SOAS, University of London - Gap Years

Can I do a gap year if I’m applying to SOAS?

SOAS, University of London (the School of Oriental and African Studies), specialises in the study of the languages, cultures and societies of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.

Many students looking to apply consider taking a gap year before starting the course to deepen their first-hand knowledge of these regions. Knowing the benefits a well-applied year out can bring, a gap year is definitely an option for students considering SOAS. According to their website: taking a gap year  “…could be an opportunity to gain relevant experience…”.

How and when to apply if you want to take a gap year

Applications should be made, as usual, through the UCAS website.

For those wishing to take a gap year, SOAS recommends applications should be done in the current academic year and then, if successful, a student can defer their place to delay their start date.

This is an excerpt from the SOAS website about application dates for 2017 – 2018:

“If you are planning to start your degree in September 2017, we will be accepting UCAS applications up to the 30 June 2017 deadline. If you are looking to start your degree in September 2018, you will be able to make your UCAS application from the 1 September 2017.

UK and EU applicants should aim to send in their application by the main closing date of 15 January 2017. International students should apply before the 30 June 2017 deadline.

If you would like to start your degree in 2018 and take a year out beforehand, you can apply by the above deadlines and defer your start date by a year.”

AV /  SOAS Alumni

We’ve had a number of SOAS students participate in our immersive, community-based programs in both Africa and Asia, and we’re more than happy to put you in touch if you’d like to hear from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Visit our contact page, have look at our gap year and summer abroad programs, or find out what we do differently if you’d like to know more.