University of Surrey

Overview

Welcome to the University of Surrey, a global community of more than 16,000 students from 140 countries.

Surrey is based in the popular town of Guildford, just 35 minutes from central London by train, and their beautiful, green campus is home to outstanding learning, laboratory, and simulation facilities in every faculty, plus a comprehensive range of student services, a wide choice of accommodation and dedicated support for international students, to help you make the most of university life.

There are three faculties within the University: the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and together, they offer multiple undergraduate and postgraduate courses, all of which have the flexibility to personalise your degree to your interests and goals.

Surrey also stands out for its commitment to practice-based learning, and there is a huge range of professional-standard facilities, such as labs, workshops and studios, where you can develop your skills and learn by doing. In addition, across the campus, you’ll find amazing simulation facilities: a fully operational pilot process plant, wind tunnels, flight simulators, a courtroom, and a Clinical Simulation Centre, home to an Immersive Learning Environment that’ll transport you to the centre of clinical scenarios. These provide a safe, supervised environment to put your skills and knowledge to the test.

Surrey's goal is to provide a challenging and rewarding university experience that creates incredible memories and helps you achieve your ambitions while building friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. According to the latest National Student Survey 2023, the university are succeeding, with an overall satisfaction score of 85.3 percent, putting Surrey 4th in the UK.

Services for International Students

International students have access to support from the University of Surrey from the moment they decide to apply all the way until after they graduate. This includes:

• Online student portal: MySurrey allows students to access support and advice at any hour of the day. They can also see someone in person via the MySurrey Hive.
• Faith support: The university is a multi-faith and multi-cultural community where there are spaces and support for students of all faiths and beliefs.
• Study support: Academic services include a dedicated department personal tutor, study spaces, resources, and language support.
• Students’ Union: As well as fun events and activities, the SU represents students and provides support with academic issues, accommodation, and more.

There is also a dedicated team available to help international students throughout the application process from advising on choosing the right course to applying for a visa and preparing for your first few weeks at Surrey. They can even welcome you when you arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport (both less than 45 minutes from Guildford).

Employability

Surrey is ranked first in the UK for work placements (National University Employability Awards) and graduate employability (The Times and Sunday Times Complete University Guide). There are also plenty of opportunities to develop your professional skills outside of your core degree. Over 95% of graduates are in work or further study after graduating – putting Surrey firmly in the UK top ten according to the annual Graduate Outcomes Survey.

This performance is a combination of talented and hard-working students and a commitment to helping you get the best work experience and career advice while you are at the university. 

Surrey were the first university in the UK to introduce professional training placements as part of an undergraduate degree. Today, almost all Surrey undergraduates are given the opportunity to do an industry placement – increasing their employability and networks and making sure they are prepared for the world of work.

The university have established relationships with more than 2,300 partner organisations, including well-known companies like Oracle, the Walt Disney Company and Airbus, providing a huge range of placement opportunities. Surrey has been ranked first in the UK for the Best University Placement Service award three years in a row (National University Employability Award 2019, 2020, 2021). Personalised careers support is also available through the Career Services team and if you have a career path in mind, Surrey can help you on the journey – providing practical advice and insight into how to get into the profession and putting you in contact with relevant graduate employers.

Student life

University is the ideal opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and find a new hobby or pursue an existing passion with like-minded people. With over 170 student clubs and societies, there’s something for everyone in the Students’ Union. You can even start your own. Unforgettable events are organised to ensure you have an incredible experience, from Varsity to a variety of balls and galas. The Students’ Union also organises unforgettable events and volunteering opportunities to ensure you have the best possible university experience.

The university also has over 40 sports clubs to join, including lacrosse, volleyball and football, based at the Surrey Sports Park on campus, which also hosts a 50m swimming pool and 120-station gym.

Across Surrey's lovely, leafy campus, you’ll find a great choice of places to eat, drink and hang out. As well as a selection of shops and cafes, there are also facilities like The Snug, a bookable student space with huge comfy sofas, an 85” screen and PlayStation. Looking for somewhere quieter? No problem. As well as the Library and Learning Centre, which is open seven days a week, there are dedicated quiet areas, like MySurrey Nest, where you can plug in or switch off.

Ranking

Surrey University is among the top institutions in the UK, ranking 21st in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 19th in The Guardian University Guide 2025. Globally, the University of Surrey is 285th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The Complete University Guide’s Subject League Table 2025 shows Surrey University ranking first in Information Technology and Systems, Paramedic Science, and Tourism, Transport, Travel, and Heritage Studies, highlighting its teaching excellence in multiple subjects.

• 4th in the National Student Satisfaction Survey 2023 *(measured by % positivity across questions 1 to 24 for all providers in The Guardian University Guide).
• 21st in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
• 19th in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
• 285th in the QS World University Rankings 2025

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, Surrey was ranked in the top 20 for the quality of research outputs, with 41% of research rated as world-leading. In the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, which assess universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Surrey was ranked 46th out of 1,591 universities globally.

Accommodation

There are more than 6,000 study bedrooms on campus, at least half of which have an en-suite shower and toilet plus unlimited, free broadband. There are choices to suit all budgets and requirements, and you’re guaranteed university accommodation in your first year as long as your application arrives on time. All student residences are self-catered with shared kitchen facilities and are monitored by security 24/7.

Off campus, there is a variety of housing in the Guildford area, let privately or through the University of Surrey's own Property Management Scheme.

Location

Surrey's main campus is located on Stag Hill, close to the town centre of Guildford and next to Guildford Cathedral. It’s a lovely, leafy campus full of space to relax, as well as most of Surrey's student facilities. There is also a second campus, at Manor Park, a short distance away, which is home to the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Surrey Sports Park and lots more accommodation. Both are well-connected by walking, bike or bus.

Guildford is a thriving town and a popular place to live – in easy reach of central London (just 35 minutes away by train) but surrounded by beautiful countryside. The Surrey Hills are part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and feature country pubs and classic attractions such as Box Hill, as well as acres of countryside for walking or cycling.

Heathrow and Gatwick are both under an hour away.

Alumni

• Jim Abbiss (Music producer)
• Sir Alec Issigonis (Designer)
• E. F. Schumacher (Economist)

FAQs

Are there application fees for the University of Surrey?

Surrey requires an application fee as part of the UCAS application process for undergraduate applicants. There is no application fee for postgraduate programmes. Students need to submit the required documents and fill out the application form before the deadline to be considered for admission.

What is the acceptance rate for the University of Surrey?

The University of Surrey has an overall acceptance rate of around 65%, which makes it moderately selective. Meeting all the academic and document requirements, including providing transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a strong personal statement, can improve your chances of acceptance.

Does the University of Surrey accept international students?

Yes, the University of Surrey has a diverse student body, with over 4,600 international students from various countries, including more than 420 from India. The university offers services and support for international students to integrate easily and succeed during their studies.

Does Surrey University offer accommodation for international students?

Yes, international students are eligible to apply for university-managed accommodation once their UCAS application has been updated with an offer. It can take up to 72 hours for the accommodation system to recognise new applicants. On-campus accommodation options vary, with a range of room types to suit different budgets.

What is the work placement rate of Surrey University?

According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, 95% of Surrey graduates are in work or further study after 15 months of graduating. Some of the university’s most sought-after courses like Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science offer internships, placements, and industry-driven projects through its industry connections.