University Profile
University of Exeter
University of Exeter campus
Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
About University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is a Russell Group research university in the south-west of England. Its main Streatham Campus is one of the most beautiful in the UK, set in 300 acres of parkland that forms a botanical garden. Exeter has risen rapidly in rankings over the past decade and now consistently sits in the UK top 15.
Exeter is particularly strong in business, biosciences, engineering and humanities. Its Business School has triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS — held by only 1% of business schools worldwide). The university also has notable strengths in climate science, with its Met Office links, and in English literature.
For North American students, Exeter offers a campus-based experience in a safe, attractive English city with easy access to Devon's coastline and Dartmoor National Park. Its strong links to Canada (including a dedicated Canadian alumni network) make it one of the more North America-friendly Russell Group universities outside London.
Key Highlights
- 1Russell Group university with rapid rise to UK top 15
- 2300-acre Streatham Campus — one of the most beautiful in the UK
- 3Business School holds triple accreditation (only 1% of global business schools)
- 4Strong connections to the Met Office for climate science research
- 5Dedicated Canadian alumni network and North American recruitment team
- 6Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling connections (she lived in Exeter)
Campus & Student Life
Exeter's Streatham Campus feels more like a North American campus than most UK universities — green, spacious, with everything within walking distance. The city of Exeter is mid-sized and has a thriving food and arts scene. Devon's beaches (some of England's best) are 30 minutes away, and Dartmoor National Park offers hiking and wild camping. The lifestyle appeal is genuine — Exeter regularly tops student satisfaction surveys for quality of life.
For North American Students
Min. GPA (indicative)
3.4 / 4.0
SAT/ACT Accepted
Yes
Application Route
Via UCAS
English Requirement
6.5 overall (no component below 6.0)
Exeter has a well-established North American recruitment programme and a dedicated Canadian alumni network. AP scores of 4-5 in relevant subjects are accepted, as are IB diploma (34-36 points) and Canadian Grade 12 qualifications. The university regularly sends representatives to North American education fairs. Exeter's campus model will feel familiar to students from US or Canadian universities.
Research Strengths
Notable Alumni
J.K. Rowling
Author of Harry Potter (studied French and Classics at Exeter)
Thom Yorke
Lead singer of Radiohead
Will Young
Singer and winner of Pop Idol
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
First person to sail solo non-stop around the world
Key Facts
- Founded
- 1955
- Total Students
- 30,000+
- International Students
- 27%
- Tuition (Int'l UG)
- £22,100 – £26,500/yr
- Campus Setting
- Parkland / University Campus
📍 About Exeter
Exeter is a cathedral city of 130,000 in Devon, south-west England. It's 2 hours from London by train. The surrounding area offers some of England's best beaches (Jurassic Coast), Dartmoor National Park and a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle. Living costs are moderate — lower than London and the south-east, but higher than northern England. Bristol is an hour away for bigger-city amenities.
Ready to Apply?
UK undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. Postgraduate applications go direct to the university.
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