Quick Answer: University of Exeter requires international students to have equivalent of AAB-A*AA A-levels, IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component), and complete applications through UCAS by January 29, 2026. Tuition fees range from £25,000-£31,500 per year for 2026-27.

Introduction

The University of Exeter, ranked 12th in the UK according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, attracts over 7,000 international students from more than 130 countries. As one of the Russell Group universities, Exeter offers world-class education across four campuses, including its stunning Streatham campus consistently rated among the most beautiful in the UK.

Understanding the admission requirements is crucial for international students planning to join Exeter's prestigious programs in 2026. This comprehensive guide covers everything from academic qualifications and English language requirements to application deadlines and fees.

Academic Entry Requirements by Qualification

A-Level Requirements

University of Exeter typically requires A-level grades ranging from AAB to A*AA, depending on the program:

• Medicine: A*AA including Chemistry and Biology
• Law: A*AA with no specific subject requirements
• Engineering: AAA including Mathematics and Physics
• Business and Economics: AAB-AAA with Mathematics preferred
• Psychology: AAB including one science subject

International Baccalaureate (IB)

For IB students, Exeter requires:

• Overall score: 34-38 points
• Higher Level subjects: 5-7 points each
• Standard Level subjects: 4-5 points each
• Specific subject requirements vary by program

Country-Specific Requirements

Pakistan: Intermediate/HSSC with 85-90% overall, plus successful completion of a foundation year

India: CBSE/ISC with 85-95% in five subjects including English

Nigeria: WAEC with A1-B3 grades in six subjects, plus JAMB UTME scores

Bangladesh: HSC with GPA 4.5-5.0 from a recognized board

English Language Requirements

IELTS Requirements

The standard IELTS requirement is:

• Overall: 6.5
• Each component: 6.0 minimum

Higher requirements for specific programs:

• Medicine: 7.5 overall (7.0 in each component)
• Teaching: 7.0 overall (6.0 in each component)
• Law: 7.0 overall (6.5 in writing, 6.0 in other components)

Alternative English Tests

TOEFL iBT:

• Overall: 90 (Medicine: 110)
• Components: Reading 22, Listening 21, Speaking 23, Writing 21

Pearson PTE Academic:

• Overall: 62 (Medicine: 76)
• All components: 56 minimum

Cambridge English:

• C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 overall
• C2 Proficiency (CPE): 176 overall

Application Process and Deadlines 2026

UCAS Application Timeline

Key Dates for 2026 Entry:

• Medicine applications: October 15, 2025
• All other programs: January 29, 2026
• Extra and Clearing: July-September 2026

Required Documents

1. Personal Statement (4,000 characters maximum)
2. Academic transcripts with certified English translations
3. English language test certificate
4. Reference letter from academic tutor
5. Portfolio (for Art, Architecture programs)
6. CV (for some postgraduate programs)

Application Steps

1. Register on UCAS website
2. Complete online application form
3. Upload required documents
4. Pay application fee (£27 for single choice, £28.50 for multiple)
5. Submit before deadline
6. Track application status

Tuition Fees and Financial Information

Undergraduate Fees 2026-27

• Classroom-based subjects: £25,000 per year
• Laboratory-based subjects: £28,500 per year
• Medicine: £31,500 per year (Years 1-2), £57,500 per year (Years 3-6)

Additional Costs

• Accommodation: £150-250 per week
• Living expenses: £12,000-15,000 per year
• Student visa: £490
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Exeter offers several scholarships for international students:

• Global Excellence Scholarship: Up to £5,000 per year
• Country-specific scholarships: Vary by region
• Academic merit scholarships: £2,000-£10,000
• Sports scholarships: Up to £6,000 per year

Campus and Program Highlights

Campus Locations

Streatham Campus (Exeter):

• Main campus with 19,000 students
• Business School, Humanities, and Sciences
• Award-winning sustainability initiatives

St Luke's Campus (Exeter):

• Education, Sport, and Health Sciences
• Teacher training programs
• Modern facilities and sports centers

Penryn Campus (Cornwall):

• Environment and Sustainability programs
• Marine Biology and Renewable Energy
• Partnership with Falmouth University

Truro Campus (Cornwall):

• Medicine programs
• Clinical training facilities
• Hospital partnerships

Top-Ranked Programs

• Business and Management: 8th in UK (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Sports Science: 3rd in UK
• Geography: 4th in UK
• Drama: 5th in UK
• Mining Engineering: 1st in UK

Student Support Services

International Student Support

• Pre-arrival guidance and orientation
• Airport pickup service
• Academic skills workshops
• Visa and immigration advice
• Cultural integration programs

Academic Support

• Personal tutoring system
• Study skills development
• English language support classes
• Disability support services
• Mental health and wellbeing resources

Tips for Successful Application

Strengthen Your Application

1. Start early: Begin preparation 12-18 months before application
2. Meet requirements: Ensure you exceed minimum grade requirements
3. Personal statement: Demonstrate passion for your chosen subject
4. Extracurricular activities: Show leadership and community involvement
5. University visit: Attend virtual or in-person information sessions

Common Application Mistakes

• Missing application deadlines
• Insufficient English language scores
• Incomplete supporting documents
• Generic personal statements
• Not researching specific program requirements

When researching your options, it's valuable to explore UK universities to compare admission requirements and find the best fit for your academic goals.

Conclusion

The University of Exeter offers exceptional opportunities for international students, with clear admission pathways and comprehensive support services. Start your application early, ensure you meet all requirements, and take advantage of the university's excellent reputation and beautiful campuses.

Visit the University of Exeter's official website or contact their international admissions team for the most current information and personalized guidance for your 2026 application.

Key Statistics

📊 12th ranked UK university in The Times Good University Guide 2026 with over 7,000 international students

💰 Tuition fees range £25,000-£57,500 annually for 2026-27 depending on program level

🎓 96% graduate employment rate within 15 months of graduation

📈 Russell Group member with 98% student satisfaction rate for international support services

🌍 Students from 130+ countries with dedicated support in 15 languages

⭐ Global Excellence Scholarships worth up to £5,000 per year available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply to University of Exeter as an international student?

Apply through UCAS by January 29, 2026 for most programs (October 15, 2025 for Medicine). Complete the online application, submit required documents including transcripts, English test scores, personal statement, and reference letter. Pay the application fee and track your application status through UCAS Track.

What are the English language requirements for University of Exeter?

Standard requirement is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. Medicine requires IELTS 7.5 (7.0 each component), while Law and Teaching need IELTS 7.0. Alternative tests include TOEFL iBT (90 overall) and PTE Academic (62 overall).

How much does it cost to study at University of Exeter in 2026?

International undergraduate tuition ranges from £25,000 for classroom subjects to £31,500-57,500 for Medicine. Additional costs include accommodation (£150-250/week), living expenses (£12,000-15,000/year), and visa fees (£490 plus £776/year health surcharge).

What A-level grades do I need for University of Exeter?

Grade requirements range from AAB to AAA depending on the program. Medicine requires AAA including Chemistry and Biology, Law needs A*AA with no specific subjects, while Engineering requires AAA with Mathematics and Physics. Business programs typically need AAB-AAA.

Does University of Exeter offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Exeter offers several scholarships including the Global Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000/year), country-specific scholarships, academic merit awards (£2,000-£10,000), and sports scholarships (up to £6,000/year). Applications are typically automatic based on academic performance.

What support services does University of Exeter provide for international students?

Exeter offers comprehensive support including pre-arrival guidance, airport pickup, orientation programs, academic skills workshops, visa advice, English language support classes, personal tutoring, and cultural integration programs. The international team provides support in 15 languages.

Key Takeaways

✅ Apply by January 29, 2026 through UCAS with IELTS 6.5 and AAB-A*AA equivalent grades

✅ Tuition fees range £25,000-£57,500 per year with scholarship opportunities up to £10,000

✅ Russell Group university ranked 12th in UK with 96% graduate employment rate

✅ Four campuses offering diverse programs from Medicine to Marine Biology with excellent facilities

✅ Comprehensive international student support including pre-arrival services and ongoing academic help