University of Exeter

Founded in 1855 and granted its full University Charter in 1955, the University of Exeter has grown into one of the United Kingdom’s leading higher education institutions. Today, it stands as a prestigious member of the Russell Group, recognised globally for academic excellence, research impact, and student success. The university was also hailed as University of the Year for its outstanding support for social mobility, reflecting its commitment to creating opportunities and empowering students from diverse backgrounds.

The University of Exeter combines a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to education and innovation. Home to more than 30,000 students, including over 7,000 international students from more than 150 countries, Exeter offers a truly global learning environment. Its international community is further strengthened by a network of 195,000 alumni across 183 countries, demonstrating the university’s worldwide influence and reputation.

Exeter operates across three beautiful campuses, with two located in Exeter, Devon, and one in Penryn, Cornwall. These green and welcoming campuses provide safe, inspiring surroundings where students can excel academically while enjoying a vibrant social experience. The university is dedicated to building a positive and future-focused world through research-led teaching, sustainability initiatives, and the development of carbon-neutral campuses.

The university delivers a world-class education in the historic and scenic South West of England. Its commitment to teaching excellence was recognised in 2023 when Exeter achieved a prestigious Triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). This distinction highlights the university’s exceptional standards in teaching, student experience, and graduate outcomes.

Beyond academics, Exeter is renowned for its outstanding student life and elite sporting environment. Students benefit from a dynamic social scene with theatres, music venues, bars, and clubs, alongside world-class sports facilities. Regularly ranked among the top five universities in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings, Exeter is recognised as the number one sports university in the South of England and Wales.

The University of Exeter also offers highly ranked undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Business, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Analytics, Renewable Energy, Marketing, Law, and Entrepreneurship.

The University of Exeter provides a wide range of student support services designed to help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally throughout their university journey. From career development and academic guidance to well-being support and language assistance, Exeter ensures that every student has access to the resources needed for a rewarding university experience.

Career development is a major focus at Exeter through My Career Zone and the Handshake careers app. These platforms help students explore job opportunities, connect with employers, book career events, and attend skills workshops that improve employability. Students can plan their future careers while gaining valuable industry insight and professional experience during their studies.

Every student at Exeter is assigned an Academic Personal Tutor who oversees their academic progress and personal development. Tutors provide guidance on study skills, career planning, and employability enhancement while also directing students to specialist support services when needed. This personalised approach ensures students receive continuous academic and personal support throughout their degree.

The university also places strong emphasis on supporting international students. The International Student Support Office assists students with important practical matters such as visas, opening bank accounts, and settling into life in the UK. Throughout the year, the university celebrates cultural diversity by organising events for occasions such as Diwali, Thanksgiving, Lunar New Year, and Christmas, creating a welcoming multicultural environment for students from around the world.

To help students adjust smoothly to university life, Exeter offers the Global Chums Mentor Scheme, where new students are paired with experienced second or third-year mentors. These mentors provide practical advice about studying, living in the UK, and adapting to university life.

Language support is another key service at Exeter. International students and researchers can access free English language guidance from the university’s Language Team. INTO the University of Exeter also offers English preparatory programmes for students preparing for undergraduate or postgraduate study, while current students can benefit from free in-sessional English language development courses. Students also have access to libraries in Exeter, Penryn, and Truro, alongside free Wellbeing and Welfare Services offering advice, guidance, and support. In addition, the MyExeter app allows students to manage their timetable, book study spaces, stay updated on university news and events, and access essential campus information conveniently in one place.

The University of Exeter is consistently recognised as one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom and among the world’s top higher education institutions. As a prestigious Russell Group university, Exeter has built a strong global reputation for academic excellence, high-quality teaching, impactful research, sustainability leadership, and outstanding graduate employability.

The university is regularly ranked among the top 150–200 universities worldwide and within the top 15–20 universities in the UK. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Exeter achieved an impressive global ranking of 155th, highlighting its growing international reputation and academic strength. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 placed Exeter 170th globally and 22nd in the UK, reinforcing its position as a globally respected research-intensive institution.

Nationally, Exeter continues to perform strongly across major university league tables. The university ranked 11th in the Complete University Guide 2026 and 14th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 for teaching and quality. In The Guardian University Guide 2026, Exeter secured 17th place in the UK for student experience, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing a supportive and engaging environment for students.

Exeter’s reputation for teaching excellence is further demonstrated by its Triple Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), making it one of the few universities in the UK to receive this distinction. The university also stands out for the quality and global impact of its research. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, more than 99% of Exeter’s research was rated as internationally recognised quality, with 12 subject areas ranked among the top 10 in the UK for world-leading research impact.

The university has also earned significant recognition for sustainability and global responsibility. Exeter ranked in the Top 10 of the THE Impact Rankings 2024 for its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Impressively, the university ranked first in the world for leadership in Clean Water and Sanitation. Additional achievements include 35th place in the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2025 and 122nd globally in the Time Magazine World’s Top University Rankings 2026.

Exeter’s graduates are highly valued by employers, ranking 13th in The Graduate Market 2026 by High Fliers. The university also ranked third in the UK in the 2025 Student Crowd Awards and received global recognition for career services at the Global University Career Development Conference Awards 2025.

Student life at the University of Exeter offers an exciting balance of academic excellence, social opportunities, sports, culture, and outdoor living. With three campuses located across South West England, including Streatham and St Luke’s in Exeter and the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, students enjoy a welcoming environment in some of the UK’s most beautiful and historic locations.

The university has a vibrant and inclusive student community where students are encouraged to get involved beyond the classroom. Joining a club or society is one of the most popular ways to meet new people and develop new interests. Exeter offers more than 300 student societies covering a huge variety of activities including music, drama, debate, environmental action, hip hop, and even chocolate tasting. These student-led groups are open to everyone, and students who want to create something new are supported by the Students’ Unions in setting up their own societies.

The University of Exeter Students’ Guild plays a central role in student life by organising events, supporting societies, providing representation, and helping students feel part of the university community. Volunteering and fundraising opportunities are also widely available, allowing students to contribute positively to local and global causes while building valuable personal and professional skills. Exeter is recognised as the No.1 Sports University in the South of England and Wales, offering exceptional opportunities for athletes and beginners alike. Students can choose from over 100 sports clubs and more than 50 Athletic Union clubs across the campuses. From competitive teams to social sports and wellness programmes, there are activities for all skill levels. The city is also home to successful professional sports teams, including the Exeter Chiefs rugby team and Exeter City football club, creating an energetic sporting atmosphere.

Life in Exeter combines the charm of a historic city with a lively modern student environment. Students enjoy boutique shopping, independent cafés, international restaurants, theatres, cinemas, music venues, and vibrant nightlife. Popular cultural attractions include the Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Northcott Theatre, located on Streatham Campus. Exeter’s Quayside, independent pubs, and outdoor events also contribute to the city’s welcoming and social atmosphere.

Students also benefit from Exeter’s outstanding natural surroundings. The nearby Dartmoor National Park, Exmoor National Park, Jurassic Coast, and Devon beaches provide excellent opportunities for hiking, surfing, water sports, and day trips. In Cornwall, students at Penryn and Truro enjoy scenic coastlines, lively nightlife in Falmouth and Truro, creative arts communities, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Together, these experiences make student life at Exeter dynamic, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Accommodation at the University of Exeter is designed to provide students with a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment that supports both academic success and social life. Starting university is an exciting milestone, and living in student accommodation gives students the opportunity to build friendships, experience different cultures, and become part of a vibrant university community from the very beginning.

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of university-owned, managed, and approved partner accommodation options to suit different lifestyles, budgets, and study needs. Students can choose from catered and self-catered residences, studio apartments, shared flats, townhouses, and purpose-built student villages located close to campus facilities and Exeter city centre. Most accommodation is within a 20-minute walk of the university campuses, making student life convenient and connected.

The university guarantees accommodation for all new unaccompanied international students who accept their offer and apply before the accommodation deadline. This commitment helps international students settle into university life with confidence and ease. Popular residences on Streatham Campus include Birks Grange Village, which offers townhouse, en-suite, and studio accommodation just a 12-minute walk from the centre of campus. Holland Hall is another sought-after undergraduate residence located close to the Sports Park and only seven minutes from central campus facilities. Lafrowda provides accommodation for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and is situated near Cornwall House and its social spaces and open-air swimming pool.

Historic accommodation options are also available, including Mardon Hall, Exeter’s oldest purpose-built student residence dating back to 1933. The hall retains many original features, such as a grand staircase and wood-panelled study room, while offering impressive views across the Exe Valley.

For postgraduate students, dedicated residences such as Garden Hill House and Spreytonway provide quieter living environments close to academic buildings, including the Business School. Students based near St Luke’s Campus can choose accommodation such as Rowancroft or Nancherrow, which is specifically available for BMBS students.

Additional accommodation options include Cook & Llewellyn Mews, Duryard, East Park, Exe House, James Owen Court, King Edward Court, Moberly, and St German’s student village. Self-catered accommodation typically houses between three and twelve students, encouraging social interaction through shared kitchens and communal areas. Catered residences provide added convenience with meals included. Students seeking more independence can also explore private rental accommodation and halls of residence through the university’s accommodation services, ensuring flexibility and support throughout the housing process.