University of Reading

· Public University

Admissions open

Apply Compare

Type

Public University

Founded

—

Students

—

International

—

University of Reading: the applicant's brief

6 findings

The short answer

The University of Reading is a public university in Reading, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. It suits students who want a UK university with a research focus and a long-established public institution in a city setting.
What you can study

The university is a public research university, but the programme catalogue is not published in the information available here. Check the official website for the current list of subjects, degrees, and entry routes before you apply.
Getting in

International applicants should apply through the university’s official admissions process and check the course page for entry requirements, document lists, and deadline dates. The university website is the place to confirm whether your qualifications, English language evidence, and visa-related steps are acceptable for your chosen course.
What it costs

The university does not publish a fee for international students; confirm the current rate with its admissions office. Expect living costs to depend on accommodation, transport, and day-to-day spending in Reading and the wider UK.
Coming from abroad

The language of instruction is not stated in the information available here, so confirm it on the course page before applying. Before you submit an application, check fees, entry requirements, visa needs, and whether your intended subject is open to international students.
How it compares

Among 193 universities in the United Kingdom, the University of Reading is one of the country’s public research universities with a long history and degree-awarding powers granted in 1926. That makes it a clear option for students looking for a traditional UK university rather than a specialist or newer institution.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about University of Reading

What type of university is the University of Reading?

It is a public research university.

Where is the University of Reading located?

It is in Reading, Berkshire, England, in the United Kingdom.

When did it become a university with degree-awarding powers?

It became a university with the power to grant its own degrees in 1926.

How many universities are in the United Kingdom in this comparison?

There are 193 universities in the United Kingdom.

Overview

The University of Reading is a public research university in Reading, Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1892 as the University Extension College, Reading, an extension college of Christ Church, Oxford, and became University College, Reading in 1902. The institution became a university with the power to grant its own degrees in 1926 by royal charter from King George V, and was the only university to receive such a charter between the two world wars. The university is usually categorised as a red brick university, reflecting its original foundation in the 19th century.

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

On request

Indicative living cost

—

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

How to apply

1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
2Confirm you meet the academic requirements (high-school certificate, bachelor’s degree or equivalent) for the programme.
3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for United Kingdom.