Why choose Reading?

10 Reasons to Study at the University of Reading

1. We are recognised as one of the top 200 universities in the world and as one of the UK's top 20 research-intensive universities.
2. Many of our departments are ranked in the top 10 in the UK, including Agriculture and Food, Teacher Training, Earth and Marine Sciences and Art and Design.
3. Nearly 90% of our research has been rated as being of international standing (RAE 2008).
4. Henley Business School is one of the only business schools worldwide to hold triple-accredited status and was recently named a Business Superbrand.
5. 89% of our students reported being satisfied with their experience at Reading, with 92% of international students saying they were satisfied/very satisfied with the support they received.
6. The main Whiteknights campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, with green open spaces, a lake and plenty of trees and wildlife.
7. We have recently invested over £100 million in the redevelopment of campus facilities, including halls of residence and the Sports Park.
8. International students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, are guaranteed a place in university accommodation if they apply for a room with a firm offer from the University before 1 August.
9. The town of Reading is home to a large shopping and recreational centre, as well as being located close to London, Oxford and Birmingham, all of which make great day trips.
10. We have a long history of welcoming international students and currently host a thriving international community of around 3,500 international students from 130 countries.

More about the University

Founded in 1892 as an extension of Christ Church College, Oxford, the University received its Royal Charter in 1926. The University of Reading was the only university created between the two world wars. We were the first university to win the Queen's Award for Export Achievement (1989) and we have received the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education four times (1998, 2006, 2009, 2011).

Reading is consistently one of the most popular higher education choices in the UK. The quality and diversity of our research is recognised nationally and internationally, with a number of our researchers receiving awards for their work. We are home to several centres of excellence and conduct world-class research across a broad range of disciplines. Our world-leading research informs our teaching, in degree programmes that cover the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences.

Read more about the University of Reading

More about the town

Situated in the Royal County of Berkshire, Reading and its surroundings offer students a wonderfully diverse and vibrant place to live with easy access to London and the stunning southern counties of England. It has excellent transport links to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as train connections to London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Manchester.

Reading is a leading shopping destination. The Oracle shopping centre has loads of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a multiscreen cinema. Reading is home to the world-famous Reading Music Festival in the summer. The town also provides live entertainment throughout the year at the Hexagon Theatre, Reading Concert Hall, South Street Arts Centre and a number of other venues. Sports fans will find the Madejski Stadium, home to Reading Football Club and the London Irish premiership rugby club.

The town, which has a population of 235,000, has a proud history of welcoming people from across the globe and international students often comment on its friendly multicultural vibe and homely feel.

Read more about Reading town

Find out about:

• Oracle Shopping Centre
• Reading Festival
• Hexagon Theatre
• Reading Concert Hall
• South Street Arts Centre
• Reading Football Club
• London Irish

 Study options, fees and funding

You can choose from courses at our International Study and Language Centre, as well as our undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

Find a course

2012/13 international fees for undergraduate courses are:

• Band 1 £11,440
• Band 2 £13,645

Band 2 courses are programmes that have a significant laboratory or 'workshop' content, e.g. courses within the Faculties of Science and Life Sciences.

2012/13 international fees for postgraduate courses are:

• Band 1 £11,440
• Band 2 £13,645

Band 2 courses are programmes that have a significant laboratory or 'workshop' content, e.g. courses within the Faculties of Science and Life Sciences.

There are a number of funding options available to international students. Find funding from the University of Reading.

Read more about money matters

Support for international students

Once you arrive at the University, you will have access to a range of support and welfare services to make you stay with us as fulfilling as possible. Every full-time student studying at Reading has a Personal Tutor, who can advise on academic affairs.

We have a dedicated International Student Advisor, who can provide professional and confidential support to all international students about living and studying in the UK. There is also a Peer Support programme for those who would rather speak to their fellow students. Some of the Peer Supporters are international students themselves.

You may find it useful to read profiles written by our international students about their time here.