SOAS was founded in 1916 as the School of Oriental Studies, and in 1938 was renamed the School of Oriental and African Studies to reflect more fully its scope of study.
During the two World Wars, SOAS played a key role in the training of British colonial officials and diplomats. After the war, the school gradually transformed itself into a comprehensive university with a core focus on academic research and higher education, and established itself as a global leader in the field of regional studies. Today, SOAS is the world’s leading academic center for the study of the societies, economies, histories, cultures and languages of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Teaching and Research Characteristics
SOAS is known for its interdisciplinary studies and decolonizing educational perspectives. The school encourages students to examine global challenges – from climate change and social inequality to economic development and cultural exchange – from the interdisciplinary perspectives of its three main schools. The school’s research goes beyond the Eurocentric model to reshape economic thinking with a global South perspective and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable future, Maximum time to complete a SOAS University of London Degree.
SOAS was ranked in the top 5 in the UK for ‘quality of lecturers and teaching’ in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026.
Campus and facilities
SOAS’ main campus is located in Bloomsbury, central London, next to Russell Square. The secondary campus is in Vernon Square, Islington. London is ranked 3rd in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings.
SOAS’s library is the largest repository of Asian, African and Middle Eastern studies in Europe, with over 1.2 million volumes and so many electronic resources. It contains some very old 14th century ** manuscripts, as well as archives from the middle Ming and Qing dynasties. The school also has a Brunel Gallery, which regularly displays modern and historical art from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
International students
SOAS is one of the most international universities in the UK. 45% of students are international from over 130 countries around the world. In the 2025 QS rankings, SOAS is ranked second in the UK for the proportion of international teachers.
Tuition fees for international undergraduates are roughly £21,990 (roughly $28,399) per year. The university has over 320 postgraduate scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year, worth a total of £4 million.
Campus Life
The SOAS campus is quite nice, compact and cozy. The school offers both student halls of residence and shared apartments for accommodation. Students can participate in many clubs and find help with internships and jobs through the school’s career development service.
SOAS alumni are found in politics, diplomacy, academia and business around the world and include several heads of state, government ministers, diplomats, central bankers, US Supreme Court justices and Nobel Peace Prize winners. Notable alumni include UK Labour MP David Lammy, BBC presenter Zeinab Badawi and English professional rugby player Maro Itoje.
