The University of Surrey is a public research university located in Guildford, England, specializing in science, engineering, medicine, and business. Established by Royal Charter in 1966, it evolved from the Battersea Polytechnic Institute (founded 1891) and is now recognized for its high graduate employability and world-leading research in fields like satellite technology and 5G.

Academic Profile & Rankings (2026)

The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in the UK and globally:

• National Rankings: Ranked 19th by the Complete University Guide 2026, 23rd by the Guardian University Guide 2026, and 31st by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
• Global Rankings: Ranked 262nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and between 201–250 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026.
• Employability: Ranked 13th in the UK for graduates in high-skilled jobs 15 months after graduating, with a 95% employability rate for specific fields like computer science.

Campus & Student Life

The university operates across two main sites in Guildford, both approximately 30 minutes from London by train:

• Stag Hill Campus: The primary campus located next to Guildford Cathedral, housing the main teaching facilities and the Students’ Union.

• Manor Park Campus: A car-free “village” campus located 1 mile away, home to the Surrey Sports Park and the School of Veterinary Medicine.

• Diversity: One of the most culturally diverse UK universities, representing over 140 nationalities among its 16,000+ students.

• Facilities: Includes over 160 clubs and societies, a 50m swimming pool, and a 120-station gym.

Faculties and Schools

• Arts and Social Sciences: Includes the Surrey Business School, School of Law, and the renowned Guildford School of Acting.
• Engineering and Physical Sciences: Home to the Surrey Space Centre and departments for Computer Science, Physics, and various engineering disciplines.
• Health and Medical Sciences: Encompasses the Schools of Medicine, Psychology, Biosciences, and Veterinary Medicine.

Admissions & Fees

• Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective, with an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 65%.
• Tuition (2026): For international students, fees typically range from £18,500 to £24,800 per year depending on the program.
• Application: Undergraduate applications are processed through UCAS. The application deadline for 2026 entry was January 14, 2026.
• Living Costs: Students in Guildford typically spend between £1,300 and £1,750 per month on rent and essentials.