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University of Reading - Sustainability focused programs
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University of Reading
Student Support Services for International Students
At the University of Reading
At the University of Reading
At the University of Reading
At the University of Reading
Study pod in the University of Reading library
University of Reading library
University of Reading rowing club
University of Reading students
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The University of Reading occupies prominent positions in league tables, placed 28th among UK universities and joint 196 overall in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university offers spacious campuses, including the Whiteknights campus (the main site and one of Britain’s best green public spaces), London Road campus and Greenlands campus.
Home to more than 27,000 students the University of Reading is proud to welcome staff and students from all over the world. Students can choose from approximately 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university’s research output is substantial, and 98 per cent of its research has been internationally recognised (REF 2021). Reading’s strong research ethics are structured around five core themes, namely: agriculture, food and health, environment, heritage and creativity, as well as prosperity and resilience.
Compared with other UK institutions, Reading is ranked the 11th highest for Employment Outcomes, and also performed well for Citations per Faculty (12) and Sustainability (12).
2025 401
2024 401 100
2023 301
2026 194 22
2025 172 3
2024 169
2026 201
2025 201
2024 201
The university provides pre-departure webinars to provide students with step-by-step guidance before arriving in the UK. It also offers 1-2-1 virtual meetings with regional managers within the international office so students can ask any questions they have.
For new students arriving in the autumn, Reading hosts a “Welcome Week” which offers university-organised social events, academic welcome sessions and tours of Reading. Students can also expect to receive maps of the town, guidance on opening a bank account and details of students’ union events, societies and lots more.
The university has a dedicated team of trained immigration advisers on campus to provide specialist advice on visas, including working during or after studies and students can also access dedicated support from a student adviser. The students’ union advice services can also help with personal, social, academic, financial and welfare matters.
Reading’s award winning careers service, voted 6th best university for work experience in the UK by Rate My Placement 2025-2026, is dedicated to supporting students’ career planning and development. Its services, opportunities and events are available for students and alumni up to 24 months after graduation so that students can benefit from:
The Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award, the official University of Reading employability skills certificate, was created to help make the most of the extra-curricular activities and experiences on offer.
University of Reading students can also gain invaluable work experience through securing placements and internships while studying. Placement opportunities range from a few weeks to a full year.
The University of Reading remains among the world's top 200 universities, at joint 196, in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university is ranked 28 in the UK, and has also retained its standing in the top 13 percent of universities, worldwide ranked by QS.
Sustainability is a high priority at the University of Reading and there has been a significant improvement in rank in this area, to joint 30 in the world.
The University of Reading has been named University of the Year for Scholarships and Bursaries 2026 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. The accolade follows Reading’s 2025 position as Sustainable University of the Year and comes after the launch of the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarships, which offers up to 400 scholarships for high-achieving students, worth £6,000 a year across every year of study.
Also new for students enrolling in the 2026/27 academic year, postgraduate scholarships will be allocated automatically based on performance in your previous degree studies. To be awarded a scholarship, students must hold, or be expected to achieve, an undergraduate degree with a minimum UK Lower Second Class (or equivalent) standing. Scholarships range in value from £2,000 to £7,000 depending on the strength of your academic record. You don’t need to apply for this scholarship – eligible students are automatically awarded funding based on the information contained within their degree application.
17,26,419 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
14,63,986 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
The University of Reading has a wide range of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The opportunities for funding may be country or course specific but there is some element of financial aid available to all international students. The following is a selection of scholarships and bursaries on offer:
The University of Reading and the UK government global scholarship programme, Chevening, have collaborated for 20 years to provide students with master’s degree funding. With almost 500 Chevening scholars welcomed to Reading so far, this award covers the full cost of tuition and provides a grant to cover living expenses.
The Global Sustainability Leadership Scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. Up to 400 scholarships are available per year, for high-achieving students, to cover maintenance and living costs.
Most university scholarships are partial awards that pay a contribution towards the cost of tuition. There can be multiple scholarships on offer, and it is possible to be selected for more than one scholarship. There are also International Research Studentships available, which are scholarships aimed at highly qualified PhD applicants across the science, life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities disciplines.
There are also more than 100 scholarships available annually from the internationally renowned Henley Business School. These awards offer partial or full coverage of tuition costs.
More information can be found on the international scholarships webpages.
The university encourages applications from students with qualifications such as A-Levels, International Baccalaureates, and a number of international secondary level certificates.
International students looking to undertake a degree programme and needing some preliminary studies can register for the University of Reading International Foundation Programme (IFP) or a Pre-sessional English course. With over 30 years of experience, the IFP gives students the highest quality preparation for undergraduate studies.
There is also an option to join an integrated four-year degree programmes with foundation year, which combines a foundation year (Year 0) with a chosen three-year undergraduate degree. This enables students to apply for a single four-year visa that covers the whole duration of their studies.
For entry to postgraduate programmes, prospective master’s students are normally required to have a good undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree, or equivalent. Doctoral programme (PhD) applications usually require a master’s degree and students will need to submit a research proposal, unless applying for a specific research project.
Evidence of English language proficiency may be necessary for students who do not speak English as a first language. The IELTS test is the most commonly accepted test at the university, however a number of other qualifications are also recognised. Requirements for admission, based on IELTS scores, are usually between 6.5, although some linguistically demanding courses will require a higher score. Year-round pre-sessional English courses (PSE) provided through university’s International Study and Language Institute are an excellent way for students to improve their English, with courses ranging from a few weeks to a whole year, depending on need.
The University of Reading is dedicated to staying at the forefront of teaching and learning developments. It strives to inspire innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning by working in partnership with staff and with the student community.
According to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Reading is ranked:
The majority of courses at Reading have a modular structure, so students can specialise in the areas that interest them most while developing core subject knowledge. All undergraduate courses offer a placement opportunity, either as a mandatory or optional part of the course, to ensure that students build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers.
The university organises its research into the themes of agriculture, food and health; environment; heritage and creativity; and prosperity and resilience. Reading’s research themes are designed to overlap and allow for open-ended collaboration, driving impactful research based on curiosity and innovation. The university has 35 research divisions within these themes.
Academic expertise is focused within a collection of schools, most of which will have several departments. The schools at the University of Reading are:
The University of Reading’s main campus is Whiteknights, a thriving student hub that is home to flexible study areas, shops, amenities, two museums, and the university’s students’ union. Set in 120 hectares of breathtaking parkland, the scenic Whiteknights campus is home to a lake, botanical garden and woodland that students can enjoy all year round. The site has received 16 consecutive Green Flag awards, recognising it as one of Britain’s top green spaces.
In addition to a range of state-of-the-art lecture theatres, studio spaces, labs and seminar rooms, Whiteknights is home to a library with a collection of over 100 items, the International Capital Market Association Centre’s simulation trading floor, the Cole Museum of Zoology, and the Ure Museum of Greek Architecture. Whiteknights also has a sports park with a range of facilities that include fitness studios, a gym, a sports hall, playing fields, and eight tennis courts.
Subject specific facilities for architecture and education students are available at the university’s historic London Road campus, and Henley Business School’s Greenlands campus has a specialist library and cutting-edge teaching facilities for finance, accounting and business students. The university also has a campus in Malaysia, and Henley Business School has further campus locations in Finland, Germany, Malta and South Africa.
Reading provides an array of supportive university managed accommodation options that are designed to suit individual preferences and requirements. University managed accommodation is available at Reading to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Rooms range from GBP 166 to 295.00 per week for the 2026/27 academic year, with a choice of standard, upgraded, premium, townhouse, and en-suite options available. Accommodation at Reading is located either on or close to the university’s main Whiteknights campus and rent includes all utilities, high speed Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance.
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