Here you will find answers to the questions most commonly asked by prospective international students.
Where is the University of Southampton?
The University of Southampton has six campuses located in the cities of Southampton and Winchester. We are only an hour’s travelling distance from The City of London, are surrounded by areas of natural beauty like the New Forest and the Isle of Wight, and are connected to the rest of the UK and Europe through superb road and rail networks, cross-channel ferries and international airports.
How does the University of Southampton compare?
We are amongst the top 100 universities in the world according to the Times Higher World University Rankings 2009, in position 152 in the International League Table published by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University China 2008, in 12th place by The Sunday Times University Guide 2009, 13th in the Independent Complete University Guide 2010 and joint 15th in The Times Good University Guide 2010. Read more about our rankings.
The University of Southampton is a member of the Russell Group and the latest RAE results in 2009 confirmed it as one of the top research universities in England.
What can I study at the University of Southampton?
The University of Southampton offers Foundation Programmes, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees as well as English language courses. The University also participates in various exchanges and Study Abroad programmes for incoming and outgoing students. Read more about what you can study.
Do I need to have a specific level of English language to study at the University of Southampton?
International students need to demonstrate an adequate level of English language that will enable them to benefit fully from their academic experience in the UK. Please note that each course and level of study may have different English language entry requirements.
Does the University of Southampton offer English language support lessons for international students?
Yes, our Centre for Language Study offers English language courses for international students. Students can enrol in a pre-sessional English language course prior to the start of the academic year. These courses vary in length depending on your language ability and some are subject specific.
How do I apply?
Undergraduate students must submit their applications to UCAS. UCAS will then liaise with the University of Southampton to process their application. Postgraduate students should apply directly to the Registry Services of the University of Southampton. Read more about applying.
When is the application deadline?
Undergraduate applicants from the EU must submit their applications to UCAS by 15 January. Undergraduate non-EU international applicantions may be considered up until 30 June (unless they are applying to Medicine, in which case the deadline is 15 October).
There is no formal deadline to submit postgraduate applications, however some Academic Schools may have their own application deadlines. Please check the Schools websites for further details.
Is University accommodation available to international students?
Yes, we guarantee accommodation to all full-time international students at our Halls of Residence as long as you apply by the published deadline. If you are from outside the European Union your accommodation is guaranteed for the complete duration of your studies. If you are from the European Union your accommodation is guaranteed for the first year of your studies only. Read more about accommodation.
How much does it cost to study at the University of Southampton?
If you have no dependants with you, the cost of living (in addition to tuition fees and travel to and from Southampton) will be between £7,200 and £8,800 per academic year. This should cover accommodation, food and meals, daily travel in Southampton, books, stationery, dissertation preparation and other items. Some programmes may require an extra expense for material, use of laboratory equipment and final project.
How can I pay for my tuition and accommodation fees?
International students can pay for their tuition fees in two instalments, using different payment methods such as online payment, cheque and international draft. The Accommodation Office usually asks students to pay for a small deposit before their arrival in Southampton in order to confirm that they accept a room. Read more about finances.
What kind of support is available to international students?
We have a network of professional services and advisors in place, to ensure that your studies are as productive and stress-free as possible. See here for details of the support available.
Is there a representative in my country?
The University of Southampton has official representatives in many countries outside the UK. Our representatives can help you to choose your course, fill in your application form and apply for your visa. See here for our list of official representatives.
Can I meet somebody from the International Office before coming to Southampton?
International Office representatives travel overseas every year to participate at Education Exhibitions, visit institutions and meet prospective students. Please have a look at our travel agenda for more details.
What is the Meet and Greet service?
Meet and Greet is a free pick-up service that the International Office offers to our international and EU students from Heathrow Airport every September before the start of the academic year.
Can I bring my family with me?
We welcome international students accompanied by their families. However, accommodation facilities for families are limited, so we advise that you apply as early as possible. There is a Day Nursery on Highfield Campus and some of our facilities are also available to students’ spouses and dependants.
What sport facilities are available on campus?
The Sport and Recreation Service (SportRec) offers sport facilities and activities to all students. The Jubilee Sports Centre has a gym with over 140 workstations as well as a 25-metre indoor swimming pool. Tennis and squash courts, aerobic studios, hockey pitches and many other facilities are situated in different locations within the University. Read more about our sports facilities.
Do I need a visa and ATAS certificate?
International students from outside the European Union usually need a student visa to come to the UK. In addition to this, the UK Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) states that international postgraduate students enrolled or applying for specific postgraduate courses must obtain an ATAS clearance certificate before applying for their visa. Read more about visas and immigration.
Are there other students from my country at the University?
The University of Southampton has over 22,000 students including 1,400 EU students and more than 3,400 international students (from outside the EU) from more than 130 countries. It is likely that you will meet other students from your country. Check our country pages for details.
What are the work prospects?
Graduates from the University of Southampton are well recognised among UK and international employers. We invite representatives from industry to our Career Days and offers free professional advice through our Career Destinations department. Southampton graduates from are eligible to work in the UK for up to two years after graduating under the new UK visa immigration rules.
What support does the University offer after graduation?
Our Alumni Office offers a wide range of benefits to our graduates for life, and is in contact with University of Southampton Alumni Branches worldwide. Read more on alumni benefits.
How is the University of Southampton structured?
The University of Southampton is chaired by our Vice Chancellor, Professor Don Nutbeam, who is assisted by three Deputy Vice Chancellors and the Registrar and Chief Operating Officer. Read more on how the University is governed.
Each Department sits under an Academic School, and Academic Schools are organised into three Faculties:
Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
