Reading is a town in Berkshire, England, within the Borough of Reading. Some outer suburbs are part of nearby unitary authority areas. Positioned at the meeting point of the Thames and Kennet rivers in the Thames Valley, Reading serves as a significant commercial hub, particularly in information technology and insurance. Additionally, it functions as a regional retail centre in the Thames Valley. There are shopping hubs like the Oracle, Broad Street Mall and the pedestrianised area around Broad Street. The town is also home to the University of Reading and hosts the Reading Festival annually which is one of England's biggest music festivals. Reading especially comes alive because of a professional football team, Reading F.C., and actively engages in various other sports.
If students wish to study in Reading, they can look for various choices which are available within the boundaries of the city. The University of Reading is the first and foremost one. This university is where most of the international students of the city are integrated, around 29,000 of them. Apart from this university, many also complete study abroad in Reading through colleges like Henley Business School, ICMA Centre, Padworth College and others.
Why Study In Reading?
Top universities in Reading are quite the reason to study here. However, what makes a university town a university town are several reasons other than academics. Read that and more in the section below:
Proximity to London
Reading has the convenience of quick access to London. Students can easily catch a train and reach the capital in under an hour. The cost of living in Reading is nearly 40% lower than in London which allows you to save on expenses and allocate more of your student loan for activities and experiences in the capital.
Postgraduate Opportunities
The city itself provides a favourable environment for work, with an average salary of £33,000. Reading is particularly attractive to professionals in various sectors, including technology, creative industries, business, finance, law, and energy. Courses in Reading enrich this activity. Students planning to work in London can conveniently commute from Reading as well.
Retail Therapy
Reading has a satisfying retail therapy experience. The Harris Arcade in Reading has over 100 shops including popular brands like House of Fraser, John Lewis, Next and Apple. Broad Street Mall also has several well-known high-street stores with restaurants, cafes and coffee shops for a complete day out after attending colleges in Reading.
Cultural Enrichment
The cultural activities in Reading are yet another reason to pursue your studies in the city. Explore local history at Reading's Abbey Ruins or Reading Minster, or delve into Greek archaeology at The Ure Museum. Forbury Gardens are ideal for picnics or enjoying the outdoors at a nearby café during the summer months in Reading.
Top Universities And Global Ranking
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Greenlands, United Kingdom
Cost Of Living
£ 15,144
£ 14,500
£ 15,144
£ 14,500
#145
Henley Business School is a leading business school located in the historic market town of Henley-on-Thames, England. The school is part of the University of Reading and has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality business education. With a focus on practical and relevant business education, Henley Business School prepares students for successful careers in various industries.
The business school has over 7,000 students every year. These students come from various countries. The school offers a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, including MBAs, MScs, and PhDs. Its programmes are designed to be both innovative and practical, reflecting the latest trends and developments in the business world. The curriculum covers a range of business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the business world.
Henley Business School believes in providing its students with the best education and so they maintain a world-class faculty. These are experienced business professionals and experts in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the classroom, providing students with valuable insights and practical skills that can be applied in the workplace. The school is also known for its strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. It offers a range of programmes and initiatives designed to support students who are interested in starting their own businesses or pursuing careers as entrepreneurs. These programmes provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to turn their business ideas into successful ventures.
Henley Business School graduates are highly sought after by employers, and the institution has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality business education that prepares students for successful careers. Graduates from Henley Business School are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a range of industries, and many go on to secure senior roles in some of the world's leading companies.

Reading, United Kingdom
Cost Of Living
£ 15,696
£ 25,850
#172
£ 15,696
£ 25,850
The University of Reading is a public university located in Reading, Berkshire, England. As an extension college of the University of Oxford, it was established in 1892 as University College, Reading. King George V granted the university a royal charter in 1926 that gave it the authority to award its own degrees; it was the only university to do so between the two World Wars. Because of its original foundation in the 19th century, the university is typically categorised as a red-brick university.
More than 150 nations are represented in the vast international network of the university’s alumni. Reading’s alumni have many advantages for the students. Richard Wilson (Installation Artist), Paul Barnes (Designer and Photographer), Linda Bennett (Founder of LK Bennett), Richard Adam (Former Finance Director of Carillion), Nick Candy (Co-Founder of Property Development Company in London) and others are part of the alumni.
Admission Process & Requirements
Universities in Reading as well as the UK have similar requirements and follow similar admission procedures. However, it is best to check with the respective universities to know what exactly the procedure is. In general, we have listed the process as well as the requirements -
Process For Admissions:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Enrol for a course using its particular course website.
- Complete and submit the form.
- Remember to attach any required documents and, if applicable, pay any application fees.
- Await our response.
- Register and submit course fees online.
Documents Required:
- English Proficiency Test Scores - IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Test/Other Personal Statement
- Marksheets and Certificate of the 10th & 12th (Academic Transcript)
- Letters Of Recommendation
- CV
- Copy Of Passport (If Applicable)
Scholarships In Reading
The University of Reading in the UK offers a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and master's students. Some of the scholarships in Reading include:
Master's Scholarships: 125 scholarships are available for students studying masters in Reading in specific countries. There are also 100 scholarships of £4,000 each available to international undergraduate students.
- Amount: £4,000
Henley Business School and Reading University Business School Scholarships: Available for students studying at Henley Business School and Reading University Business School.
- Amount: £1,500
GREAT Scholarships: The University of Reading offers GREAT Scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year, each worth £10,000. These scholarships are available for students from 15 countries.
- Amount: £10,000
FAQs
The University of Reading has established a track record for academic distinction. Moreover, the university has earned a place among the top 250 globally and the top 30 in the United Kingdom, as indicated by the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Students will have to shell out a minimum of £20,000 - £40,000 a year to study here.
On average, students must expect a monthly expenditure of £676 to £860 (excluding tuition fees).
Reading has a widely utilised bus service, with the majority of buses operating on environmentally friendly fuels. Additionally, the city hosts one of the most bustling railway stations outside of London.
University students in Reading live in areas like Cemetery Junction, Coley and Newton.
