Recognized for its progressive and pioneering approach to teaching and research, University College London is one of the finest universities in the world, regularly appearing as a top ten university in a range of respected international rankings. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the university offers you a first-rate education in the heart of London, named the “most magnetic city in the world” for ten years in a row.
University College London Academic Program









About the Program
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Seulah Kim
As UCL is always ranked at the top of the list in the UK, it boasts excellent faculty and high-quality education, and also has many smart students.
University College London SAF Alumni

About the University
UCL
As one of the world's very best universities, University College London consistently places in the global top 20 universities in a wide range of world university rankings. Notably, there has been at least one Nobel Laureate from the UCL community every decade since the establishment of the prizes in 1901.
A member of the prestigious Russell Group, UCL has a maverick tradition of leading the way, being the first English university to admit women as equals to men, living true to its motto: “Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward.”
During your time at UCL, you have access not only to the best in entertainment and social environment but also to cultural and academic resources.
Learn more at UCL's official website.
Academics

University College London's Academic Approach
UCL promotes interdisciplinary study while remaining a world leader in research, consistently placed in the top 20 in a wide range of world rankings. The Study Abroad Program at UCL is well-established and welcomes over 900 study abroad students each year from most parts of the world.
As a SAF Scholar, you have a fully integrated experience at UCL. You take classes alongside the other degree students, share the same courses/lectures, and have access to the support and facilities available to UCL Students.
Courses
Your course registration happens during the International Student’s Orientation Program when you arrive. If you need to get courses approved for credit, you should include some back-up choices in case the courses you’re interested in are unavailable. You submit your course preferences at time of application, and the university considers those courses in its admission decision.
Course & Departmental Restrictions
Some courses and departments have stricter enrollment/application requirements:
- Computer Science, Law, and Planning programmes are only open for Exchange or Erasmus students for Fall 2023.
- The following programmes have limited capacity for Fall 2023: Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Education, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Geography, History, Management, Mathematics, Phonetics and Linguistics, Political Science and International Relations, Population Health, Psychology, Slade School of Fine Art, and Social Research Institute
- English Language and Literature is only available if you’re admitted directly to this subject
- Management Science is only available for full academic year and spring semester programs only, so you’re present for assessment at the end of the academic year (not available for fall only)
- Economics Level 2 and 3 courses are restricted unless you’ve been admitted to Economics as your main or joint admitting department. Level 1 courses are available as an elective for other departmental students
- History of Art is only available if you’re a History of Art (Art History) major at your home university. You’re expected to take upper level courses (level 1 courses not available for History of Art students)
- Political Science is available if you’re a Chinese student, you need an 85% or above GPA on the Chinese grading scale
- Psychology needs a 3.6+ GPA to apply
- Computer Science is only available if you’re admitted directly to this subject
- Architecture is only available if you’re admitted directly to this subject
- Fine Art (the UCL Slade School) requires you to take your entire credit load in this area – you may not select any other modules
- Law is only available if you’re admitted directly to the Faculty of Laws from an institution with a pre-existing reciprocal exchange
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
Requirements vary by program.
*Please see the requirement for each program here
Different requirements are as follows:
Level 1 (previously referred to as "Standard Level")
- IELTS: overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL: overall score of 92 with a 24/30 in reading and writing and a 20/30 in speaking in listening
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): overall score of 75 with a minimum of 67 in each Communicative Skill
- Cambridge English: overall score of 176 with 169 in all subtests
Level 2 (previously referred to as "Good Level")
- IELTS: overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each component
- TOEFL: overalls core of 96 with 24/30 in reading and writing and 22/30 in speaking and listening
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): overall score of 76 with a minimum of 75 in each Communicative Skill
- Cambridge English: overall score of 180 with 172 in all subtests
Level 3
- IELTS: overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component
- TOEFL: Overall score of 100 with 25/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): overall score of 76 with a minimum of 76 in each Communicative Skill
- Cambridge English: overall score of 185 with 180 in all subtests
Level 4 (previously referred to as "Advanced Level")
- IELTS: overall score of 7.5 and a minimum of 7.0 in each component
- TOEFL: overall score of 109 with 27/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): overall score of 80 with a minimum of 76 in each Communicative Skill
- Cambridge English: overall score of 191 with 180 in all subtests
Level 5
- IELTS: overall score of 8.0 and a minimum of 8.0 in each component
- TOEFL: overall score of 110 with 29/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): overall score of 88 with a minimum of 80 in each Communicative Skill
- Cambridge English: overall score of 210 with 200 in all subtests
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2023 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Fall 2023 Academic + Spring 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Spring 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Housing Information

On-campus apartment
The SAF program fee covers a shared room in a university-managed apartment with Wi-Fi. Some apartments may include on-site laundry and a 24-hour reception desk.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About London

Why London
London is an urban metropolis with some of the world’s finest museums and galleries. Abundant in industry leaders, global corporates, and forward-thinking business, it's also home 75% of Fortune 500 companies, making this the perfect springboard to launch your future career.
The Student Experience

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Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
Student Blogs

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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
