The University of Southampton is among the best in the world, being ranked 87th globally, as per the 2026 QS rankings. It is not in a day that the university established itself as a globally regarded name for a recognised and global education. It took years of hard-work and dedication, while they introduced new-age courses, did research purposefully, invested in infrastructure and offered scholarships and accommodation facilities. Today, it has built a community of 10,000 international students from 130 different countries. What keeps the university an organised and efficient institution is a staff of 6000 staff members and over 400 technical staff, who work in both the professional services departments and faculties.
The University of Southampton comprises 6 closely-connected campuses in the city of Southampton, 1 in the nearby city of Winchester, 1 in the Malaysian city of Iskandar Puteri, and 1 in Delhi, India. These University of Southampton campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities consisting of research labs, sports and social spaces, accommodation facilities and libraries. Among them, the oldest and largest one is Highfield Campus, the newest is Boldrewood Innovation Campus, which offers engineering and maritime engineering courses and the university’s Business School is based here. Further, humanities courses are taught at Avenue Campus and ocean and earth science courses are offered at the Waterfront Campus, which is based at the National Oceanography Centre on Southampton’s waterfront. The City Centre Campus offers study, teaching, arts, and leisure facilities in the centre of Southampton. Lastly, the Winchester Campus is home to the Winchester School of Art, and here you will study art, fashion and design courses.
The university supports over 300 student-run societies and sports clubs, providing ample opportunities for personal development, leadership, and cultural engagement. Student support services include academic advising, mental health resources, career counselling, and dedicated international student services. The student community is diverse, welcoming individuals from over 130 countries, and vibrant annual events such as festivals, career fairs, and volunteering initiatives foster a strong sense of belonging.
Walking or cycling around the city would be much easier if you choose to live in the University-owned halls of residence in Southampton. It is considered a friendly and walkable city with Cycle routes and Unilink buses. Southampton is also filled with parks and waterside walks, so students get the chance to study and relax among the trees and gardens on campus. Its south coast location makes it one of the warmest and sunniest places to study in the UK.
For a student, there are various cultural experiences from football, live music and theatre to great food, shopping and more.
One strategic plan, as quoted by the university, “It matters that we act continually to ensure the University is supportive and inclusive of everyone”.
University of Southampton’s mission is to create a place which makes one feel welcomed for who they are, makes one feel supported, while they get to intellectually challenge and stretch themselves. This mission of inclusivity is not for one it’s for all, because it’s important to value the diversity of a wider community. So they try and create space for one to engage, listen and lean from others and understand the impact of our behaviour. The idea is to utilise the communal differences for creating high-quality work, research and education.
The university’s vision is to be a world-leading institution that empowers individuals, communities, and society to make positive change. This vision is about where they would like to be.
Its core values include Quality, Collegiality, Integrity and Inclusivity to advance knowledge for the benefit of all.
The university offers over 350 undergraduate programs across a broad spectrum of disciplines from Accounting and Finance to Zoology. Popular degree areas include:
Most programs offer options for work placements, study abroad, and integrated master’s degrees. Students who wants to first build foundational skills and aptitude needed to deal with the competitive international degree, can begin their journey by means University of Southampton’s undergraduate courses.
A wide range of University of Southampton postgraduate courses are available, including MSc, MA, MBA, MEng, PhD, and professional doctorates. Popular fields include:
Programs focus on employability, offering industry links, internships, and opportunities to work on real-world projects.
The university is structured into five main faculties:
Overall, each faculty houses multiple schools and research centres, supporting interdisciplinary study and collaboration.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry:
Some of the UG courses and their specific requirements are as follows:
Some of the PG courses’ entry requirements are listed below for your reference:
The estimated annual living expenses Specifically for Southampton is 10,539. These expenses can be bifurcated further. The list below presents the average weekly cost of a particular facility:
The amount students pay to study at Southampton depends on the chosen course. Their tuition fees increase each year for students starting their course from 1st August 2026.
Before Southampton issues Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), postgraduate applicants are supposed to pay a £2,000 deposit, and there is no fixed deadline for the same. But it is recommended that to pay the same as and when one secures their place in the university.
Exemptions
Some applicants may be exempt from paying a deposit. These include applicants:
Applications for undergraduate programmes are submitted via UCAS. Offers are made on a rolling basis, and some courses may have interviews or additional entrance requirements. Required documents include academic transcripts, personal statements, references, and proof of English proficiency.
UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is the organisation primarily responsible for managing the undergraduate applications for universities in the UK.
By means of this portal, students can apply to a maximum of five university choices. These choices can be spread across different universities, but the courses should be related, as UCAS requires students to submit a single statement of purpose (SOP) for all five choices. UCAS has now introduced four questions in SOP, which are to be answered by students, and the entire SOP should not exceed the limit of 4,000 characters.
The processing time for UCAS applications is usually 4 to 5 weeks, and the application fee for is 28.95 Pounds.
Deadlines for 2026 Intake:
15th October 2025: First Deadline
14th January 2026: Second Deadline
30th June 2026: Last Deadline
Postgraduate applications are made directly through the university’s online portal. Most courses have rolling admissions, but popular programmes and those with funding may have earlier deadlines (often between January and August 2026 for September entry). Required materials include academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, a CV, English language test scores, and sometimes a research proposal or art portfolio.
The deadline to apply for some of the courses is Wednesday, 19 August 2026 and Wednesday, 26 August 2026, and Wednesday, 2 September 2026, midday UK time, as listed on multiple course pages.
It is advised to apply as early as possible, because the admissions may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
When you apply, you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course, your degree transcript (and translated version if necessary), and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
International applicants follow the same process as UK students but may need to submit additional documentation, such as certified translations, English language proficiency proof and country-specific qualifications.
At the undergraduate level, students need a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) /Standard 12, with a grade of at least 75% from:
For postgraduate taught degrees, you’ll usually need either:
International students require a UK Student Visa (Tier 4). After receiving an unconditional offer and paying the deposit, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for a visa application. Students must provide proof of funds, a valid passport, and meet English language requirements.
Graduate visa is a crucial aspect of UK education; it will give you permission to be in the UK for at least 2 years, post completing your UG or PG degree.
Although after completing a PhD or doctorate, an applicant can stay in the UK for 3 years.
The criteria for the same is that Students must have spent 12 months of study in the UK. Courses like OSPAP, LPC, BPC, GDL, and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) are eligible for PSW. Further, students must apply for their post-study work visa before their Tier 4 (general) student visa expires.
Once an applicant has applied online, proved their identity, and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision on their visa within 8 weeks. For the same, you will have to pay an application fee of 822 pounds and a Health Surcharge of 1035 Pounds for each year.
If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa. You can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, continue living in the UK with your partner and children, if they’re eligible, do voluntary work and travel abroad and return to the UK.
You cannot apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension and work as a professional sports person.
Visa applications require evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses. If you have a scholarship or financial aid, provide official award letters.
The university offers pre-departure webinars to help students prepare documents and navigate the process.
The following merit scholarships are available to international undergraduate students and offer up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees:
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must pay the overseas tuition fee, have a conditional or unconditional offer to study an eligible course, and start it in Year 1 of an eligible course. Although this eligibility criteria depend on which school offers the particular course.
The most you can get is £3,000. The scholarships apply only to the first year of your tuition fees.
Engineering Global Talent Scholarship – Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering. Deadline: 27 April 2026, 5pm (UK time)
To get this scholarship, you must apply for an eligible University of Southampton course before you apply for the scholarship, receive a course offer before the closing date and have selected the University of Southampton as your firm choice.
To apply for the same, one must provide a 500-word personal statement explaining why one should receive this scholarship.
Prestigious awards include:
Global Excellence Scholarship – £3,000 off tuition fees are available to new international postgraduate students applying for an in-person postgraduate master’s programme. However, this scholarship is not for Indian students; they are expected to apply for a country-specific Excellence Scholarship.
India Excellence Scholarship – £4,000 off tuition fees are available to new international postgraduate students from India applying for an in-person postgraduate master’s programme. To get this scholarship, one should be a resident of India who would be eligible to pay the overseas tuition fee, have a conditional or unconditional offer to study any in-person, full-time, postgraduate master’s programme and must have paid their tuition fee deposit by 30th June 2026
The conditions of getting the scholarship are that the £4,000 is available as a tuition fee reduction on the first year of study. If you are already in receipt of a scholarship award from Southampton or you become eligible for another scholarship award from Southampton, they will apply 50% of the value of the Excellence Scholarship award.
Other than these scholarships, there are some Government and external scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships) and others which are for both UG and PG students.
Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship – a total of 40 scholarships are available to international students applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate master’s degree in an arts or humanities subject. Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.
Awards for undergraduates will cover each year of study, and awards for postgraduates will cover the first year of study.
Deadline to apply:
Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship – There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each. These are available to international students applying to study for an Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) undergraduate or postgraduate master’s degree.
Deadline: 24 April 2026, 5pm (UK time)
Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship – There are 3 scholarships available to international students applying to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate master’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. If you are awarded this scholarship, you’ll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.
Deadline: 22 April 2026, 5pm, UK time
To get above mentioned scholarships, a student should apply for an eligible course before applying for the scholarship, receive a course offer before the closing date of the scholarship, be a resident of a country listed in the additional eligibility criteria, not be in receipt of any external scholarship that covers their full fees and be an international student paying the overseas fee. Further, undergraduate applicants must have selected the University of Southampton as their firm choice.
The University of Southampton consistently features among the world’s best universities in major international rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE). Within the UK, it is ranked among the top 20–30 universities, recognised for both teaching excellence and student satisfaction. Subject-wise, Southampton is particularly strong in fields like engineering (especially civil and electronic), computer science, oceanography, nursing, and music, often ranking among the best for these disciplines.
In terms of the University of Southampton QS rankings 2026, it is 87th in the world.
Moreover, the University of Southampton’s UK rankings are also noteworthy, as per QS 2026 it is 14th, further, The Guardian University Guide 2026 has ranked it 20th and The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 gave it 17th position among the top UK universities.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Southampton is in 129th position. Another feather on their cap is the Golden Age ranking of the Times Higher Education’s (THE) – here they have categorised the top 200 institutions founded as universities between 1945 and 1967. Based on this ranking, Southampton is 11th and second among the UK universities featured in the list. Lastly, for their impact and focus on sustainability it’s 9th in the UK – QS World Rankings for Sustainability 2026.
The University of Southampton is recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to global impact. Its Science Park and business incubators support hundreds of start-ups and high-tech enterprises. The university’s research has led to patents, spin-out companies, and international partnerships. Southampton’s influence extends worldwide through collaborations, alumni, and initiatives addressing climate change, digital transformation, and social justice. The university is committed to sustainability and is a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating these principles across teaching, research, and campus operations.
Uniting research disciplines, the University of Southampton aims to solve pressing global challenges. Their work ranges from enhancing cancer treatments to revolutionising renewable energy and defeating COVID-19.
The University of Southampton campuses are designed to provide a wide range of self-catered accommodation: flats with shared kitchens, single-gender and alcohol-free options, shared and private rooms.
For the same contract lengths: 38, 40, or 51 weeks and the accommodation costs ranges from £145 to £349 per week.
The university offers options to live close to campuses or in the city centre, and affordable rooms to suit students’ budget and lifestyle. There are particular benefits of choosing university accommodation such as no application fees, no deposits, no guarantors and free airport transfer from London Heathrow Airport via the Meet and Greet service
Further the rent in University of Southampton owned accommodation includes contents insurance, maintenance support, 24/7 reception and security service, a Unilink bus pass* and contributions towards laundry costs.
Accommodation is mostly guaranteed for first-year international students who apply by the deadline.
In Southampton, ranting is a common practice, which would mean you will have your own bedroom, but will share the lounge, kitchen and bathroom with others.
The cost of renting will depend on the size, location and condition of a house. A room in a student house will cost about:
Comprehensive support includes mental health services, counselling, disability support, and faith provision. The Careers and Employability Service offer job search workshops, CV clinics, internships, and employer networking events.
For students who seek support, the first point of contact is the Student Hub, where a team is available 24/7 to answer the concerns and queries regarding finances, accommodation, well-being, careers and course administration.
Further, over 2,000 professional services staff is available in Southampton’s Professional Service Departments, who provide support in all aspects of student life.
The Careers and Employability Service offer job search workshops, CV clinics, internships, and employer networking events.
Research at Southampton is highly interdisciplinary, spanning fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, biomedical engineering, social sciences, and marine and environmental sciences. Collaborative projects address grand societal challenges and attract international recognition.
Some real-time examples of this research include their contribution in developing infrastructure to tackle homelessness, advancing affordable rail electrification, incorporating AI and digital transformation into project management and developing community-led climate and health solutions in Ghana.
The university actively supports knowledge transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Its Science Park and business incubators nurture start-ups and facilitate partnerships with leading global companies. Many successful spin-outs have emerged, particularly in technology, healthcare, and environmental sectors.
Global partnerships with leading institutions, industry, and governments expand research impact and provide students with international opportunities.
The university offers a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, many of which are internationally recognised and highly ranked.
Further, three major subjects offered by Southampton are among the global top 50 and twelve in the top 100 globally, as per QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. These subjects are as follows:
| Subject | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 13th |
| Archaeology | 36th |
| Earth and Marine Sciences | 40th |
| Geology | 51st-100th |
| Geophysics | 51st-100th |
| Physics and Astronomy | 75th |
| Medicine | 81st |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 83rd |
| Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering | 93rd |
| Accounting & Finance | 97th |
The blog doesn't specify Southampton's acceptance rate. Admission competitiveness varies by programme, with popular courses requiring strong academics and meeting specific entry requirements.
IELTS 6.0-7.0 or equivalent required. IELTS waiver offered at 70% in Class 12 English from CBSE/ICSE. State board students must take IELTS.
Undergraduate: apply via UCAS (five university choices, single SOP). Postgraduate: apply directly through Southampton's online portal with transcripts, references, CV and English scores.
Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, Law, Psychology, Data Science, AI, Finance, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Arts and Social Sciences across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
International undergraduate: £24,000-£31,000 yearly. Postgraduate: £24,000-£33,000 yearly. MBA: £35,600. No application fee. £2,000 acceptance deposit required for postgraduates.
Undergraduate: 75-85% in Class 12 (CBSE/CISCE/Metro State Boards). Postgraduate: 60% or above in bachelor's degree. Some courses need specific subjects or work experience.
Undergraduate UCAS: 15 October 2025, 14 January 2026, 30 June 2026. Postgraduate: rolling admissions, some close August/September 2026. Apply early before places fill.
Some postgraduate programmes require GMAT or GRE. MBA needs three years managerial experience. Check specific course requirements as most programmes don't mandate these tests.
Yes. Subject-specific scholarships offer £2,000-£10,000. India Excellence Scholarship: £4,000 for postgraduates. Engineering, Arts, Chemistry and Computer Science scholarships available with specific deadlines.
Top programmes like Computer Science (85%+ required), Law (80%+) and Psychology (80%+) are competitive. Strong academics, relevant subjects and meeting specific requirements increase acceptance chances.