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UNITED KINGDOM · SWANSEA

Swansea University

public · Founded 1920 · Languages: en, cy

In short

Swansea University is a research-intensive university in Wales, UK, offering a strong focus on teaching, research, and graduate employability. It provides a multicultural community and a vibrant student life on its scenic waterfront campuses.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1920
Students: 18,445
International students: 4,000
Acceptance rate: 27%
Tuition (intl): €20–31k/yr
Languages: EN, CY
Location: Swansea, United Kingdom

Swansea University is a research-led institution in Wales, United Kingdom, known for its balance of excellent teaching and high-impact research. Established in 1920, the university fosters a vibrant, multicultural community with students and staff from over 130 countries. Its stunning waterfront campuses provide a desirable location and a global perspective for students, equipping them with skills and knowledge for successful careers. The university is committed to creating an inspiring environment for learning and discovery, focusing its research on addressing global societal challenges across health, wealth, culture, and well-being. Swansea University emphasizes employability, offering extensive careers advice, work experience opportunities, and strong employer connections to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the professional world. Student life at Swansea is rich and diverse, with over 150 societies and 50 sports clubs available. The university offers a supportive environment, including guaranteed accommodation for new students and comprehensive academic support services to help all students achieve their full potential.

Why study here

Become part of a world-class research institution with high ambitions and a focus on making a global impact.
Receive an outstanding learning and teaching experience with a strong emphasis on graduate employability.
Live in a multicultural community with staff and students from over 130 different countries.
Enjoy a rich student life with over 150 societies and 50 sports clubs, catering to diverse interests.
Benefit from comprehensive career and employability support, including internships, placements, and expert guidance.
Access guaranteed university accommodation options for new students, providing a safe and welcoming home away from home.
Study in an inspiring coastal city that offers a blend of culture, entertainment, and outdoor activities, including award-winning beaches.

Student life

Student life at Swansea University is vibrant and diverse, with ample opportunities for engagement outside of academics. The university boasts over 150 clubs and societies, ranging from media and hobbies to political and cultural groups, ensuring there's something for everyone. For sports enthusiasts, there are 50 sports clubs, whether you're looking to compete or just try something new. The university's stunning waterfront campuses and location in Swansea mean students can enjoy beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures. Campus facilities provide places to eat, shop, and socialise. The Swansea University Students' Union (SU) is a student-led organization that offers support, advice, events, and represents student voices, working to enhance the overall student experience. Health and welfare services are also available to support students' well-being throughout their studies. New students can find guaranteed accommodation options on campus, putting them at the heart of university life and making it easy to connect and participate in activities.

Fees

InternationalInternational tuition typically ranges from around 20,000 EUR per year for classroom-based programmes to roughly 31,000 EUR for laboratory, clinical and some science/engineering courses.

HomeHome (UK) fees are regulated and considerably lower than international rates; Welsh and other UK students should check current published levels.

LivingSwansea is one of the more affordable UK cities; students should budget for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses, with guaranteed halls available for new students.

A range of international and merit scholarships and bursaries can reduce tuition costs.

Admissions

Undergraduate entryRecognised secondary qualifications (e.g. A-levels or equivalent) meeting the programme's grade requirements, applied through UCAS.

Postgraduate entryA relevant bachelor's degree of an appropriate classification for the chosen master's programme.

English proficiencyAccepted English-language qualification for applicants whose first language is not English.

IELTSTypically 6.0-6.5 overall for undergraduate and taught postgraduate entry (higher for some programmes)

TOEFL iBTAccepted; programme-specific minimums apply

Rankings

Guardian University Guide 202632nd

Times Good University Guide 202637th

Complete University Guide 202640th

THE World University Rankings 2026301-350

QS World University Rankings 2026292

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024501-600

THE World University Rankings 2024 (Research Quality)129th

THE World University Rankings 2024 (International Outlook)132nd

QS World Rankings University 2026 (Sustainability)121st

QS World Rankings University 2026 (International Students)221st

QS World Rankings University 2026 (Employer Reputation)222nd

QS World Rankings University 2026 (Academic Reputation)248th

University scholarships

Swansea University International ScholarshipsPartial tuition reduction for qualifying international students

Vice-Chancellor's / Excellence ScholarshipsMerit-based awards toward tuition

Accreditation

Public research university with degree-awarding powers in the United Kingdom; individual professional programmes accredited by relevant UK professional bodies.

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

The world faces significant challenges, from climate change and economic instability to social inequalities and political shifts. Sociology provides the tools to understand these complex issues by examining human behavior as social beings and the broader social, cultural, political, and economic forces that shape our lives. This degree equips you with foundational theories and practical research skills to analyze social problems and contribute to positive change. You will learn both qualitative and quantitative research methods, developing your ability to generate new knowledge and critically evaluate evidence on topics relevant to local communities and global societies.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What is Swansea University known for?

Swansea University is a research-led institution in Wales, UK, established in 1920. It is recognized for its balance of excellent teaching, high-impact research addressing global challenges, and a strong emphasis on graduate employability.

Where is Swansea University located?

Swansea University is situated in Swansea, a coastal city in Wales, United Kingdom. The university features stunning waterfront campuses that provide a unique and attractive setting for study and student life.

What are the international tuition fees at Swansea University?

International tuition fees typically range from around 20,000 EUR per year for classroom-based programs to approximately 31,000 EUR for laboratory, clinical, and some science/engineering courses. Scholarships and bursaries may be available to reduce these costs.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For IELTS, scores typically range from 6.0-6.5 overall for undergraduate and taught postgraduate entry, though higher scores may be required for some programs. TOEFL iBT is also accepted, with program-specific minimums applying.

What kind of student life can I expect at Swansea University?

Swansea University offers a vibrant student life with over 150 societies and 50 sports clubs. Students can enjoy the coastal city's amenities, beautiful beaches, and engage in various cultural and outdoor activities.

Last updated 3 July 2026