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UNITED KINGDOM · GUILDFORD

University of Surrey

public · Founded 1966 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Surrey in Guildford, UK, offers a dynamic education with strong industry links and a diverse international community. It provides comprehensive support, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus life.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1966
Students: 17,974
International students: 5,406
Acceptance rate: 78%
Tuition (intl): €18–25k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Guildford, United Kingdom

The University of Surrey is a dynamic public university located in Guildford, UK, renowned for its commitment to life-changing education and research. Established in 1966, its roots trace back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute founded in 1891. Surrey offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong focus on practical learning and preparing students for future careers. The university is a diverse global community, attracting students from over 140 nationalities. It emphasizes innovation, addressing global challenges through its research, and equips graduates with skills for a changing world. Surrey is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment and has continually invested in its facilities, including student accommodation, sports facilities, and cutting-edge research centers. With a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research programs, Surrey provides exceptional teaching quality and aims to inspire and empower students for both personal and professional success. The university maintains strong connections with businesses and industries, reflected in its professional training placements and high graduate employability.

Why study here

Exceptional teaching and practical learning focused on career success, with over 2,300 industry placement partners.
A diverse and welcoming international community with over 140 nationalities on campus.
Strong links with industry, offering extensive professional training placements and high graduate employability.
Comprehensive career support services, including CV assistance, interview simulators, and job searching resources.
Significant investment in modern campus facilities, including student accommodation, sports park, and state-of-the-art research centres.
Progression scholarships exclusively for students from the International Study Centre.

Student life

The University of Surrey offers a rich and friendly student life on its campus, set amidst beautiful countryside, with the bustling town of Guildford close by. The university is a global community where students from over 140 nationalities share experiences and build friendships. Comprehensive student support services are available to help with academic, emotional, and practical aspects of university life, including dedicated international student support and accommodation options to suit various budgets. Students can engage in a wide array of activities, from sustainability initiatives to equality, diversity, and inclusion programs, fostering a thriving community spirit. Events and workshops are regularly held, providing opportunities for social interaction and academic enrichment. The university's commitment to student experience ensures that students make lasting memories and are proud to become Surrey graduates.

Fees

InternationalTuition fees for International Study Centre pathway programmes for 2026/27 are: International Foundation Year ranges from GBP 20,250 to GBP 21,250. International Year One is GBP 20,750. Pre-Masters Programme ranges from GBP 15,250 (1-semester) to GBP 20,500 (2-semesters). Direct undergraduate tuition for international students ranges approximately GBP 17,500-24,500 per year depending on programme.

HomeHome/UK undergraduate tuition is capped by government at GBP 9,535 per year (2025-26). Graduate fees vary by programme.

LivingThe UKVI recommended minimum cost of living for studying outside London is GBP 1,136 per month. This guideline covers accommodation, food, laundry, books, clothes, toiletries, and socialising, though actual costs vary per student. This is in addition to tuition fees, student insurance, the health care surcharge, and travel costs.

All fees listed are in Pounds Sterling (GBP). Pathway programme tuition fees are paid to Study Group. Fees for the 2026/27 academic year apply to programmes starting on or after August 26, 2026; earlier starts will pay 2025/26 fees.

Admissions

International Foundation Year AcademicGood high school graduation grades or equivalent academic study. Specific country/region qualifications vary.

AgeStudents must be 17 years of age or above to study at the International Study Centre.

Supporting DocumentsQualification evidence, copy of passport.

IELTS Academic6.0-7.0 depending on programme

TOEFL iBT80-100 depending on programme

Pearson PTE AcademicAccepted

Duolingo English TestAccepted

Cambridge CAE/CPEAccepted

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026262

Complete University Guide 202619

Graduate Outcomes 2025 — high-skilled jobs13

National Student Survey 2025 — student satisfaction15

University scholarships

Progression Scholarship for Undergraduate StudyUp to GBP 5,000 off first year of undergraduate degree

Progression Scholarship for Postgraduate StudyUp to GBP 2,000 off first year of postgraduate degree

Vietnam Merit ScholarshipGBP 10,000 tuition award

Vietnam Flagship Postgraduate Scholarship50% tuition fee reduction

International Study Centre ScholarshipPartial tuition fee scholarship; first-come first-served

Accreditation

Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center (NUPOC) educational program is one of the largest and oldest accredited P&O training institutions in the country.

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

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Surrey · United Kingdom

Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)

The BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering program at the University of Surrey provides a comprehensive engineering education with opportunities for specialization in later stages. You will gain a broad understanding of engineering principles in the early years, then delve into aerospace-specific modules. The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required for a successful career in the aerospace industry or to pursue further academic research. A significant individual project in the final year allows you to focus on a specific area of interest and develop professional skills. This degree also aims to partly fulfill the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status, enabling graduates to pursue professional recognition. Graduates will possess both subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills, preparing them for diverse roles in industry, research, development, and public service, while also fostering a commitment to lifelong learning.

University of Surrey · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Acting - 2027 Entry

This BA (Hons) Acting course, delivered at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), is designed to equip you with the comprehensive skills and techniques needed for a career in acting. You will explore a range of acting methodologies, from practitioners like Uta Hagen and Jacques LeCoq to Rudolf Laban and Anne Bogart, developing your imagination, performance technique, expressive abilities, and collaborative spirit. The program emphasizes rigorous studio work, ensemble practice, and training for stage, screen, and audio. You will learn how to prepare for and engage in rehearsals, develop independent and proactive approaches to your work, and adapt to the evolving demands of the creative industry. The curriculum also integrates AI tools to enhance your digital skills and prepare you for the future workplace.

University of Surrey · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Actor-Musician - 2026 entry

The BA (Hons) Actor-Musician degree, offered by the renowned Guildford School of Acting (GSA), equips you with comprehensive performance skills for a professional career in acting and music across various media. This 'quadruple threat' degree combines intensive training in acting, dancing, singing, and musicianship, preparing you for the demands of contemporary theatre and performance industries. You will benefit from world-class conservatoire training within a top university setting, with small cohort sizes ensuring personalized attention from experienced industry professionals. The curriculum integrates AI tools, building future-ready digital skills sought by employers.

University of Surrey · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Actor-Musician - 2027 Entry

The BA (Hons) Actor-Musician degree at the University of Surrey, delivered by the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), is designed to equip you with a comprehensive set of skills for a professional career in the performing arts. This 'quadruple threat' degree focuses on developing your abilities in acting, dancing, singing, and musicianship, preparing you for diverse roles across theatre, musical theatre, and other media. The program integrates world-class conservatoire training within a supportive university environment, ensuring you receive personalized attention due to small cohort sizes. You'll be taught by experienced professionals with extensive industry backgrounds in the UK, Europe, and the US. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, critical analysis, and the development of a versatile performance repertoire. The University is also committed to future-proofing graduates by integrating AI tools into the curriculum to enhance digital skills relevant to the evolving creative industries.

University of Surrey · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing

This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree combines the study of English literature with practical creative writing. You will explore a wide range of classic and contemporary literary works, from Dickens to modern authors, and engage with diverse genres and perspectives. The course also focuses on developing your skills in various forms of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and digital storytelling. You will learn to analyse texts critically and to produce your own creative work to a professional standard. The program aims to equip you with strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills, preparing you for a variety of career paths in writing, publishing, media, and more.

University of Surrey · United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Musical Theatre

The BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at the University of Surrey, delivered through the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), offers rigorous, industry-focused training. It aims to develop your professional and collaborative skills by providing a comprehensive programme in acting, singing, and dancing, delivered in equal measure. This integrated approach ensures you become a versatile performer, prepared for a career in the dynamic world of musical theatre. The course emphasizes practical classes, scene work, rehearsals, and productions of both classic and contemporary musicals, alongside professional development, to equip you for success in the global entertainment industry.

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 are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Surrey?

For 2026/27, International Study Centre pathway programs range from GBP 15,250 to GBP 21,250. Direct undergraduate tuition for international students is approximately GBP 17,500-24,500 per year, varying by program.

What is the recommended cost of living for international students in Guildford?

The UKVI recommends a minimum cost of living of GBP 1,136 per month for studying outside London. This guideline covers essentials like accommodation, food, and transport, though actual expenses may differ.

How can international students apply to the University of Surrey?

International students can apply directly to the university or via the International Study Centre for pathway programs. Applications for pathway programs can be made online or through a local agent.

What English language proficiency tests are accepted by the University of Surrey?

The university accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge CAE/CPE. Specific score requirements vary by program.

What are the University of Surrey's strengths based on recent rankings and surveys?

The university is ranked 19th by the Complete University Guide 2026, 13th for graduates in high-skilled jobs (Graduate Outcomes 2025), and 15th for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2025).

Last updated 30 June 2026