Royal Holloway, University of London welcomes applications from students from South Africa to join our growing international community.
We are a pioneering university, steeped in history and culture, yet constantly evolving and adapting to the demands of modern higher education.
Our university was founded by two social reformers who pioneered the ideal of education and knowledge for all who could benefit. Their vision lives on today. As one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, we are home to some of the world’s foremost authorities in the sciences, arts, business, economics and law. As teachers and researchers they change lives, expand minds and help current and future leaders understand power and responsibility. We are strengthened by diversity, and welcome students and academics who travel from all over the world to study and work here, ensuring an international and multi-cultural perspective within a close-knit and historic campus.
Find out more in a one-to-one appointment
The International team offer 30-minute counselling sessions on MS Teams. These meetings are an informal opportunity to ask any questions you have about applying or studying at Royal Holloway, University of London, and do not affect admission. Book an appointment now to find out more about Royal Holloway.
Book an appointmentEntry requirements
Applicants to Royal Holloway come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications to our courses. Each applicant is considered carefully on their individual merits, but please see below for the standard minimum entry requirements for students from South Africa.
Undergraduate
National Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement)
To be considered for entry to our undergraduate degrees, students will need to achieve either:
State Board: 66655
IEB Board: 65555
Programmes may have subject specific requirements.
A Levels & International Baccalaureate (IB)
If you have taken A levels or the IB, you will be considered for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Specific grade requirements can be found in the course finder entry for your chosen course.
The Royal Holloway International Study Centre
The Royal Holloway International Study Centre provides an International Foundation Year and International Year One programme, which are designed for international students who do not quite meet the requirements for an undergraduate course. These programmes will help to develop your academic and English language skills in preparation for university. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at Royal Holloway, University of London.
How to apply
Undergraduate students applications are made online via UCAS. If you are applying to a University preparation course, then apply to Royal Holloway directly. There is more application information in the Studying Here section of the Royal Holloway website.
Postgraduate
Master's Degree
Students who have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA at an accredited university will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme and the university you have studied at, but most departments will ask for either a Lower Second Class Honours (2:2) or an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or 60-70% depending on the way your degree is graded.
How to apply
Postgraduate students applications are made to Royal Holloway directly. There is more application information in the Studying Here section of the Royal Holloway website.
English language requirements
To apply to any of our courses, you need to prove a minimum level of English language proficiency.
Students who do not quite make the English language requirements may be able to take a pre-sessional English language programme.
Fees and scholarships
Fees vary between courses each year. Specific information about fees can be found in the course finder entry for your chosen course.
You could be eligible for one of our undergraduate or postgraduate scholarships.
If you are considering postgraduate study at Royal Holloway, there may be external funding available to you.
Student life
Over the 130-year history of the university, we have created an environment where a close-knit community thrives.
Just 40 minutes by train from London and seven miles from Heathrow, our campus is one of the most beautiful in the world with numerous teaching and study spaces, bars and cafés, high-quality accommodation, and sports facilities. All this is set in 135 acres of stunning parkland.
You can find out more about life at Royal Holloway in the student life section of our website.
The local South African community
There is a growing African community at Royal Holloway. There are a range of societies and groups for South African students, both on the campus and in the local area. First and foremost the Afro-Caribbean society supported by the Student's Union, alongside faith societies, such as our Christian Union.
There is a high population of South Africans living in the Surrey and London area. There are also many South African supermarkets where you can purchase your favourite foods from home.
Royal Holloway is a multi-faith community, with many different beliefs represented on campus and excellent cooperation between faiths both on campus and in the local community. For information about our University Chaplaincy and the numerous on-campus faith groups, please see our Faith Support pages.
Voice of Africa radio provides an exciting range of African music spanning the continent of Africa, as well as phone–in programmes discussing issues which are pertinent to Africans in the London area.
Meet us
Sam Gibson is your dedicated International Team member, here to answer any questions you have about applying and studying at Royal Holloway as an international student from South Africa.
Book a one-to-one appointment
We are really keen to connect with students interested in studying with us. We offer 30 minute, one-to-one counselling sessions via Microsoft Teams. These chats are informal and do not affect admission - they're simply an opportunity for you to learn more about Royal Holloway and studying in the UK. We welcome any questions you might have about our application processes, study programmes, and campus life.
Book a campus tour
We are delighted to be able to offer a guided campus tour to any international students interested in studying here at Royal Holloway, whether you have already applied to study with us, or are just exploring your options in Higher Education.
One of our fantastic International Recruitment team members, or one of our friendly and knowledgeable Student Ambassadors, will show you around our beautiful campus and answer any questions you might have about life at Royal Holloway.
Useful links
The British Council provides comprehensive advice on many aspects of studying in Britain
The South African High Commission in London for assistance for South African students in the UK.
UKCISA promotes and protects the needs of international students in the UK
