Royal Holloway University of London: Ranking, Courses, Fees

About the Royal Holloway

The Royal Holloway University of London is one of the top public universities, which was first founded in 1879. With a student population of around 12,597 to 12,652 and a significant international presence, Royal Holloway is one of the most preferred universities by students from over 130 countries.

What sets the university apart is its community-focused campus, which is set in 135 acres of parkland near Egham, Surrey, with a presence in central London as well. Additionally, the student life at Royal Holloway is full of numerous opportunities for social engagement, which include student-led societies and sports clubs, and nightlife, as well as daytime activities like "Give it a Go" sessions.

Students who are planning to study at Royal Holloway get access to world-class teaching from world-leading experts and a curriculum which helps students be a part of world-changing research.

Royal Holloway Ranking 

The Royal Holloway University of London ranking is among the top 20 UK universities, with some of its specific subject rankings in the top 10. And that’s not it, despite not being a part of the Russell Group, the institute holds a strong academic reputation with 88% of its submissions being rated as world-changing or leading as per the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Below are the University of Royal Holloway QS ranking as well as global and UK ranking by various ranking bodies.

Global Rankings:

• QS World University Rankings: Royal Holloway is ranked 461st globally.
• THE World University Rankings:401–500th band globally for 2025.
• S. News & World Report Best Global Universities:913th in 2025.
• CWUR World University Rankings 2025:613th globally (top 2.9%).

UK Rankings:

• The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide:34th in 2025.
• The Complete University Guide:35th overall in 2026.
• The Guardian Best UK Universities:52nd in 2025

Also, as per the Complete University Guide, four of its subjects (Creative writing, music, French, and Classics) are ranked in the top 10. Whereas, as per the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, its subjects rank at: Geosciences #311, Physics #271, Psychiatry/Psychology #298, and Social Sciences and Public Health #656.

Acceptance Rate

The Royal Holloway University of London acceptance rate is 17%. Which means for every 100 students that apply, only 17 get selected or admitted. And to get into the university, student needs to have a strong academic performance, compelling references, and relevant experience.

Getting into the University of Royal Holloway, London, UK is quite competitive because of its low acceptance rate. However, to increase the chances of getting accepted, students can focus on achieving high scores, passing the entry requirements, and securing at least 6.5+ in IELTS.

Eligibility Criteria

Depending on the program, the Royal Holloway University of London has a pretty simple eligibility criterion. It mainly includes academic qualifications and English language proficiency of International students. Below is a breakdown:

However, do keep in mind that the University of Royal Holloway London UK considers postgraduate applications on a case-by-case basis for those who do not meet the particular entry requirements. For example, if a student does not pass the qualification test, their application will be assessed individually to check their suitability for the program.

Popular Courses and Programs

There is a wide range of courses available at Royal Holloway University at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Most of these Royal Holloway courses are considered among the best and are well-regarded in the UK, especially the humanities course. Here is a list of all the popular courses in UG and PG along with their strong areas:

Undergraduate Courses

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Music, Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, History, English, Drama, Ancient History, Politics, and International Relations.
• Management and Economics: Accounting and Finance, Criminology, Economics, Management, and Sociology.
• Science: Physics, Mathematics, Information Security, Geography, Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Psychology.
• Arts: Video Games Art and Design, Television and Digital Production, Film, and Digital Media Culture and Technology.

Postgraduate Courses

• Business: Global MBA, MSc Digital Marketing, and MSc International Business Management (various specialisations).
• Computer Science: MSc Business Information Systems, MSc Computer Science, and MSc Cyber Security.
• Other Popular Master's Programs: MSc Accounting and Financial Management, MSc Computational Finance, LLM programs, and Various PhD programs in Information Security and Geography.

Campuses and Facilities

The Royal Holloway University of London is also known for providing a vibrant campus life and a wide range of facilities, such as modern learning spaces, a library, bars, cafes, various dining options, sports facilities, including a sports centre with a gym, pitches, and courts.

Here are the key features and facilities that facilitate a great student life at Royal Holloway. Check below:

1. Founder's Building: This is a historic and iconic building which is the focal point of the campus.
2. Landscaped Grounds: Set across 135 acres of parkland, the campus provides a pleasant environment in nature.
3. Modern Library: Royal Holloway’s library provides a large number of study spaces, 24/7 access at key times, and various support services.
4. Academic Facilities: There are also state-of-the-art academic facilities available at Royal Holloway, which support students' learning.
5. Accommodation: Students don’t need to worry about finding student accommodation near Royal Holloway University of London as there are several on-campus housing options available with flexible living arrangements.
6. Student Support: Lastly, the university also has a dedicated Disability Service and offers other support services to enhance the student experience.

Admission Process

The admission process of the University of Royal Holloway London UK, is pretty straightforward and involves an online application, submission of required documents, and potentially an interview. However, different programs might have additional steps, but the rest are more or less the same. These general steps include:

1. Exploring the wide range of University of Royal Holloway courses and programs and choosing one which aligns with your career goals.
2. Next is to apply to the university through an online application form.
3. Add all the personal details, academic history, and choice of program.
4. Submit all the required documents like transcripts, English language qualifications, and a passport copy online or later.
5. Meet the entry requirements of the chosen program, like language proficiency and academic requirements.
6. Submit your application and check your status through the UCAS Hub or the Royal Holloway Applicant Portal.
7. You’ll receive a notification of the outcome of your application (offer or rejection) through UCAS.
8. If you get an offer, pay the deposit, accept the offer, and follow any further steps like visa applications.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Being one of the top institutions in the UK, the University of Royal Holloway fees are a little high, especially for international students. And if combined with other living expenses like getting a student accommodation in London, the expense can increase significantly.

However, the university also provides some great scholarships to both national and international students to lower the financial burden. Below is a breakdown of both the University of Royal Holloway fees and scholarships:

Royal Holloway University of London Tuition Fees

For international students, the fees University of Royal Holloway courses are higher than the average for the country. Whereas, for UK students, it is around the same as other UK universities.

• UK Students: For the year 2025-26, the average fees for UG courses start from £9,535 per year.
• International Students: For the year 2025-26, the average fees for UG courses range from £20,800 to £28,900 for the first year, with most courses being £25,900. Whereas, for postgraduate courses, the tuition fees are around £17,500 for the first year.

Scholarships available at Royal Holloway University of London

To curb the high cost of living and tuition fees, the Royal Holloway University of London provides a wide range of scholarships. These are available for both national and international students:

1. International Excellence Scholarship.
2. Fulbright Scholarships for postgraduate students.
3. GREAT Scholarships for postgraduate students from certain countries.
4. Royal Holloway Marshall Scholarship for graduate study.
5. Royal Holloway and Errington Scholarship for undergraduate students in specific humanities departments.
6. Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarships.
7. BUTEX Scholarships
8. Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary for postgraduate students from any country.
9. Chevening Scholarships for a one-year Master's degree.

University Placements

Because of the high University of Royal Holloway Ranking in UK, its students are highly sought-after employers. In addition to this, the university also provides various opportunities for its students to increase their employability chances and gain practical experience in their field. These include:

1. Optional Placement Year: Students in UG courses can take a year out for work, voluntary work, or study abroad after their second year (or third year for MSci/MEng courses).
2. Year in Business: This is optional, but business students can go for a 9 - 12 month industrial placement before their final year.
3. Year in Industry: Similarly, students in departments like Biosciences, Computer Science, Criminology, and Electronic Engineering can take a year to work in industry and gain experience.
4. SEPnet Placements: The South-East Physics Network (SEPnet) offers Physics students at Royal Holloway paid placements with partner organisations like the National Physical Laboratory and top high-tech companies.
5. Support: The Royal Holloway University of London also provides career support through its Careers Service and departmental placement teams. These provide help in finding and applying for placements, including workshops and one-to-one guidance.

Accommodation Options

Lastly, there are various on-campus and off-campus accommodation options available at the Royal Holloway University. Students can either go for self-catered rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms, or studios and apartments. Below are more such options:

• Self-catered: These include a full kitchen where students need to prepare their meals. Some popular self-catered halls include George Eliot, Gowar and Wedderburn, Runnymede, Penrose Court, and Highfield Court.
• Catered: In these types of halls, students get access to a pantry for light snacks and hot drinks, rather than a full kitchen.
• Room Types: Students can also get different rooms, which include single rooms with en-suite bathrooms (private shower, sink, toilet) or shared bathrooms and kitchens/pantries.
• Single-Gendered Halls: There are also halls available at Royal Holloway University of London, which have male or female-only corridors.
• Privately Rented Houses or Flats: Students can also find private houses or flats near the university for more freedom.
• Private Halls of Residence: These are similar to the halls provided by the university; the only difference is that they are managed by private companies.

conclusion

To sum things up, the Royal Holloway University of London is a great option for students who want to study at one of the top institutions in the UK. It is known for having a strong academic reputation, a beautiful campus, and a vibrant student community. In addition to this, it also has a diverse and international student body, which aims for a global perspective within a close-knit community. If you are planning to study here, then finding quality student accommodation in UK is really important, and GraddingHomes can help you find one to make your transition to the UK stress-free.

FAQs

1. What courses is Royal Holloway University known for?

The Royal Holloway University is known for providing some of the top courses across disciplines like humanities, performing arts, and STEM subjects. Some of its top courses include:

• Computer Science
• Financial Accounting
• Economics
• Business and Management
• Electronic engineering
• Geography
• Law
• Psychology
• Music
• Comparative Literature and Culture
• Drama, dance & cinematics

2. Is Royal Holloway Good for International Students?

Yes, Royal Holloway is a great option for international students as it provides a diverse community, has a strong academic reputation, and even offers dedicated support services. Moreover, they also have an international foundation year where the Royal Holloway International Study Centre provides foundation programs to students who do not meet the direct entry requirements.

3. How do I apply to the University of Royal Holloway, London?

Undergraduate applicants typically apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Whereas, for postgraduate programs, applications can be made directly through the university's website.

4. What is student life like at Royal Holloway?

The Royal Holloway has a strong sense of community, with a vibrant and inclusive student life. There are over 130 student-run clubs and societies, along with campus events and academic support, to help students get both a healthy learning environment and leisure.

5. Can I find student accommodation in London near Royal Holloway?

Royal Holloway is located in Egham, Surrey, which is only 40 minutes by train from central London. However, the university offers a wide range of on-campus and local accommodation options. This includes halls of residence and privately rented housing nearby. So while it’s possible to live in London and commute, most students prefer living closer to campus for convenience and community engagement.