Why Do 37,000+ Students from Over 150 Countries Study at King’s College London Each Year?

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Tarang Patel

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16/04/2026

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Blog Profile Image

Tarang Patel

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16/04/2026

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466 Views

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One of the most famous educational establishments in the world, King’s College London, is situated in one of the best places in the world. With its long-standing tradition, prime location in the centre of London, and outstanding reputation, KCL will be an excellent choice for your higher education.

Overview

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History is how certain universities are categorised; some are based on their location, such as King’s College, London (KCL), which possesses both. King George IV, along with the Duke of Wellington, established it in 1829, making it one of the three oldest universities in England; therefore, KCL has an extended history as well as being recognised throughout the world due to its five locations spread throughout Central London, including the beautiful Strand Campus, looking across the River Thames. The university enrols 37,000 students who all come from over 150 countries.

As part of being recognised by being part of the Russell group (which is the UK version of the Ivy League), and consistently ranking among the world’s best, King’s is also in a small group of universities that constructively maintain their Medical School / Law School / Dental Institute / Nursing College within one facility.

King’s has produced some of the best world political leaders, Nobel Laureates, and advancements in medicine, law, and the Humanities. So, its motto of Sancte et Sapienti (in English ‘with wisdom and holiness’) implies that the King’s goal with education goes much further than simply providing students with classroom-based skills.

Regardless of whether you are drawn to King’s College London due to its prestigious education, the fantastic lifestyle that Кing’s provides, which is situated amidst London’s surroundings, or the worldwide prospects provided by its work, King’s never fails in any of these respects.

NOTE: Be sure to explore other top universities to study in the UK to broaden your perspective and find the environment that suits you best.

King's College London Rankings

  • 31st: QS World University Rankings
  • 38th: Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
  • 36th: US News Best Global Universities
  • Gold Rating for Student Outcomes: Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

Programs & Faculties

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KCL has 9 faculties and offers 300+ undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

1. Arts & Humanities: Classics, English, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Music, Digital Humanities, Theology, and more. Key degrees: BA English, BA History, BA Philosophy, MA Digital Humanities

2. King’s Business School: One of London’s largest business schools. People from 80+ countries study here. Key degrees: BSc Business Management, MSc Finance, MSc Marketing, Executive MBA

3. Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences: Ranked 4th in the world for Dentistry (QS 2025). Trains dental professionals at all levels in partnership with Guy’s, King’s College, and St Thomas’ hospitals. Key degrees: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), MSc Dental Public Health

4. The Dickson Poon School of Law: One of the oldest and most respected law schools in England. Ranked 15th globally (QS). Key degrees: LLB Law, LLM (Master of Laws), PhD in Law

5. Life Sciences & Medicine: One of the UK’s largest centres for medical research and education. Covers biomedical sciences, cancer research, cardiovascular sciences, and more. Key degrees: MBBS Medicine, BSc Biomedical Science, MSc Global Health

6. Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences: Strong tradition in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering. Key degrees: BSc Computer Science, BSc Mathematics, MEng Engineering, MSc Data Science

7. Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care: Descended from Florence Nightingale’s original training school (est. 1860). Ranked 1st in the world for Nursing (QS 2025). Key degrees: BSc Nursing, BSc Midwifery, MSc Palliative Care

8.Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN): A world leader in mental health research for 70+ years. Key degrees: BSc Psychology, MSc Neuroscience, MSc Mental Health Studies, PhD in Psychiatry

9. Social Science & Public Policy: Covers Politics, Economics, War Studies, International Development, Geography, and Global Health. Key degrees: BA Politics, BSc International Relations, MSc Public Policy, MA War Studies

Flexible Degrees & Combined Study

King’s College London also offers Summer & Winter programmes, Study Abroad & Exchange opportunities, Online/Distance Learning, and a dedicated International Foundation Programme for students who need extra preparation before starting their degree, making it a strong choice for those looking to study in the UK.

NOTE: Visit the official KCL course finder at kcl.ac.uk to explore all 300+ programmes and check specific entry requirements for your chosen course.

Admission & Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate: Strong secondary school results equivalent to UK A-Levels. Indian students typically need a minimum of 85% in Class 12 (varies by programme)

Postgraduate: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0 or equivalent

PhD / Research: Master’s degree or equivalent to masters degree+ relevant work experience

MBA: Bachelor’s (Honours) or Master’s degree + a research proposal

NOTE: Health Sciences programs, including Medicine and Dentistry, are highly competitive and have additional entry requirements. Check your specific course page.

English Language Requirements

IELTS:

  • Undergraduate: 0 (min 6.5 in each section)
  • Postgraduate: 5 (min 7.0 in each section)

TOEFL iBT:

  • Undergraduate: 100+
  • Postgraduate: 105+

PTE Academic:

  • Undergraduate: Check the course page
  • Postgraduate: Check the course page}

Duolingo:

  • Undergraduate: Accepted for select programmes
  • Postgraduate: Accepted for select programmes

NOTE: All test scores must be no more than 2 years old. Some programmes require higher scores; always check your specific course page.

Documents Required
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Valid passport copy
  • English language test scores
  • Personal statement
  • CV / Resume (postgraduate applicants)
  • Letters of recommendation (select programmes)
  • Research proposal (PhD only)
  • Portfolio (creative programmes only)
Intakes & Deadlines

Undergraduate

  • Intake: September (one intake per year)
  • Apply through: UCAS
  • Standard deadline: 29 January (UK time)
  • Medicine & Dentistry deadline: 15 October (earlier deadline applies to all students, including international)
  • Any application received after these dates is considered late by KCL, even if UCAS shows a later date for international students

Postgraduate

  • Primary intake: September
  • Some programmes also offer a January intake
  • Apply through: KCL’s online portal directly
  • Deadlines vary by programme — check your specific course page on kcl.ac.uk as some popular programmes close early.

International Foundation Programme

  • Priority deadline: 6 March 2026 for September 2026 entry
  • Applying by this date guarantees your application is considered and gives you time to apply for KCL accommodation
  • Late applications may be accepted, but popular pathways can fill up

Exchange / Study Abroad Students

  • Semester 1 & Full Year: Nomination deadline 15 March, Application deadline 10 April
  • Semester 2: Nomination deadline 1 October, Application deadline 31 October

NOTE: KCL does not have a single universal deadline for all international postgraduate applicants. Deadlines vary by programme, and some close months before the intake. Always check your specific course page and apply as early as possible to avoid missing out on your preferred programme and accommodation.

How to Apply

Step 1: Search for your course on kcl.ac.uk and check entry requirements

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Step 3: Undergraduate students apply via UCAS / Postgraduate students apply via KCL’s online portal

Step 4: Accept your offer and pay the deposit to confirm your place

Step 5: Apply for your UK Student Visa using your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Step 6: Arrange accommodation and arrive in London for orientation

NOTE: Requirements vary by programme. Always check the official KCL course page before applying. Medicine and Dentistry programmes have additional entry requirements, including admissions tests (UCAT) and interviews

Fees and Scholarships

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at KCL vary depending on the programme and level of study. For international students, undergraduate fees typically range from £27,100 to £35,800 per year (₹28 – 38 lakhs), while postgraduate taught programmes cost between £25,000 and £40,000 per year (₹26 – 43 lakhs). MBA programmes can exceed £50,000 per year (₹53 lakhs+), and PhD or research degrees are priced between £20,000 and £26,000 per year (₹21 – 28 lakhs). Medicine and Dentistry are the most expensive programmes, with fees going up to £61,000 per year (₹65 lakhs). The International Foundation Programme costs between £28,150 and £32,600 (₹30 – 35 lakhs) for 2026/27.

Upon accepting your offer, a deposit of £2,000 (₹2.1 lakhs approx.) is required, and Foundation Programme students need to pay £6,000 (₹6.4 lakhs approx.) to confirm their place.

NOTE: Always check the exact fee for your specific course on the KCL course finder at kcl.ac.uk.

Living Costs

As per KCL’s official guidance, you should budget approximately £1,734 per month (₹2.1 lakhs/month) for living expenses in London, on top of your tuition fees. This comes to roughly £20,800 per year (₹22 lakhs/year) and covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. Students living off-campus in shared flats can reduce costs compared to on-campus accommodation. It is also important to factor in one-time arrival costs such as your UK Student Visa fee, accommodation deposit, and initial setup expenses when planning your overall budget.

NOTE: London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Plan your finances well in advance before you arrive.

Scholarships for International Students

Chevening Scholarships

  • Fully funded: covers tuition, living costs, and return airfare
  • Open to outstanding international students from 160+ countries
  • Available for Master’s, MPhil, and PhD programmes
  • Targets future leaders with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

  • Fully funded: covers tuition, living stipend, and travel
  • Available for students from low and middle-income countries
  • Focus on development impact and academic excellence

GREAT Scholarships (British Council)

  • Offered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, available to students from France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam applying for any full-time, one-year postgraduate course at the Business School
  • Value: Full tuition fee and bursary

Vice-Chancellor’s Awards

  • New for 2026:worth £5,000 (₹5.3 lakhs approx.) as a fee reduction for India-domiciled postgraduate students

King’s-China Scholarship Council (K-CSC) PhD Scholarship

  • For PhD students from China
  • Covers full tuition fee waiver + stipend
  • Offered jointly by KCL and the China Scholarship Council

King’s Doctoral College Joint PhD Scholarships

  • Value: £10,000 (₹10.6 lakhs approx.)
  • For students applying to joint PhD programmes between KCL and its international partner universities

Departmental Scholarships

  • Several faculties, including Law, Nursing, IoPPN, and Life Sciences, offer their own scholarships.
  • Value and eligibility vary by department. Check your faculty’s funding page.

King’s Living Bursary

  • For students facing financial hardship
  • Automatically assessed — no separate application needed
  • Available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students

King’s Business School Scholarships

  • Partial to full tuition fee coverage
  • Available for postgraduate students at King’s Business School
  • Separate scholarships available for different nationalities and programmes

External Scholarships to explore

  • Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (for Indian students)
  • KC Mahindra Scholarships (for Indian postgraduate students abroad)

NOTE: Scholarship availability, value, and deadlines change every year. Always check the official KCL funding database at kcl.ac.uk and apply as early as possible. Most scholarships require you to have a KCL offer first before applying.

Visa Guide

To study at King’s College London, you need a UK Student Visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 Student Visa).

Documents Required
  • Valid passport
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by KCL after you accept your offer
  • Proof of financial funds (bank statements covering the last 28 days)
  • English language test scores
  • Academic transcripts and qualifications
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (required for students from certain countries)
  • ATAS clearance certificate (required for certain research subjects; check your offer letter)
  • Parental consent letter (if under 18)
Key Requirements
  • Proof of maintenance funds: £1,529 per month (₹1.88 lakh)
  • Visa Application Fee: £490 (₹60K) applying from outside the UK
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 (₹1.27 lakh) per year gives you access to the NHS during your stay.
  • You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date from outside the UK.
  • Standard processing time is approximately 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.
  • Apply as early as possible, processing times can be longer between June and September.
How to Apply

Step 1: Receive your unconditional offer from KCL and accept it

Step 2: Request your CAS number from KCL — you cannot apply without it

Step 3: Gather all required documents, including bank statements and English scores

Step 4: Apply online through the official UK Government portal at gov.uk/student-visa

Step 5: Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

Step 6: Complete your biometric appointment at a visa application centre

Step 7: Receive your eVisa and travel to London

NOTE:  UK visa rules are updated regularly. Always check the latest requirements on the official UK Government website at gov.uk before applying. KCL’s dedicated Visa & International Student Advice team is also available to guide you through the process.

Campus & Student Life

The five campuses of KCL, located in Central & South London, are Strand, Guy’s, Waterloo, St Thomas’, and Denmark Hill campuses, and all are easily accessible through the London Underground, bus service, and trains. All the first-year students receive accommodation in 14 halls providing a room at a weekly rate between £190 and £400, with all amenities like Wi-Fi and bills included.

There are more than 400 societies, sports, and activities run by KCLSU, which comprise about 70 sports clubs. You will have options in almost all types of clubs, ranging from debating to music and even performing arts. The international students get special support from an international student centre, and KCL offers facilities of the NHS Health Centre and counselling, etc.

London is considered among the best student cities in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2026), and you have access to world-renowned museums and theatre, along with internships and employment opportunities.

Career Outcomes

King’s College London is positioned at 6th in the UK in terms of Graduate Employability by Times Higher Education Global Employability University Rankings, as 90.87% of the students are engaged in highly skilled employment within a period of 15 months since completion of studies. More than 95% of KCL alumni are either employed or pursuing further education after completing 15 months, with initial salaries around £33,500 (₹41.2 lakh approx).

The students of KCL are often hired by the top global organisations like Deloitte, PwC, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Google, AstraZeneca, NHS England, EY, McKinsey, and the European Commission, among others. Personal coaching, panels with industry representatives, internship programmes, career events, and access to King’s Career Connect, which provides an online job portal with many vacancies, can be accessed via King’s Career & Employability service.

Students of KCL are lucky as they are based in the city of London. Interning with the top law firms, banks, hospitals, technology firms, and governmental agencies is within easy reach.

NOTE: Career prospects depend on individual performance within the chosen course.

How Can We Help You?

Planning to study at King’s College London can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in.

My Study Offers is a free global education platform for students that helps you with everything from choosing the right course and preparing your application to scholarship guidance and visa support. Our expert counsellors are here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

1. What are the entry requirements for international students?

Undergraduate students need strong secondary school results equivalent to UK A-Levels. Postgraduate students need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0. English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is required for both.

2. How much does it cost to study at KCL?

Undergraduate fees range from £27,100 to £35,800 per year (₹28 – 38 lakhs). Postgraduate fees range from £25,000 to £40,000 per year (₹26 – 43 lakhs). Living costs in London are approximately £1,734 per month (₹2.1 lakhs).

3. Are there scholarships available for international students?

Yes. KCL offers several scholarships, including Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT Scholarships, and the new Vice-Chancellor’s Awards worth £5,000 for India-domiciled postgraduate students. PhD students can also apply for full tuition waivers and stipends.

4. Can international students work while studying?

Yes. International students on a UK Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holiday breaks. PhD and research students may have different conditions; check your visa.

5. What is the UK Student Visa fee?

The visa application fee is £490 (applying from outside the UK), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year.

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