Information for prospective students from South Africa
Students from South Africa
Contact us
We are happy to help with any questions you might have about studying at SOAS.
You can contact the International Office (study@soas.ac.uk) or email Laura Connaway, International Recruitment Manager (Middle East and Africa): lc62@soas.ac.uk
Information about upcoming visits and virtual events taking place in the Sub-Saharan Africa region can be found in our listings for events in your country.
Minimum entry requirements
The below are guidelines only and do not guarantee entry. Each application will be judged on its own merits.
Undergraduate study
Students who have completed recognised international qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, A-Levels or AP examinations, will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate programmes. For more information, please view our undergraduate entry requirements.
Applicants from South Africa who have completed the General Secondary Education Certificate will be required to complete a Foundation Year before applying for undergraduate study.
Postgraduate study
SOAS will consider all applicants holding the equivalent of UK Lower Second-Class Honours undergraduate degree. For more information, please view our postgraduate entry requirements.
In addition, you should check the individual programme of study for any specific academic requirements.
Research applicants would normally be expected to have completed a Masters qualification from a good university.
English language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English will normally have to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. Please check our English language requirements for detailed information. SOAS also offers English pre-sessional summer courses which allow students who do not meet the exact entry requirements to improve their language skills before beginning academic study.
Foundation courses
Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements or would like to improve their English language before studying for a degree could consider applying for one of the undergraduate and postgraduate foundation courses offered at the SOAS IFCELS centre. Students can improve their English while studying academic courses in areas including Development Studies, International Business, Media and Communication and International Politics.
Scholarships
SOAS offers a wide-range of scholarships, bursaries and awards to support students, including the International Postgraduate Scholarship. A number of scholarships are also provided by the University of London, the British Government and other external organisations.
In-country representatives
SOAS works with educational representatives, many of whom have offices in the main cities. Please contact them directly for more information about applying to SOAS.
Careers
The SOAS Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London, which is the largest higher education careers and employability service in Europe. It provides a range of services and various events throughout the year to help with career choice, job hunting, applications and interview preparation. Students can also get help to find volunteering and employment opportunities during their studies.
Alumni
SOAS has a global alumni network including tens of thousands of former students. If you would like to contact alumni to ask any questions, please visit SOAS alumni.
Useful links
- The British Council is the British Government's international organization for educational and cultural relations
- UKCISA - The UK Council for International Students Affairs provides information on many aspects of studying overseas, including visas and working while studying
- UKVI provides current advice and guidance on immigration and visa regulations for non-UK nationals
- UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admission Service is the body through which all applications for undergraduate study must be made
- The British High Commission in South Africa may also be able to help you with information about travelling to the UK