Compare any two UK universities
Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.
London · QS World #901
London · QS World #458
Head-to-Head Summary
Based on 10 datapoints
We looked at 10 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.
5/10
London South Bank
scored higher in 5 categories
5/10
SOAS University of London
scored higher in 5 categories
Quick Verdict
London South Bank University and SOAS University of London are evenly matched: each leads in 5 of 10 categories where both have data. London South Bank University is ahead on ranking, established, satisfaction, employment, graduate salary; SOAS University of London on ranking, international, courses, scholarship.
London South Bank University vs SOAS University of London at a glance
London South Bank University and SOAS University of London both teach 12 subject areas, the largest being Media & Film Studies, Creative Arts (General) and Law. London South Bank University offers 240 courses across 55 subject areas; SOAS University of London offers 296 courses across 29 subject areas.
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,400 a year at London South Bank University and £23,780 at SOAS University of London: London South Bank University is about £6,380 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,900 a year at London South Bank University and £25,320 at SOAS University of London: London South Bank University is about £6,420 a year cheaper.
Of the 3 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, SOAS University of London is higher in 3 and London South Bank University in 0. The widest gap is in Economics: £24,000 three years after graduating from London South Bank University, against £35,000 from SOAS University of London. Of the 4 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, London South Bank University is higher in 2 and SOAS University of London in 2.
World & National Rankings
Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.
Visual Breakdown
Key metrics at a glance
Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.
London South Bank University
SOAS University of London
Satisfaction
Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)
Graduate Salaries (5y)
Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation
Employment
Graduate employment rate
International
International student share
Course Counts
Number of courses offered
Scholarships
Number of scholarships
International Community
Where do international students come from?
Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.
London South Bank
60 countries · 15.6% international
- 🇵🇰Pakistan26.1%
- 🇮🇳India19.1%
- 🇧🇩Bangladesh18.1%
- 🌐Nepal4.9%
- 🇳🇬Nigeria3.3%
SOAS University of London
67 countries · 25.7% international
- 🇨🇳China10.9%
- 🇮🇳India10.6%
- 🇺🇸United States9.4%
- 🇵🇰Pakistan7.6%
- 🇫🇷France3.6%
Subjects
12 subjects you can study at both
Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.
London South Bank University
SOAS University of London
Media & Film Studies
1 courseTypical fee £16,440 (UG)
41 coursesTypical fee £23,780 (UG)
Creative Arts (General)
2 coursesTypical fee £15,970 (UG)
18 coursesTypical fee £23,780 (UG)
Law
7 coursesTypical fee £17,400 (UG)
13 coursesTypical fee £23,780 (UG)
Economics
5 coursesTypical fee £26,510 (UG)
10 coursesTypical fee £23,780 (UG)
Business & Management (General)
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Accounting
Sociology & Criminology
Finance & Actuarial Science
Management
Social Sciences (General)
Only at London South Bank University
Fees
What it costs international students
The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.
Undergraduate
- London South Bank University
- £17,400
- SOAS University of London
- £23,780
London South Bank University is about £6,380 a year cheaper.
Postgraduate
- London South Bank University
- £18,900
- SOAS University of London
- £25,320
London South Bank University is about £6,420 a year cheaper.
Outcomes
Graduate outcomes by subject
Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.
London South Bank University
SOAS University of London
Creative Arts (General)
No dataSalary (3 years)No data82%Satisfaction87%Law
£22,500Salary (3 years)£28,00089%Satisfaction77%Economics
£24,000Salary (3 years)£35,00091%Satisfaction83%Accounting
£24,500Salary (3 years)£27,50086%Satisfaction88%
Scholarships for International Students
ExclusiveLondon South Bank University
View all scholarships →SOAS University of London
SOAS International Academic Excellence Scholarship
£20,000
Deadline: May 2026
SOAS Sustainable Development Goal Scholarship
£15,000
Deadline: Jun 2026
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
100%
Deadline: N/A
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme
100%
Deadline: N/A
SOAS Academic Excellence Scholarship
£10,000
Deadline: May 2026
FAQ
London South Bank University vs SOAS University of London: common questions
Is London South Bank University or SOAS University of London cheaper for international students?
For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £17,400 a year at London South Bank University and £23,780 at SOAS University of London: London South Bank University is about £6,380 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £18,900 a year at London South Bank University and £25,320 at SOAS University of London: London South Bank University is about £6,420 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.
What subjects can you study at both London South Bank University and SOAS University of London?
Both universities teach 12 subject areas: Media & Film Studies, Creative Arts (General), Law, Economics, Business & Management (General), Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Accounting, Sociology & Criminology, Finance & Actuarial Science, Management and Social Sciences (General).
Is London South Bank University or SOAS University of London better for Law?
Law graduates earn a median £22,500 three years after graduating from London South Bank University, and £28,000 from SOAS University of London. Student satisfaction with teaching is 89% at London South Bank University and 77% at SOAS University of London. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.
Does London South Bank University or SOAS University of London offer more courses?
SOAS University of London lists 296 courses on CourseOptions and London South Bank University lists 240 courses.
What can you study at London South Bank University but not at SOAS University of London?
London South Bank University teaches 43 subject areas that SOAS University of London does not, including Building & Construction, Business Studies, Children's Nursing, Computer Science, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mental Health Nursing, Sport & Exercise Sciences and 35 more.
What can you study at SOAS University of London but not at London South Bank University?
SOAS University of London teaches 17 subject areas that London South Bank University does not, including Asian Languages & Studies, Politics & International Relations, African & Middle Eastern Studies, Ancient Languages, Anthropology, History of Art & Design, Music, History and 9 more.
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