knowledge items with responses to frequently asked questions.
Medical services
We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone and helping to make your SOAS experience more fulfilling. Student Advice and Wellbeing is a multidisciplinary team/department providing specialist advice and support to students on a range of issues. The services include Mental health and wellbeing,
Campus life
Located in leafy and cosmopolitan Bloomsbury, the central London campus is right at the centre of it all. SOAS has a single campus surrounded by green spaces, cafés, bars and restaurants, bookstores, museums and arts venues - with the British Museum, British Library, Regent’s Park and the West End all within walking distance. It has everything you need – including the warm atmosphere the students tell us makes SOAS feel like a home away from home.
Sports facilities
Whether you're looking to play sports competitively or just for fun, you can join SU sports teams, access University of London clubs, and enjoy the convenience of Bloomsbury Fitness Gym—right around the corner from campus.
Student clubs
The Students' Union is here to support you to make your time at SOAS the best it can be - as part of a welcoming, inclusive and active student community.
When you start at SOAS, you automatically become a member of the Students' Union (SU), and it’s completely free.
We have a range of dedicated community spaces for SOAS students to meet and unwind on campus, including the Junior Common Room (JCR), a vibrant and welcoming area for all students to enjoy society meet-ups, study breaks, lively discussion, sports screenings, music and more.
Accreditation
Many modules offered by the School of Finance and Management are accredited by four professional accounting bodies:
ACCA
CIMA
CIPFA
ICAEW