University of Surrey Guide: Reviews, Rankings, Fees and More
The University of Surrey is located in Guildford, Surrey, just outside London, offering a spacious campus set within green surroundings. Since receiving its Royal Charter in 1966, the university has developed a strong reputation for research excellence, industry collaboration and graduate employability. In this review, we examine its courses, rankings, fees and student experience to help you decide whether Surrey is the right fit for you.
Summary of University
- Type of campus: Town campus
- Student population: : 14,440 students, 33% international students (2026)
- Tuition Fees: £17,900 to £23,100 per year
- 2026 UK Ranking: 19th (Complete University Guide 2026)
- 2026 Global Ranking: 262th (QS World Ranking 2026)
Table of Contents
University of Surrey Overview
According to the Complete University Guide 2026, the University of Surrey achieves top rankings in multiple subject areas nationally. It is ranked 1st in the UK for Information Technology and Systems and 1st for Food Science, with other strong subject positions in Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies, Drama, Dance and Cinematics, Veterinary Medicine, Paramedic Science, and more.
Surrey graduates go on to a wide range of careers across sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, business and management, and science-related professions. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Graduate Outcomes Survey, around 95% of Surrey graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating, with a high proportion in graduate-level roles.
The university has educated tens of thousands of students from more than 170 countries, and maintains a strong international community. Notable alumni include Dzulkefly Ahmad, Member of the Parliament of Malaysia; Arief Yahya, former Indonesian Cabinet Minister; Kay Swinburne, former Conservative Member of the European Parliament; Sara Arber, President of the British Sociological Association; and Wahid Omar, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
University of Surrey Courses and Programmes
Here is a streamlined and updated version with clearer flow, reduced repetition and more current positioning. Rankings are aligned with the Complete University Guide 2026 where applicable.
Course Structures at the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey offers flexible study pathways designed to suit different academic backgrounds and career goals. Students may choose from:
• A standard three-year undergraduate degree
• A four-year degree with a Professional Training placement year
• An integrated Master’s degree (four years)
• A degree with a foundation year
• An International Foundation Year for overseas students
Surrey is particularly known for embedding professional placements into many programmes, strengthening graduate employability.
Computing and Information Technology BSc (Hons)
Computing remains one of Surrey’s strongest subject areas and is ranked 1st in the UK for Information Technology and Systems in the Complete University Guide 2026. The programme combines core computing principles with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, distributed systems and machine learning.
Students benefit from Surrey’s research strengths and strong industry partnerships, with opportunities to undertake professional training placements, participate in industry-led projects and gain experience through hackathons and competitions. The university also provides dedicated careers support that continues for up to three years after graduation.
International Hospitality and Tourism Management BSc (Hons)
Surrey has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions for Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies, consistently ranking highly in national league tables. The course integrates academic study with practical industry experience, offering Professional Training placements both in the UK and internationally.
Designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism sector, the programme develops operational, strategic and analytical skills. Graduates pursue careers in hospitality management, consultancy, marketing, and international tourism, with many progressing into senior positions globally.
Paramedic Science BSc (Hons)
Paramedic Science at Surrey is ranked 1st in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2026. The programme features a strong clinical focus, supported by the university’s Clinical Simulation Centre, which includes an ambulance bay and realistic training facilities.
Students undertake extensive NHS-linked placements and are taught by experienced healthcare professionals. The course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), allowing graduates to register and practise as paramedics upon completion. Graduate outcomes remain strong, with a high proportion entering employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
University of Surrey Entry Requirements
Students with a Malaysian qualification will need a suitable equivalent grade to apply for Surrey’s undergraduate courses. Qualifications required are as shown below:
| UK A Level Requirement | STPM Equivalent | Matrikulasi (CGPA) | Diploma (CGPA)* | UEC Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A*AA | A, A-, A- | 3.75 | 3.30 | — |
| AAA | A-, A-, A- | 3.67 | 3.20 | — |
| AAB | A-, A-, B+ | 3.50 | 3.10 | B3 (5 subjects)** |
| ABB | A-, B+, B+ | 3.40 | 3.00 | B3 (5 subjects)** |
| BBB | B+, B+, B+ | 3.30 | 2.90 | B4 (5 subjects)** |
| BBC | B-, B-, C+ | 3.30 | 2.90 | B4 (5 subjects)** |
| BCC | B-, B-, C+ | 3.20 | 2.80 | B5 (5 subjects)** |
| CCC | B-, C+, C+ | 3.10 | 2.70 | B5 (5 subjects)** |
* Diploma applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
** UEC grades exclude Chinese and Malay.
Subject-Specific Requirements
For courses requiring specific A Level subject grades:
| UK Subject Requirement | STPM | Matrikulasi (CGPA) | UEC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | A- | 3.67 | A2 |
| Grade B | B+ | 3.33 | B4 |
Minimum English and Mathematics Requirements
• English: SPM 1119 Advanced English – Grade C
• Mathematics: SPM Mathematics – Grade C
Some programmes may require higher grades in English, Mathematics, or specific subjects. Always refer to individual course pages for confirmation.
University of Surrey Entry Deadline
In the UK, all university applications (including those submitted by international students like you) go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, more commonly known as UCAS.
Most undergraduate courses will share the same deadline of 31 January of every year. Some courses such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences and universities such as Oxford and Cambridge have an earlier deadline of 16 October in the year before admission.
For more information about key dates and other UCAS deadlines, take a look at our article UCAS Deadlines 2026.
University of Surrey Ranking
- Ranked 19th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2026.
- Ranked within the UK top 25 in the Complete University Guide for multiple consecutive years.
- Ranked within the UK top 25 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide in recent years.
- Ranked within the UK top 25 in The Guardian University Guide in recent years.
- Ranked 262nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
- Ranked within the global top 300 in the QS World University Rankings for several consecutive years.
- Ranked within the global top 300 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in recent editions.
Consistently ranked highly for graduate employability and professional training outcomes in national surveys.
University of Surrey Fees
For the 2025/2026 academic year, international undergraduate tuition fees at the University of Surrey typically start from approximately £24,900 per year for courses such as Accounting & Finance and Business Management. Laboratory-based programmes, including Engineering and Computing, generally start from around £27,900 per year.
Medicine (MBChB) carries a higher tuition fee, which is approximately £50,000 per year for international students.
For the most up-to-date and course-specific fees, students should refer directly to the University of Surrey’s official website.
University of Surrey Accommodation
The University of Surrey offers a wide range of on-campus accommodation at both Stag Hill and Manor Park, with more than 6,000 rooms available to suit different budgets and preferences. Options include shared rooms, en-suite rooms and self-contained studio flats.
Most accommodation is self-catered with shared kitchen facilities, while studio rooms provide private kitchen space. Rooms are fully furnished, and utilities and Wi-Fi are typically included in the rental cost. Both mixed-gender and single-sex flats are available.
Students living at Manor Park benefit from regular bus links between the accommodation and the main campus, and parking permits are available for eligible students.
University of Surrey Facilities
Surrey Research Park
The Surrey Research Park is a large research park developed by the university in 1985. It is designed to facilitate the growing needs of shared workspaces, university spin-outs, start-ups, SMEs, and multinational companies. Currently, more than one hundred companies are based in this park, with over 2,500 staff focused on research and development. Much of the research conducted here is done in collaboration with University of Surrey’s various departments.
The Clinical Simulation Centre
Built for the university’s healthcare students, this is an immersive learning environment with two large wards, an operating theatre, a community flat, and an ambulance bay with a working ambulance. The equipment here is industry-standard, identical to those used by the NHS. There is a virtual environment with actors for students to practise their clinical skills in realistic scenarios.
Surrey Sports Park
Located in Manor Park, this £36 million sporting facility is one of Europe’s leading sports venues and serves as the training base for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is an accredited site for Sport England’s Talented Athlete Support Scheme and Swim England’s Performance Centre. It supports the most diverse range of sports, dance and group fitness classes of any UK university. The sports park offers great facilities including: a 50-metre swimming pool, 120-station gym, three artificial pitches, a climbing centre, eight floodlight tennis courts, six glass-backed squash courts, three arenas (sports hall) hosting 12 badminton courts and outdoor grass pitches. The park is home to three professional sports clubs: Harlequins RFC, Surrey Storm, and Surrey Scorchers. Athletic students may opt for the Dual Career Programme to best achieve their academic and sporting potentials, and there are sports scholarships of up to £2,000.
Ivy Arts Centre
This £4.5 million building is equipped with a 200-seat theatre, a 50-seat studio space, instrumental practice rooms, dance studios, and rehearsal rooms. The arts centre is always bustling as it regularly hosts events and performances such as musicals (Annie Jr., Slaves of the Kingdom, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), orchestras, comedy sketches (Rannel Theatre Company), and more.
The university also offers a diverse range of drama, performing arts, live music, and visual arts events across its campuses.
University of Surrey Student Activities and Clubs
There isn’t a dull moment at the University of Surrey, with more than 130 societies and 44 sports clubs for students to participate in. Students can also opt to volunteer, such as with the university by helping out at events or by coaching a sports team. There is a wide range of community-led events such as One World Week, an annual celebration of culture, heritage, and traditions on campus, and Varsity, an annual sports competition between Team Surrey and Royal Holloway.
University of Surrey Reviews
Names may be changed to protect anonymity
Juhi Chatlani Daswani – Business Management BSc (Hons) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My reasons for coming to Surrey are endless. I would rank the diversity of the entire community as my top reason. (There is a wide range) of modules you can choose to study – allowing you to truly personalise your degree. (…). (Besides that,) having 140+ clubs and societies was a big sign of diversity in my view.
The idea of being around different people (including both students and staff) from all around the globe is what makes Surrey attractive. Not to mention the astonishing campus, with its abundant greenery and lovely lakeside area.”
Yasmine Fofana – International Tourism Development MSc ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The excellent reputation of Surrey’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management motivated me to apply to the MSc International Tourism Development course (now called MSc International Tourism Management). Moreover, at the time of my application, the School was ranked number one in the UK by both the Guardian University Guide 2017 and the Complete University Guide 2017. In addition, the University had been the first to have received the prestigious Tourism Society Award as a recognition of its sustained commitment to excellence in the tourism industry. I am a Chevening Scholar, and I wanted to study at the very best University in my field and here I am!
I enjoy learning from my lecturers, as well as the interaction and interesting discussions that take place in the classrooms. Some of my lecturers are top researchers and experts in their fields. They are helpful and always available for further guidance.”
Gloria Trasatti – Interpreting MA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Before deciding to come to the University of Surrey, I had a look at the website and the programme. I used Surrey’s virtual campus tour to have an overview of all the facilities that the University has.
The academic staff encourage and support you, and the University facilities are always open. The programme is well organised. Not only does it focus on practical skills, such as simultaneous and consecutive (interpretation), but also (taught) interpreting theory.
Students can practise in booths, and rooms provided with TVs, video conference and remote interpreting tools in the Library; they give you all you need.”
Mutale Chewe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Coming to university is a bit of a scary prospect, particularly as an international student. However, Surrey creates an optimal environment for everyone to thrive in – regardless of where you come from.”
University of Surrey Contact
Official website: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/
Phone: +44 (0)1483 689467
Address: Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH
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