South Africa
Why choose UEL?
- Guaranteed scholarships: South African students can access automatic scholarships on most courses, with awards available up to £2,500.
- Careers-first university: UEL focuses on real-world skills, ensuring students graduate ready for global employment opportunities.
- Work placement opportunities: Many programmes include built-in work placements, internships, or industry projects to boost employability.
- Affordable London experience: Located in East London, UEL offers a traditional campus setting with direct Tube links to central London in just 35 minutes.
- Affordable tuition fees: Competitive tuition rates make UEL an accessible choice, with flexible instalment payment options available for international students.
- Flexible on-campus accommodation: Modern student housing is available directly on campus, with prices starting from £150 per week.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate
- The National Senior Certificate from Nov 2008, with a minimum requirement of 4 subjects at grade 5 or higher in relevant subject areas
- The National Senior Certificate (with matriculation endorsement) before November 2008, with at least 4 C grades in relevant subjects at the Higher Grade
- National Senior Certificate (S1)/Certificate in Technology (CTech), formerly Technikon National Certificate (T1) 1-year
- National (Technical) Certificate /National (Technical) Diploma N5
- Higher Diploma N6 / National Technical Certificate Part 6 / National Certificate N6
- Higher Certificate (S2)/ Higher Certificate in Technology (HCTech), formerly Technikon National Higher Certificate (T2) 2-year
- Private College Diploma
Postgraduate
- A 4-year Bachelor's Honours Degree with a minimum Second Class/ Division 2/60 per cent - 69 per cent
- A 3-year Ordinary degree with at least 60 per cent average, plus higher level qualifications (no classification given for ordinary degrees)
- An ordinary double degree following a 5-year curriculum)
- The Technikon National Higher Diploma (T4)
English language requirements
To study at UEL you must demonstrate that your English level is at the standard for university study. We accept a number of different English language qualifications/tests for entry onto our courses, with IELTS being the most common.
English Language Qualifications
- Grade 5 (from Nov 2008) or C (Standard) or above in English Language in National Senior or Senior Certificate. (as long as the application form demonstrates the required level of competence in English)
- IELTS
- TOEFL IBT
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Oxford International English Test (OIETC)
Meet your representative
Hope Beales, Regional Manager – Sub-Saharan Africa
As a former international student in the UK, Hope understands how challenging it can be to work on your application and start a degree in a new environment.
Whether you're considering or have already applied to UEL, the team will provide you with advice and support throughout your student journey.
Find an agent
South African study abroad agents
Sable International Study Abroad Ltd
Full address with postcode: Ground Floor, Block B1, Regent Square, Doncaster Road, Kenilworth, 7708, Cape Town, South Africa.
Email address: study@sableinternational.com
Contact number with country code: +27 021 657 1543
Sable International Study Abroad Ltd
Full address with postcode: Parc Nicol, 4, 3001 Winnie Mandela Dr, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2021, South Africa.
Email address: study@sableinternational.com
Contact number with country code: +27 021 657 1543

UEL offered the best value for money for my degree, even giving me a bursary for my studies. The staff at UEL were very responsive and made my enrolment process easy, and this gave me great faith that my time would be well spent and I would receive support over the course of my studies."
Christy Stott
South African student in MSc Sport Psychology
Things to know
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How to apply as an international student
Learn how to apply to the University of East London: direct, Common App, entry requirements, deposits, pre-CAS checks, CAS and visa steps.
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Student visa and immigration advice
The Student Immigration and Compliance team consists of two teams, the International Student Advice (ISA) team, and the Immigration Compliance team.
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International Admission Deadlines
On this page, you will find information about international admissions deadlines.
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International fees and funding
Discover tuition fees, scholarships, bursaries and payment options for international students at UEL. Learn how to fund your studies and invest in your future.
Shape your future at UEL
At the University of East London, we don’t just award degrees - we launch careers. Every programme is designed with the future in mind, blending academic learning with hands on experience through placements with leading industry partners.
As we look ahead, our commitment is stronger than ever - helping you build the skills, connections, and confidence to succeed on a global stage.
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Beyond the Russell Group: the real reasons students are choosing UEL
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From day one to graduation: how UEL helps students build real careers
Choosing a university is no longer just about enjoying the subject you love. For most students, it’s about where that degree can take you next .







