Royal Holloway, University of London welcomes applications from students from the United Arab Emirates to join our growing international community. We are well equipped to meet the academic, religious and dietary needs of students from the Gulf region.
We are a pioneering university, steeped in history and culture, yet constantly evolving and adapting to the demands of modern higher education.
Our university was founded by two social reformers who pioneered the ideal of education and knowledge for all who could benefit. Their vision lives on today. As one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, we are home to some of the world’s foremost authorities in the sciences, arts, business, economics and law. As teachers and researchers they change lives, expand minds and help current and future leaders understand power and responsibility. We are strengthened by diversity, and welcome students and academics who travel from all over the world to study and work here, ensuring an international and multi-cultural perspective within a close-knit and historic campus.
Find out more in a one-to-one appointment
The International team offer 30-minute counselling sessions on MS Teams. These meetings are an informal opportunity to ask any questions you have about applying or studying at Royal Holloway, University of London, and do not affect admission. Book an appointment now to find out more about Royal Holloway.
Book an appointmentEntry requirements
Applicants to Royal Holloway come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications to our courses. Each applicant is considered carefully on their individual merits, but please see below for the standard minimum entry requirements for students from the UAE.
Undergraduate
Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Thanawiya)
If you have completed your Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Thanawiya) in the UAE, you will need to take our one year International Foundation Year or International Year One programme, or the equivalent from another institution, before beginning your undergraduate studies.
Bachelor's Degree
If you have completed one year of a Bachelor's degree at a reputable university in the UAE and your grades are good, then we’ll consider you for direct entry to the first year of a Royal Holloway Bachelor's degree programme.
A Levels & International Baccalaureate (IB)
If you have taken A levels or the IB Diploma you will be considered for direct entry onto our undergraduate programmes. Specific grade requirements can be found in the course finder entry for your chosen course.
University preparation programmes
The Royal Holloway International Study Centre provides an International Foundation Year and International Year One programme, which are designed for international students who do not quite meet the requirements for an undergraduate course. These programmes will help to develop your academic and English language skills in preparation for university. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at Royal Holloway, University of London.
How to apply
Undergraduate students applications are made online via UCAS. If you are applying to a University preparation course, then apply to Royal Holloway directly. There is more application information in the Studying Here section of the Royal Holloway website.
Postgraduate
Master's Degree
If you have a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject, with good grades at a reputable university , you will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme but departments will usually ask for either a lower (2:2) or upper (2:1) second class Bachelor (Honours) degree, or an upper second class (2:1) or First class (1st) Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.
Research Degree (MPhil/PhD)
If you have a Master's degree in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA from a reputable university, then you will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway MPhil/PhD programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme, but most departments will ask for a minimum of 75 per cent overall or a GPA of 3.5/5.0 or 3.0/4.0.
How to apply
Postgraduate students applications are made to Royal Holloway directly. There is more application information in the Studying Here section of the Royal Holloway website.
English language requirements
To apply to any of our courses, you need to prove a minimum level of English language proficiency.
Students who do not quite make the English language requirements may be able to take a pre-sessional English language programme.
Fees, scholarships and sponsorships
Fees vary between courses each year. Specific information about fees can be found in the course finder entry for your chosen course.
You could be eligible for one of our undergraduate or postgraduate scholarships.
If you are considering postgraduate study at Royal Holloway, there may be external funding available to you.
If you are in receipt of a government scholarship please follow this link for further information to make sure you understand what documentation you need to provide before, and during, your time at Royal Holloway.
Student life and our Emirati community
Over the 130-year history of the university, we have created an environment where a close-knit community thrives.
Just 40 minutes by train from London and seven miles from Heathrow, our campus is one of the most beautiful in the world with numerous teaching and study spaces, restaurants and cafés, high-quality accommodation with same-gender residency options, and sports facilities. All this is set in 135 acres of stunning parkland.
You can find out more about life at Royal Holloway in the student life section of our website.
The local Emirati community
Royal Holloway is a multi-faith community, with many different beliefs represented on campus and excellent cooperation between faiths both on campus and in the local community.
The numerous on-campus faith groups include the RHUL Islamic Society (ISoc), who arrange five daily Muslim prayers and classes. ISoc also maintain the University's Prayer Room, which offers prayer and ablution facilities for men and women. We also have Middle Eastern and North African MENA Society who put on events such as MENA movie nights, shisha nights, cuisine nights, Dabake sessions, game nights as well as annual MENA ball.
There are several food outlets on campus with Halal provision; simply look for the letter ‘H’ next to meat meals in The Hub, Crosslands, Founder’s Dining Hall, KW’s and Union Shop.
Royal Holloway has close links with the Islamic Welfare Association of West Surrey, which was formed in 1986, to serve the Muslim community in and around Royal Holloway University of London.
Meet us
Sam Gibson is your dedicated International Team member, here to answer any questions you have about applying and studying at Royal Holloway as an international student from the UAE.
Book a one-to-one appointment
We are really keen to connect with students interested in studying with us. We offer 30 minute, one-to-one counselling sessions via Microsoft Teams. These chats are informal and do not affect admission - they're simply an opportunity for you to learn more about Royal Holloway and studying in the UK. We welcome any questions you might have about our application processes, study programmes, and campus life.
Book a campus tour
We are delighted to be able to offer a guided campus tour to any international students interested in studying here at Royal Holloway, whether you have already applied to study with us, or are just exploring your options in Higher Education.
One of our fantastic International Recruitment team members, or one of our friendly and knowledgeable Student Ambassadors, will show you around our beautiful campus and answer any questions you might have about life at Royal Holloway.
Useful links
The British Council in the UAE provides comprehensive advice on many aspects of studying in Britain.
