The University of Surrey offers a wealth of opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals, fostering personal and professional growth in a vibrant, innovative environment. Located in the beautiful town of Guildford, just 30 minutes from London, the university is renowned for its world-class facilities, strong industry links, and commitment to employability. With a focus on practical, real-world experiences, Surrey equips its community with the skills and networks needed to thrive globally. Below, we explore key opportunities across academics, careers, research, and international engagement.

Career and Employability Opportunities

At the heart of the University of Surrey's ethos is a dedication to preparing students for successful careers. The university boasts an impressive 95% graduate employability rate within 15 months of graduation, thanks to its integrated placement programs and dedicated career services.

• Professional Placements: Many undergraduate and postgraduate courses include a year-long paid placement, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with top employers like Rolls-Royce, IBM, and the BBC. This not only enhances CVs but also boosts starting salaries by up to 20%.
• Career Services: The Careers and Employability Service offers personalized advice, CV workshops, mock interviews, and access to an extensive job portal. Events like the annual Careers Fair connect students with over 150 employers.
• Entrepreneurship Support: Through the Surrey Entrepreneurship Programme, students can access funding, mentorship, and incubation spaces to launch startups. The Surrey Innovation Park on campus houses over 100 knowledge-based businesses, providing networking and collaboration opportunities.

Alumni often return as guest speakers or mentors, creating a supportive network of over 100,000 graduates worldwide.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

The University of Surrey is a research powerhouse, ranked in the top 10 in the UK for research impact (REF 2021). It invests heavily in cutting-edge projects across disciplines, offering ample chances for involvement in groundbreaking work.

• PhD and Postgraduate Research: With funding from UKRI, EU Horizon programs, and industry partners, PhD students receive stipends, training, and access to state-of-the-art labs in areas like 5G communications, space engineering, and sustainable energy.
• Undergraduate Research: Programs like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) enable second- and third-year students to assist in faculty-led projects, often leading to publications or conference presentations.
• Collaborative Projects: Partnerships with organizations such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and the NHS open doors for interdisciplinary research. The 5G Innovation Centre is a global leader, offering internships and collaborative PhDs in telecommunications.

Researchers benefit from the university's Research Excellence Framework accolades, with facilities like the Ion Beam Centre and Advanced Technology Institute supporting innovative pursuits.

International and Study Abroad Opportunities

With students from over 140 nationalities, the University of Surrey champions global perspectives. Its international focus provides pathways to broaden horizons and build cross-cultural skills.

• Study Abroad and Exchanges: Through partnerships with 300+ universities worldwide, including in the US, Australia, and Europe, students can spend a semester or year abroad. Programs like Erasmus+ offer funded mobility for EU exchanges.
• International Scholarships: The International Excellence Scholarship awards up to £5,000 to high-achieving overseas students, while subject-specific bursaries support fields like engineering and health sciences.
• Global Research Networks: Initiatives like the Surrey International Institute in China and joint programs with universities in India and Africa facilitate collaborative degrees and joint supervision for PhDs.

The Global Opportunities Team provides visa guidance, cultural integration workshops, and pre-departure orientations to ensure a smooth experience.

Student Support and Extracurricular Opportunities

Beyond academics, Surrey emphasizes holistic development through diverse support systems and activities.

Opportunity Type	Description	Benefits
Clubs and Societies	Over 140 student-led groups, from engineering societies to dance clubs	Builds leadership, friendships, and skills; events like the Freshers' Fair kickstart involvement
Sports and Fitness	State-of-the-art Surrey Sports Park with Olympic-standard facilities	Competitive teams, recreational classes, and wellness programs for physical and mental health
Volunteering and Community	Partnerships with local charities via the Student Volunteering Scheme	Enhances employability, community impact, and personal fulfillment
Funding and Hardship Support	Bursaries up to £3,000 and emergency funds for eligible students	Financial relief, counseling, and academic advising for well-rounded success

These opportunities are complemented by the university's commitment to inclusivity, with dedicated support for underrepresented groups through the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion office.

In summary, the University of Surrey stands out for its dynamic ecosystem of opportunities that blend academic rigor with practical application. Whether pursuing a career boost, research innovation, or global adventure, students find tailored pathways to excel. Engaging with these resources early maximizes potential, turning ambitions into achievements in a supportive, forward-thinking community.