University of Southampton vs University of Exeter: Which is Better for International Students 2026?

Choosing between the University of Southampton and University of Exeter is a decision many international students face when considering Russell Group universities in England. Both institutions offer world-class education, but they cater to different student preferences and academic strengths.

Southampton, founded in 1952, has rapidly established itself as a leading research university with particular strength in science, engineering, and technology. Exeter, with roots dating back to 1855, offers a more traditional university experience with stunning campus architecture and strong performance in liberal arts and business disciplines.

Quick Answer: Both Southampton and Exeter are prestigious Russell Group universities, but Southampton typically ranks higher globally and excels in engineering/science, while Exeter offers stronger liberal arts programmes and a more intimate campus experience. Southampton is more diverse with better research opportunities, while Exeter provides a traditional English university atmosphere with excellent student satisfaction rates.

Quick Comparison Table

Factor	University of Southampton	University of Exeter
Global Ranking	Top 100 worldwide	Top 150 worldwide
Tuition Fees (2026)	£22,000-£28,000 per year	£21,000-£26,000 per year
Entry Requirements	A-levels: AAB-A*AA, IELTS: 6.5-7.0	A-levels: AAB-A*AA, IELTS: 6.5-7.0
Student Population	~23,000 (25% international)	~22,000 (30% international)
Notable Strengths	Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine	Business, Law, English Literature
Campus Style	Modern, urban-integrated	Traditional, self-contained
Location	Major port city	Historic cathedral city
Graduate Employment	85-90% within 6 months	88-92% within 6 months

⚠️ Data Disclaimer: Fees, rankings, and requirements shown are approximate and based on 2026 data. Always verify current information on official university websites before making decisions.

Rankings & Reputation

University of Southampton generally performs stronger in global university rankings, consistently placing in the top 100 worldwide in QS and Times Higher Education rankings. The university has particular recognition for its research output and citations, ranking especially high for engineering, computer science, and oceanography programmes.

University of Exeter typically ranks in the top 150 globally but excels in specific subject areas and student satisfaction metrics. Exeter consistently ranks highly in UK domestic league tables and has exceptional performance in business studies, psychology, and English literature. The university has seen steady improvement in international rankings over recent years.

For research impact and international recognition, Southampton tends to have the edge, particularly in STEM fields. However, Exeter's strength lies in undergraduate education quality and student experience, often outperforming Southampton in student satisfaction surveys.

Tuition Fees & Living Costs

Tuition fees for international students are competitive at both institutions. Southampton typically charges £22,000-£28,000 per year depending on the programme, with laboratory-based courses at the higher end. Exeter's international fees generally range from £21,000-£26,000 annually, making it slightly more affordable overall.

Living costs vary significantly between the two locations. Southampton, being a larger city with better transport links, offers more accommodation options but higher average rents (£120-£180 per week). Exeter provides a more affordable cost of living (£100-£150 per week for accommodation) but fewer part-time job opportunities.

Both universities offer various payment plans and the option to pay fees in installments, which can help international students manage their finances more effectively.

Entry Requirements

Both universities maintain similar entry standards as Russell Group institutions. Southampton typically requires A-levels at AAB-A*AA level, with specific subject requirements varying by programme. International Baccalaureate scores of 32-38 points are generally expected, with higher requirements for competitive courses like medicine or engineering.

Exeter has comparable entry requirements, generally asking for AAB-A*AA at A-level or 32-36 IB points. The university is particularly selective for its business school and medical programmes. Both institutions typically require IELTS scores of 6.5-7.0 overall, with no component below 6.0, though some programmes may have higher language requirements.

It's worth noting that both universities consider contextual factors and may make slightly lower offers to students from underrepresented backgrounds or challenging educational contexts.

Location & Student Life

Southampton offers a vibrant city experience with a population of over 250,000. As a major port city, it provides excellent transport links to London (90 minutes by train) and easy access to Europe. The city has a diverse cultural scene, numerous shopping areas, and a busy nightlife. The university campus is integrated into the city, giving students immediate access to urban amenities.

Exeter provides a more intimate, traditional English city experience with around 130,000 residents. The city is known for its stunning cathedral, Roman walls, and historic architecture. While smaller than Southampton, Exeter offers a high quality of life with beautiful surrounding countryside and proximity to both Dartmoor National Park and Devon's coastline.

For international students seeking a cosmopolitan environment with easy London access, Southampton has advantages. Those preferring a close-knit community with quintessential English charm may find Exeter more appealing.

Courses & Specializations

Southampton is renowned for its strengths in:

• Engineering (particularly aerospace, civil, and electronic)
• Computer Science and AI
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Oceanography and Marine Sciences
• Physics and Astronomy

The university's partnerships with industry leaders like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems provide excellent placement and research opportunities.

Exeter excels in:

• Business and Management
• Law and Legal Studies
• English Literature and Creative Writing
• Psychology and Social Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Medicine (Peninsula Medical School)

Exeter's business school holds triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), placing it among the top 1% globally. Students can browse available courses to explore specific programmes at both universities.

Graduate Outcomes

Both universities demonstrate strong graduate employment rates. Southampton typically achieves 85-90% of graduates in employment or further study within six months, with average starting salaries ranging from £24,000-£35,000 depending on the field. Engineering and computer science graduates often command higher salaries.

Exeter slightly outperforms with 88-92% graduate employment rates and comparable salary ranges of £23,000-£34,000. The university's strong alumni network, particularly in business and law, provides valuable career connections. Exeter's career services are consistently rated highly by students.

Both universities have strong relationships with multinational employers and offer comprehensive career support, internship programmes, and networking opportunities.

Scholarships & Financial Support

Southampton offers several scholarships for international students, including:

• Southampton Merit Scholarships (£3,000-£5,000 per year)
• Faculty-specific awards varying by department
• Country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions
• Postgraduate research funding opportunities

Exeter provides competitive financial support through:

• Global Excellence Scholarships (£2,500-£10,000)
• Subject-specific awards, particularly for business and STEM subjects
• Sports scholarships for talented athletes
• Automatic consideration for many awards upon application

Both universities also participate in external scholarship schemes and offer emergency financial support for students experiencing unexpected difficulties.

Campus & Facilities

Southampton features a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Advanced engineering and computer science laboratories
• Modern library with 24/7 study spaces
• Sports facilities including a 25-meter pool
• Purpose-built student accommodation
• Strong transport links across the city

Exeter offers one of the UK's most beautiful campuses, featuring:

• Historic buildings mixed with modern facilities
• Award-winning library (Forum)
• Excellent sports facilities including a gym and sports hall
• Self-contained campus with most facilities within walking distance
• Beautiful botanical gardens and green spaces

Both universities invest heavily in student facilities and regularly upgrade their infrastructure to meet evolving academic and social needs.

University of Southampton - Pros & Cons

Pros: ✅ Higher global rankings, ✅ Strong research opportunities, ✅ Excellent STEM programmes, ✅ Better transport links, ✅ More diverse student body, ✅ Industry partnerships Cons: ❌ Higher living costs, ❌ Less traditional university feel, ❌ More competitive environment, ❌ Campus spread across city

University of Exeter - Pros & Cons

Pros: ✅ Beautiful historic campus, ✅ Higher student satisfaction, ✅ Strong liberal arts programmes, ✅ Intimate community feel, ✅ Lower living costs, ✅ Excellent business school Cons: ❌ Lower global rankings, ✅ Fewer research opportunities, ❌ Limited transport links, ❌ Smaller city with fewer opportunities

Which One is Right for You?

Choose Southampton if you:

• Want to study engineering, computer science, or medicine
• Prefer a research-intensive environment
• Value higher global rankings and recognition
• Enjoy city life with easy access to London
• Seek diverse international community
• Plan to pursue postgraduate research

Choose Exeter if you:

• Are interested in business, law, or liberal arts
• Prefer a traditional English university experience
• Value high student satisfaction and pastoral care
• Want a beautiful, self-contained campus
• Prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships
• Seek a more affordable cost of living

Conclusion

Both Southampton and Exeter offer excellent education within the prestigious Russell Group framework, but they cater to different student preferences and career goals. Southampton provides a more research-focused, internationally recognized education particularly strong in STEM fields, while Exeter offers superior undergraduate experience with traditional university charm and excellent liberal arts programmes. Your choice should align with your academic interests, preferred learning environment, and career aspirations. Consider visiting both campuses and exploring their specific programme offerings to make the most informed decision for your future.

Key Statistics

📊 Southampton ranks in top 100 globally while Exeter is in top 150

📊 Exeter has slightly higher international student proportion (30% vs 25%)

📊 Southampton offers 200+ undergraduate programmes vs Exeter's 180+

📊 Both universities maintain 85%+ graduate employment rates within 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Which university is better for international students - Southampton or Exeter?

Both are excellent choices for international students. Southampton offers higher global rankings and stronger STEM programmes with a more diverse urban environment. Exeter provides better student satisfaction, a traditional English university experience, and slightly lower costs. Choose based on your academic interests and preferred lifestyle.

Is University of Southampton more expensive than University of Exeter?

Southampton is slightly more expensive overall. Tuition fees range £22,000-£28,000 vs Exeter's £21,000-£26,000. Southampton also has higher living costs (£120-£180/week accommodation) compared to Exeter (£100-£150/week). However, specific programme costs vary, so check current fees for your chosen course.

Which university has better graduate employment rates?

Exeter has a slight edge with 88-92% graduate employment within 6 months compared to Southampton's 85-90%. Both universities offer strong career services and industry connections. Employment prospects often depend more on your specific programme and individual performance than the university choice.

Are the entry requirements different between Southampton and Exeter?

Entry requirements are very similar as both are Russell Group universities. Both typically require AAB-A*AA at A-level or 32-38 IB points, with IELTS 6.5-7.0. Specific requirements vary by programme - Southampton's engineering courses may have higher maths requirements, while Exeter's business school is highly competitive.

Which university offers better scholarships for international students?

Both offer competitive scholarships. Southampton provides Merit Scholarships of £3,000-£5,000 annually plus faculty-specific awards. Exeter offers Global Excellence Scholarships ranging £2,500-£10,000. Exeter tends to offer more generous individual awards, while Southampton has more diverse scholarship options across different departments.

Should I choose Southampton or Exeter for business studies?

Exeter is generally better for business studies. Its business school holds triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), ranking among the top 1% globally. Exeter consistently ranks higher for business and management subjects, offers more industry connections in finance and consulting, and has stronger alumni networks in business sectors.

Key Takeaways

✅ Southampton excels in STEM fields with higher global rankings, while Exeter offers superior liberal arts and business programmes

✅ Exeter provides better student satisfaction and traditional university experience at lower costs

✅ Southampton offers more research opportunities and industry partnerships, particularly in engineering and technology

✅ Both maintain similar high entry standards and graduate employment rates as prestigious Russell Group universities