Founded in 1892 and granted a Royal Charter in 1926, the University of Reading is one of the UK's leading public research universities. Located in Reading, Berkshire, just 30 minutes from London, the university is internationally recognised for its research excellence, industry partnerships, and high-quality teaching. It is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities in the world and is known for producing highly employable graduates. The University of Reading is home to more than 27,000 students, including over 5,000 international students from more than 160 countries. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and doctoral programmes across its schools, including the renowned Henley Business School, one of the world's oldest and most respected business schools. Reading is particularly recognised for excellence in Business, Finance, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Meteorology, Psychology, Real Estate & Planning, Food Science, and Education. Its close proximity to London and the Thames Valley—often referred to as the UK's "Silicon Valley"—provides students with excellent internship and graduate employment opportunities. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of University of Reading admissions, available courses, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Reading, England |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
The University of Reading offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and research programmes across a broad range of academic disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Business, Computer Science, Agriculture, Psychology, Law, Environmental Science, Education, Architecture, Humanities, and Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Business, Finance, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Climate Science, Food Science, Education, and more. |
| MBA | The internationally recognised Henley MBA focuses on leadership, strategic management, entrepreneurship, finance, and global business. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research facilities. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA / Academic Scores | Competitive programme-specific requirements |
| IELTS | Generally 6.5+ (programme dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| PTE Academic | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, personal statement, references, and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The University of Reading tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, books, health expenses, and personal living costs while studying in Reading. Located close to London but with a lower cost of living, Reading offers students excellent value while providing easy access to one of Europe's largest business and financial centres.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
The University of Reading offers a wide range of scholarships and financial support for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Scholarships include merit-based awards, country-specific scholarships, business school scholarships, and postgraduate funding. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- Reading Excellence Scholarships
- International Undergraduate Scholarships
- International Master's Scholarships
- Henley Business School Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Faculty and School Scholarships
- Research Council Funding
- Doctoral Studentships
- Research Assistantships
- Department-specific scholarships and bursaries
For eligible postgraduate students, scholarships are awarded automatically based on previous academic performance, with awards ranging from £2,000 to £7,000. The university also offers dedicated scholarships for international undergraduate students and GREAT Scholarships for eligible countries.
Campus Life & Student Experience
The University of Reading offers a modern and welcoming campus environment with excellent academic and recreational facilities. Students benefit from:
- More than 150 student clubs and societies
- Modern libraries and research laboratories
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities
- Career counselling and employability services
- Study abroad and international exchange programmes
- Entrepreneurship and innovation support
- Volunteering and leadership opportunities
- Award-winning green campuses
Reading is one of the UK's most desirable student towns, offering excellent transport links to London, a thriving business community, and a high quality of life.
Research & Global Reputation
The University of Reading is internationally recognised for research excellence and industry-focused education. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 200 universities globally
- 98% of research is recognised as internationally significant, internationally excellent, or world-leading under the Research Excellence Framework
- Home to the globally recognised Henley Business School
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Agriculture, Climate Science, Environmental Science, Meteorology, Food Science, Business, Data Science, Psychology, and Real Estate
- Home to internationally recognised research centres including the Walker Institute and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts collaborations
- Strong partnerships with global employers, government organisations, and research institutions
- The University of Reading is internationally recognised as a leader in Agriculture, Food Science, Meteorology, and Real Estate, with many of its programmes ranked among the best in the UK
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to the University of Reading generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Eligible graduates may remain and work in the UK through the Graduate Route Visa, allowing international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their degree, subject to current UK government immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | International students generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). |
| Graduate Route | Eligible graduates may apply for the UK Graduate Route, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their degree, subject to current UK Government regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through UCAS.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the University of Reading online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your UK Student Visa process.
- Apply for your UK Student Visa — After accepting your offer, apply for your UK Student Visa.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is the University of Reading good for international students?
Yes. The University of Reading is a globally recognised research university offering high-quality teaching, excellent graduate employability, generous scholarships, and a welcoming international community.
Does the University of Reading offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The university offers Reading Excellence Scholarships, International Undergraduate Scholarships, International Master's Scholarships, Henley Business School Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and research funding for eligible international students.
What English language tests does the University of Reading accept?
The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and other approved English language qualifications, depending on the programme.
How do I apply to the University of Reading?
Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS, while postgraduate applicants apply through the University of Reading's online application portal.
Can international students work after graduating from the University of Reading?
Yes. Eligible graduates can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their studies.
Does the University of Reading provide career support?
Yes. The University of Reading offers career counselling, placement opportunities, internships, employer networking events, entrepreneurship support, and dedicated employability services. Its proximity to London and the Thames Valley gives students access to leading employers across finance, technology, consulting, and multinational industries.
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