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Royal Holloway University of London

Egham, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 21,072
  • Tuition Fee From£ 18,200
  • Country Rank#92
  • Batch Strength10,177
  • Global Diversity26.3%
  • Gender Ratio44:56

Overview

About

Royal Holloway is one of London's top universities. The university was established in 1985 through the merger of two premier colleges, Bedford College and Royal Holloway College. The university campus, which spans 135 acres, is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. The university emphasizes a research-based learning programme. The faculty team consists of highly experienced academicians and experts from relevant fields. The university has a cutting-edge infrastructure to support advanced learning. The Royal Holloway University of London carries a significant legacy for future generations.

 

The Royal Holloway University of London, ranked in the top 25 UK universities, is a higher education pioneer, providing a world-class learning experience to students from 130 countries around the world. The university has 11,124 students, including 9223 undergraduate students and 1,690 graduate students. It has over 1,883 international students enrolled in its programmes. The university has 156 undergraduate programmes and 40 postgraduate programmes spread across its six academic schools: Business and Management, Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, and Performing Arts.

 

The Royal Holloway University of London is a research powerhouse. It has collaborated on integrated research programmes and technology transfer with government agencies, other universities, and institutes. In addition, the university has collaborated with businesses on commercialised research projects. Royal Holloway is a world-class university. Students from all over the world come here to pursue their dreams. With students, research scholars, professors, and staff of various nationalities and ethnicities, the university brings the entire world under one roof.

 

Over 172 years, the university has produced over 95,000 alumni who have excelled in their fields. A few notable alumni: George Eliot, Mark Strong, Emma Freud OBE, KT Tunstall, and Lenny Henry CBE. Apart from the mentioned alumni, the university has several other notable alumni, and the list is still growing. It has a longstanding reputation and a history of providing exceptional education to students from all over the world. Today, the institution's 95000 alumni attest to its significant contribution to the educational field.

Ranking

Royal Holloway University of London, a public institution established in 1985 in Egham, UK, has experienced fluctuating rankings in recent years. In 2025, it secured the 37th position in The Complete University Guide for UK universities, while simultaneously dropping to 477th in the global QS World University Rankings, down from 413th in 2024. The 2024 rankings presented a mixed picture: the university improved to 301st in the World University Rankings (up from 351st in 2023), but fell to 861st in the US News & World Report Global Universities ranking (a significant decrease from 593rd in 2023) and to 47th in The Guardian University Guide (down from 33rd in 2023). These varied results across different ranking systems highlight the challenges and complexities in maintaining consistent performance across multiple evaluation criteria, while also demonstrating Royal Holloway's ongoing efforts to enhance its academic standing both nationally and internationally.

 

Royal Holloway University of London - QS Ranking 2025

In 2025, Royal Holloway University of London will be ranked 477th globally according to the QS World University Rankings, indicating a decrease in its international standing compared to 2024, when it was ranked 413th. This shift highlights potential challenges or changes in global perceptions of the university's academic performance and research impact. In 2023, the university was positioned at 402nd globally, showing fluctuations in its global ranking over recent years amidst a competitive international landscape.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

210

-

World University

402

413

477

 

Royal Holloway University of London - US News & World Report Ranking

In 2024, Royal Holloway University of London was ranked 861st globally according to the US News & World Report Global Universities ranking, marking a significant decrease compared to its position in 2023 when it was ranked 593rd. This decline suggests challenges or changes in factors influencing its global reputation and academic performance. In 2022, the university held the 499th position, indicating fluctuations in its global ranking over the past few years amidst competitive pressures in higher education worldwide.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

499

593

861

 

Royal Holloway University of London (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In 2024, Royal Holloway University of London has improved its position in THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings, moving up to 301st place from 351st in both 2022 and 2023. This advancement reflects the university's efforts to strengthen its academic profile and research capabilities, signaling a positive trajectory in its global standing.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

351

351

301

 

Learn More About: Royal Holloway University of London’s Admission

 

Royal Holloway University of London - The Guardian Ranking 2024

In 2024, Royal Holloway University of London is ranked 47th according to The Guardian University Guide, marking a decline from its positions of 33rd in 2023 and 22nd in 2022. This change reflects fluctuations in its performance within the UK higher education sector. 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

22

33

47

 

Royal Holloway University of London - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Royal Holloway University of London maintains a strong position in UK university rankings, placing 37th in 2025 according to The Complete University Guide. While this represents a minor shift from previous years, it underscores the institution's enduring competitiveness in British higher education. The university continues to appeal to students through its varied academic programmes, supportive learning atmosphere, and commitment to influential research.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

33

37

37

 

Royal Holloway University of London - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Communication and Media Studies

201

-

-

Performing Arts

20

14

-

Physics and Astronomy

551

551

-

Politics

151

151

-

 

Royal Holloway University of London - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

201

201

201

Law

126

201

176

Life Sciences

251

-

-

PG Business and Economics

176

201

301

PG Computer Science

301

251

301

Psychology

201

126

151

 

Royal Holloway University of London - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

67

34

45

Business and Management

41

40

48

Economics

42

32

38

Law

60

78

87

Media and Film Studies

9

18

22

Physics

10

35

27

Politics

18

33

37

Sociology and Social Policy

55

41

61

 

Royal Holloway University of London - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

45

32

35

Biological Sciences

31

29

33

Business and Management Studies UK

39

39

38

Communication and Media Studies

13

15

18

Computer Science

26

25

25

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

36

24

30

Law

93

80

77

Physics and Astronomy

28

24

25

Psychology

19

29

26

Sociology

28

36

34

 

Course Rankings

B.A.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

55

41

61

The Guardian - Politics

18

33

37

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

47

28

36

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

65

36

24

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

39

26

25

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

9

18

22

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

20

13

15

 

Learn More About: Royal Holloway University of London’s Courses

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

43

31

29

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

17

19

29

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

12

28

24

The Guardian - Physics

10

35

27

 

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

41

40

48

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

67

34

45

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

37

45

32

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

42

39

39

The Guardian - Economics

42

32

38

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

60

78

87

The Complete University Guide - Law

35

93

80

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201

201

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

126

201

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Politics

-

201

151

QS - Communication and Media Studies

-

151

201

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

201

151

101

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

101

101

101

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

201

201

 

MFA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Performing Arts

16

20

14

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

176

201

301

 

MS

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

451

551

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

201

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

251

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

301

251

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

126

151

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

67

34

45

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

37

45

32

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Performing Arts

16

20

14

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

201

201

201

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

41

40

48

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

42

39

39

The Guardian - Economics

42

32

38

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

176

201

301

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

301

251

301

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

65

36

24

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Politics

-

201

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

201

151

101

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

101

101

101

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

17

19

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

201

126

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

55

41

The Guardian - Politics

-

18

33

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

47

28

 

Law

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201

201

-

The Guardian - Law

-

60

78

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

126

201

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

35

93

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Communication and Media Studies

151

201

-

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

9

18

22

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

20

13

15

 

Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

451

551

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

201

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

43

31

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

12

28

The Guardian - Physics

-

10

35

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

251

-

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

39

26

 

Biology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

43

31

29

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

251

-

-

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Economics

42

32

38

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

176

201

301

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

39

26

25

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

301

251

301

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

65

36

24

 

Physics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

451

551

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

201

201

201

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

12

28

The Guardian - Physics

-

10

35

 

Politics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Politics

201

151

151

The Guardian - Politics

18

33

37

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

67

34

45

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

37

45

32

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Politics

-

201

151

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

201

151

101

The Guardian - Politics

-

18

33

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

17

19

29

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

126

151

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

101

101

101

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

55

41

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

47

28

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#477

-

2023

#402

#593

2022

#334

#593

2021

#334

#499

Facilities

Royal Holloway, University of London has one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, spanning 135 acres and dotted with lush greenery. The campus serves as a hub for teaching and learning spaces, bars, dining areas, lodging, and a sports complex. Except for Kingswood Hall, most of the teaching facilities are on campus. The campus sports complex includes two grass football pitches, a cricket pitch, a rugby pitch, eight tennis courts, and five netball courts. The campus is close to a theatre, the Warner Bros. Studio where Harry Potter was created, Watford, Thorpe Park, and other attractions. Listed below are a few Royal Holloway, the University of London facilities -

 

Housing Services: The university has three catered residential halls and five self-catering options for students. Accommodation halls are well-equipped with appealing amenities such as laundry, television, lounges, common areas, sports halls, study areas, and much more. Staying in halls will keep you connected to the larger university community while also allowing you to make friends with students at similar stages of study.

 

Library Services: In print and digital format, the university's extensive library contains over 450,000 books and 36,000 journals. In addition to the main collection, the university has a number of rare and valuable items, archival works, internal publications, and major databases. Students and faculty can use any device to access digital materials from anywhere.

 

ICT Services: CampusNet, the residential and campus-wide network at Royal Holloway, is available. CampusNet plug-in points can be found in residence halls as well as some PC labs and libraries. 

 

Medical Services: If you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you will be eligible for most treatment through the National Health Service (NHS).

 

Sports Facilities: The Sports Centre on the main campus is the centre of athletic activity. It includes a multi-purpose sports hall, a 46-station fitness suite, an aerobics area, and changing facilities. Personal training and fitness classes are available. The university recently unveiled world-class, floodlit outdoor pitches and courts with all-weather playing surfaces.

 

Student Clubs: The university Students' Union is well-known for being one of the best in the country. It hosts a dazzling array of entertainment, including top bands and comedy acts, cabaret, film nights, socials, and even a Christmas visit from real reindeer. The Students' Union also hosts a weekly market where you can buy artisan bread and other foods, as well as books, clothes, and plants. Don't miss the puppy therapy sessions if you like dogs!

Notable Alumni

Mark Strong
Mark Strong
British Actor
Mark Strong
Mark Strong
British Actor
Emma Freud
Emma Freud
Cultural Critic
Emma Freud
Emma Freud
Cultural Critic
KT Tunstall
KT Tunstall
Singer-Songwriter
KT Tunstall
KT Tunstall
Singer-Songwriter

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of the Royal Holloway University stands at 57% indicating that the institution’s admissions process is stringent and competitive. The institution has a worldwide reputation for high-quality teaching and research. Compared to other universities in proximity to the Royal Holloway University, this university is highly competitive. The table below highlights the university of the other university’s acceptance rates near to Royal Holloway University: 

 

Universities in Proximity To Royal Holloway

Acceptance Rate

The University of Portsmouth

69% 

Birkbeck, University of London

76% 

Lancaster University

19% 

University of Exeter

79% 

 

Entry Requirements

RHUL admission is merit-based, and students must apply online using the UCAS platform before the deadline. It is thus advisable to check the university's website for due dates and plan appropriately. Postgraduate applications are chosen on the basis of academic merit as well as "first come, first served." When applying through UCAS, students can select up to five courses. International students can also enrol in a variety of programmes during the summer intake. The Royal Holloway University of London entry requirements vary greatly depending on programme selection, degree level, place of origin, academic status, and other factors. Some of the most typical conditions for admission to the university are given below -

 
  • Official academic transcripts and certificates
  • A Statement of Purpose
  • Letter (s) of RecommendationStudents are required to pass 3 subjects with an A Grade in the General Certificate of Education
  • An Updated Resume/CV
  • Work Experience if required
  • A Valid Passport Copy
  • Country-specific Requirements
  • Any other course-specific requirements that may be applicable
 

English Language Requirements

All instruction at Royal Holloway (with the exception of certain language courses) is conducted in English. Therefore, it is imperative to possess a proficient level of English to effectively navigate your academic studies from the outset. To demonstrate your English language proficiency, you must attain the requisite scores in one of the following standardised tests:

 

Test

Minimum Score Required

IELTS

6.5

PTE

61

TOEFL iBT

88

 

Fees

There are a number of factors that will decide whether the applicant will be required to pay 'home' fees. International students will be paying comparatively higher fees than domestic students. Full-time students hailing from Non-EU countries will be paying annual fees of approximately £12.97K to £21.45K for undergraduate degrees, integrated masters and equivalent. However, for courses like MBBS or an executive MBA degree, the fees could extend based on your course intricacies. Additionally, there are pre-sessional English language fees that students will be informed about prior to enrolling on the courses. Some of the top courses at the university and their average annual Royal Holloway University of London fees are as follows -

 
  • MS Artificial Intelligence - £23,092
  • MS Project Management - £23,092
  • MS Human Resource Management - £23,092
  • MS Data Science & Analytics - £36,756
  • MS International Management - £31,099
 

Placement

The Royal Holloway University of London placements are available in a micro scheme plan that is offered to interested students pursuing Mathematics. The scheme is available for a limited period so it is recommended that students check with the university’s career centre prior to applying for the same. Furthermore, 92% of graduates get employed in highly reputed firms of the world including Google, Xerox, Capita, Siemens, etc. Some of the high-paying jobs for graduates and alumni alike at the university include -

 
  • Executive Management & Change - £94,899
  • Financial Services - £70,269
  • IT Software & Development - £67,371
  • Consulting, Accounting, & Professional Services - £47,812
  • Finance Control & Strategy - £43,465
  • Sales & Business Development - £42,016

 

 

 

Scholarship

Given below are some of the notable scholarships at RHUL: 

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Benefits

Bedford Society Scholarships

Three scholarships are open to both full and part-time students, regardless of their fee status (home or international).

£8,100.00

Royal Holloway Principal's Masters Scholarship

International and home students studying masters. 

£4,000.00

Computer Science Scholarships

Eligible students enrolled in one of the Masters courses within the Department of Computer Science will automatically receive the scholarship.

Tuition fee reduction of up to £4,000

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the ONCAMPUS Royal Holloway. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal abroad education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options in Egham available for students planning to attend the Royal Holloway. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Egham is a quaint, traditional town just outside of London's city centre and there's a lot more to it.  It's a fantastic area, particularly for university students, as it's rich in culture and history, and the city has exciting things to do! If cooking isn't your cup of tea, you have a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and takeaways to choose from in Egham. The Royal Holloway Student Union is undoubtedly one of the best places for a night out in Egham for students!

 

Throughout the year, this popular venue hosts weekly club nights as well as a plethora of amazing society performances. Here are some suggestions to help you settle in the city and enjoy whether you are moving there for work or leisure. Listed below is the breakdown of living expenses that will help you relocate to Egham and enjoy your stay during your university time -

 

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

£992

On-Campus Accommodation

£644

Transportation

£100

Food 

£390

Entertainment

£54

Groceries

£120

Clothes

£100

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,756

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,408

Annual Cost of Living

£21,072

 

 

The above data is fetched from Cost of Living in Egham on UniAcco

 

FAQs