Studying in London, one of the most popular cities in the United Kingdom, is a dream for many international students. The University of London is one of the well-known names in UK higher education and has been providing education to students across the globe for many years. Founded in 1836, the University of London is a federation of 17 independent member institutions and offers a wide range of degrees through online learning, recognised teaching centres, and its member institutions. So, let’s explore this amazing university.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate of the University of London is around 63%, so it is not very competitive. In fact, it is important to understand that admission depends on the particular programme and the institution providing academic direction. Students can apply for a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and each course has its own entry requirements.
For most programmes, students are generally required to have an appropriate academic background and a good level of English. Some postgraduate programmes may also require previous study in a particular subject or relevant professional experience. Therefore, instead of relying on an estimated acceptance rate, international students who are planning to study in UK should check the entry requirements of their chosen programme before applying.
Rankings
The University of London is different from a single university, and it is a federation of 17 independent institutions. Some of its member institutions include University College London (UCL), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Queen Mary University of London, Royal Holloway and SOAS. These institutions have their own individual rankings and reputations. Rankings of the major institutions according to the QS World University Rankings include:
- UCL (University College London): Ranked 8th globally (and 4th in the UK).
- King’s College London: Ranked 37th globally (and 6th in the UK).
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): Ranked 62nd globally (and 9th in the UK).
- Queen Mary University of London: Ranked 103rd globally (and 17th in the UK)
Courses
The University of London offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Some of the popular undergraduate courses include Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, English, History, Laws, Marketing, Philosophy, Professional Accountancy and Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences.
Students can also choose postgraduate programmes such as the Global MBA, MSc Computer Science, MSc Cyber Security, MSc Data Science, LLM, MSc Professional Accountancy, Global Diplomacy, Human Rights, Project Management and Supply Chain Management. The university also offers an International Foundation Programme for students who need an additional academic pathway before starting higher education.
One of the major advantages of the University of London is its flexible study system. Many programmes can be studied online from anywhere in the world, while students can also receive face-to-face support through Recognised Teaching Centres. The university has a network of more than 100 such centres across different countries.
Fees
The tuition fees at the University of London vary according to the programme, study mode and the country where the student lives. For 2026-27, the university has separate fee schedules for different undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
For example, the 2026-27 indicative total fee for the BA English programme is £10,847, assuming the student completes the qualification within the minimum time without resits. The BSc Computer Science programme has an indicative total of £14,666 for Band A countries for web-supported learning. An application fee of £65 is also applicable to these programmes.
The International Foundation Programme costs £2,864 for the complete one-year programme in 2026-27. Postgraduate fees also vary according to the programme. For example, the full PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education costs £2,028 for Band A countries and £2,664 for Band B countries.
Students from India should also remember that the university states that an 18% GST applies to registration, module and course fees for students resident in India.
Scholarships
The University of London offers several scholarships and bursaries to help students with their education expenses. The amount and eligibility requirements vary according to the programme, nationality and other conditions.
One of the new scholarships for 2026-27 is the Yusuf Ali Scholarships for Women in India and Pakistan. Up to 14 scholarships of £5,000 each are available to eligible female candidates from India and Pakistan studying selected programmes at Recognised Teaching Centres.
The university also offers Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships, which can provide full fee waivers for eligible students from developing Commonwealth countries studying selected master’s programmes. Other opportunities include Váradi Scholarships, refugee and displaced-person scholarships and various bursaries.
Accommodations
Another major requirement for international students is student accommodation London. The University of London provides several accommodation options for eligible students. Undergraduate students can apply for rooms in the University of London Intercollegiate Halls, while the university also provides accommodation options specifically designed for postgraduate students.
Besides university accommodation, students can choose from private student accommodation, private rental apartments, shared houses and homestays. Platforms like Stubard also provide assistance to students looking for private accommodation and operate a property platform with verified student-friendly properties across London.