Indian students choose Royal Holloway, University of London for its academic excellence, diverse course offerings, supportive learning environment, vibrant campus community, and excellent career opportunities in a globally connected city.

Royal Holloway, University of London is ranked #477 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 401–500 in Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. In the UK, it is ranked #48 in QS and #45 in THE. Royal Holloway focuses on research projects, with a complementary taught component to provide training in transferable skills.

Shoolini University is ranked as India's #1 Private University according to QS World University Rankings 2026 and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025. To provide students with a unique global learning experience, Shoolini University has partnered with Royal Holloway, University of London, to offer a prestigious Dual MSc Biotechnology.

This program allows students to start their international education journey in India and complete their final year in the UK. The structure of this unique program is as follows:

• First Year at Shoolini University: Students will study a Royal Holloway-benchmarked curriculum, taught by Shoolini faculty trained by Royal Holloway experts.
• Holistic Academic Growth: By studying locally, students will gain applied education experience and personal growth before transitioning overseas.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Shoolini's infrastructure and technology mirror that of Royal Holloway, ensuring a seamless learning experience. A dedicated building with new classrooms and collaborative spaces has been established for this cohort.
• Exclusive Faculty & Mentorship: Unlike other dual-degree programs, a separate set of teachers and researchers have been appointed exclusively for this program.
• Final Year in the UK: After completing the first year at Shoolini University, students will proceed to Royal Holloway, University of London, where they will study alongside international students, gaining global exposure and career opportunities.

We accept the bachelor's degree transcript from Shoolini University to meet the English proficiency requirement.

The program duration is two years, with one year at Shoolini University, India, and the second year at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Core and foundational courses will be covered at Shoolini University, while specialised courses will be taken at Royal Holloway's Egham campus.

No. You cannot apply to Royal Holloway, University of London for a postgraduate program with a provisional degree certificate.

Required documents include:

• Academic qualifications (final or interim transcript and degree certificate)
• Proof of English proficiency
• Personal statement
• Reference or referee's details
• Passport (for student visa applicants)
• Work experience (if applicable)
• Portfolio (if required)
• Research proposal (if required)

Royal Holloway does not offer financial support but helps with navigating the visa process and provides visa application support through the International Student Support team.

Yes. Postgraduate students at Royal Holloway, University of London can find part-time jobs both on campus and through external opportunities.

The program is divided into two parts:

• First Year: Residential study at Shoolini University, India, following the Royal Holloway-benchmarked curriculum.
• Second Year: Study at Royal Holloway, University of London, undertaking a supervised 1-year MSc research project related to Biotechnology.

Although this is a research degree, a complementary taught component will provide training in transferable skills, delivered throughout the first two terms. Students are required to complete coursework, prepare and present their research to a School audience by means of a poster, and deliver a 20-minute oral presentation in the summer term.

All elements of the programme must be passed in order to submit the final project report for assessment. Students receive regular, scheduled feedback on their project plan, literature review, draft write-ups, and oral presentations across all three terms.

Yes. Postgraduate programs at Royal Holloway often include industry collaborations and real-world projects, providing students with practical experience and professional exposure.

Yes. International students can apply for a Graduate Visa (PSW) or a Skilled Worker Visa to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Royal Holloway offers health and counselling services, including one-on-one support from trained counsellors, following the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework. The university also provides career counselling and job placement assistance to support students in their professional development.

To be eligible for a UK student visa, applicants must hold an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. They must also provide a valid English language proficiency score.

The Royal Holloway Careers Hub offers tailored support for students in the Department of Biological Sciences, including guidance on career pathways, help with CVs and interview preparation, and information on internships and graduate roles. The platform connects students with industry-relevant opportunities and provides resources to support their transition from study to employment.

Royal Holloway provides comprehensive support services to help international students transition smoothly to life in the UK, including:

• Campus Accommodation: On-campus housing options are available for postgraduate students, offering a secure and convenient living experience.
• Student Life & Well-being: The university offers a welcoming environment with student support services, well-being programs, and a vibrant student community.
• Cultural Orientation & Student Engagement: New students benefit from orientation programs, student societies, and peer networks to help them integrate into university life.
• Chat with Students: Prospective students can connect with current students to learn more about campus life, academic experiences, and student support services.

Both Royal Holloway and Shoolini University offer a vibrant student life through a diverse range of clubs and societies. Shoolini University hosts 30+ student-managed clubs, while Royal Holloway, University of London features over 130 student-led societies and sports clubs.

• Shoolini University (Year 1): ₹5.7 Lakh per year (includes tuition, hostel, and examination fees)
• Royal Holloway, University of London (Year 2): £32,700 standard fee / £23,790 after 30% discount (excludes £3,000 bench fee)

This fee applies to international students beginning their degree in the 2026/27 academic year and is for guidance only. Royal Holloway reserves the right to revise tuition fees annually.

Applicants must have a BSc or BTech in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or Physical Sciences, or a bachelor's degree in any branch of science and technology with a minimum of 70% marks.

Yes. It is a full residential program — Year 1 at Shoolini University, India, and Year 2 at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.

You can apply for an education loan once you have the offer letter from Shoolini University. The offer letter serves as a supporting document when applying to the bank.

Visa approval cannot be guaranteed by Shoolini University or Royal Holloway. However, students who submit a complete application with the required documents — including financial proof and English language proficiency — generally have a high visa acceptance rate.

Yes. Prospective students can meet with faculty members and academic advisors to discuss program requirements, curriculum, research opportunities, and academic interests. Shoolini University welcomes on-campus visits Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Virtual assistance is also available in partnership with Royal Holloway.

Upon successful completion of the MSc program at Royal Holloway, you will be awarded an MSc degree from Royal Holloway, University of London. Shoolini University will recognise one year of study at Royal Holloway as part of its degree requirements, grant equivalent credits, and award you an MSc degree upon completing the full program.

360° virtual campus tours are available for both campuses:

• Royal Holloway virtual tour: https://youtu.be/xGPC0cKDgZo
• Shoolini University virtual tour: https://youtu.be/03B_GMQfFas

Once you have an unconditional offer that you have firmly accepted, you will become eligible to receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Royal Holloway, University of London. You will need this to make your visa application. The internal office will guide you through the process as visa rules are subject to change.

Processing times vary depending on where you are applying from and the volume of applications at the time. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as the process can take several weeks or even months.

Visit the Shoolini University website, select your programme, fill out the online application form, upload the required documents, pay the application fee, and submit. You will hear back from the admissions team shortly after.

MSc by Research is a postgraduate degree focused entirely on conducting original research rather than coursework or exams. It is similar in structure to a PhD but completed in a shorter time frame and at a Master's level.

The MSc by Research is awarded based entirely on the assessment of a final research thesis, submitted at the end of the study year.

The MSc by Research carries 180 credits, awarded upon successful examination and approval of the final thesis.

No. Unlike taught degrees, the MSc by Research is evaluated solely through a final research thesis.

The thesis is assessed by two examiners — one external examiner who is a world-recognised expert in the student's research area, and one internal examiner who is a member of academic staff from the student's department.

The examiners may recommend one of three outcomes: immediate award of the MSc degree; award subject to minor corrections; or resubmission of the thesis in a revised form for further examination.

Yes. Students maintain close consultation with their research supervisors throughout the research and writing period, which significantly supports the quality and success of their thesis.

Key Points:

• No separate scholarship application needed
• Automatically applied upon meeting eligibility
• Valid for all full-time Master's programs starting September 2026 or January 2027
• Discount applies to the first year only

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international fee-paying student
• Must be currently residing in India
• Must have a valid offer for a full-time Master's degree
• Must be self-funded (no external sponsorship)
• Must apply by 28 June 2026 and receive a decision by 17 July 2026
• Final deadline: 21 August 2026