Discover University of Reading courses, global rankings, scholarships, entry requirements and student support services.
Quick Facts:
Academic Distinction & Rankings: Ranked top 200 globally (QS World University Rankings 2027) and top 30 in the UK, with special recognition for environmental and social impact.
Generous Financial Support: International students can access specialized funding like the Reading Excellence Scholarship (£5,000/yr), Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship (£6,000/yr), and Climate Stripes Scholarship (£10,000).
Location & Career Support: Situated just 25 minutes from London Paddington, the university ranks 3rd in the UK for work experience, backed by 1-on-1 career coaching and placements at major firms like PwC and Deloitte.
Choosing the right university can make your studies and experience in the UK more successful. The University of Reading, founded in 1892 as an extension college of the University of Oxford, is considered one of the best in the UK for its research, numerous awards, high student satisfaction, academic excellence and supportive community. This guide explores the University of Reading's world ranking and everything you need to know about the institution.
Campus Facilities and Resources

The University of Reading provides its students with the following:
Whiteknights Campus: This is the main hub, featuring a 24/7 Library with over a million books, the Students’ Union (RSU), and the Cole Museum of Zoology. It has also received 15 Green Flag awards.
London Road Campus: This historic site is the university's original home and houses the Institute of Education. The magnificent Grade II-listed Great Hall, where graduation ceremonies are held, is also located on this campus.
Greenlands Campus: It is located on the banks of the River Thames and is home to the world-renowned Henley Business School’s MBA and other executive programmes.
University of Reading Rankings
The University of Reading's world ranking places it among the top institutions.
QS World University Rankings 2027: It is ranked 196th globally, placing it in the top 200 institutions worldwide.
Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings 2027: It is ranked in the top 30 universities in the UK (joint 27th) and among the top 250 globally.
Complete University Guide 2027: It is ranked 36th in the UK.
QS Sustainability Rankings 2026: It is ranked joint 30th in the world for environmental and social impact.
International Outlook: It is ranked 54th in the world by THE, reflecting a large community with students from over 160 countries.
Popular Undergraduate Courses
Some of the popular University of Reading courses at the undergraduate level include:
BSc Business and Management: This course is taught at Henley Business School, exploring topics such as international strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship with a professional placement year.
BSc Architecture: This is an RIBA Part 1-accredited course that focuses on sustainable urban design while allowing you to work in a dedicated Design Studio environment. The course also prepares you for the technical demands of the industry.
BSc Psychology: The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and offers access to high-tech labs for eye-tracking and brain imaging. It covers areas like clinical psychology, neuroscience, and social behaviour.
BSc Climate Science: Leveraging the University of Reading's position as a global leader in meteorology, the course explores the physics behind climate change and strategies for mitigation.
Top Postgraduate Courses
Some of the popular University of Reading courses at the postgraduate level include:
MSc Investment Management (ICMA Centre): This is one of Europe's top finance programmes, providing training in three state-of-the-art trading rooms equipped with Reuters and Bloomberg terminals, simulating real-world market environments.
MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence: The course teaches you to use Python and machine learning to analyse climate data and predict environmental risks.
MSc Food Technology – Quality Assurance: The course covers food safety, sensory analysis, and international regulations in one of the UK’s largest food science departments.
MA Education: This programme is ideal if you are looking to specialise in leadership or social justice, backed by the prestigious Institute of Education.
University of Reading Scholarships for International Students
The University of Reading’s fees for international students are considered affordable, but you can access several funding options to make your studies easier. Some of the University of Reading scholarships for international students include:
Reading Excellence Scholarship: This offers a tuition fee reduction of up to £5,000 per year for talented international undergraduates.
Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship: This provides an award of £6,000 per year for up to four years to high-achieving students dedicated to environmental change.
GREAT Scholarships: In partnership with the British Council, these awards provide up to £10,000 for master's students from India and Nigeria.
Climate Stripes Scholarship: This is specifically for students in Meteorology and Climate Master's programmes, providing up to £10,000 for tuition and living costs.
Student Support Services
The University of Reading provides a strong support system, ensuring you never have to face challenges alone.
The Carrington Building: This is the university’s central hub for student services, offering advice on accommodation, finance, and mental health.
Careers Service: The university is ranked 3rd in the UK for work experience. Its Careers Service offers one-on-one coaching and helps you secure placements at top firms like PwC, Deloitte, and the NHS.
International Student Advisory (ISA) Team: They assist with visa renewals, immigration compliance, and organise avenues for intercultural networking.
Counselling and Wellbeing: The university offers free, confidential support, including one-to-one sessions, workshops, and a 24/7 student support helpline.
Entry Requirements for International Students
To join the University of Reading, you must meet specific academic and English language requirements.
Academic Requirements: For undergraduate study, you are required to achieve grades ranging from BBB to AAA in your A-levels. For postgraduate study, you need a good 2:1 or an equivalent undergraduate degree. The university also accepts a wide range of international qualifications, including the IB, HKDSE, and Standard XII from India.
English Language Requirements: You need an IELTS overall score between 6.0 and 7.0, depending on the programme. The university also offers Pre-sessional English courses if you need to improve your scores before starting your degree.
How AHZ Can Help
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Do you need complete guidance throughout the application process to help you secure admission to your desired university? Get in touch with one of our expert counsellors at AHZ. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How easy is it to get around the University of Reading campus?
- Very easy! The Whiteknights campus is pedestrian-friendly, and the 21 bus service runs 24/7 every 8 minutes between the campus and the town centre.
- How far is the University of Reading from London?
- The University of Reading is perfectly located with fast trains from Reading Station reaching London Paddington in just 25 minutes, making it easy to attend career events or leisure activities.
- What are student societies like at the University of Reading?
- The university has over 100 student-led societies and 55 sports clubs for students interested in music or faith-based activities.
- What is the QS ranking of the University of Reading?
- The current University of Reading's world ranking is 194th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
- Where is the University of Reading located?
- The university is located in Reading, Berkshire, in the South East of England. It is also a part of the UK's Silicon Valley.





