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UNITED KINGDOM · LONDON

Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London

public · Founded 1930 · Languages: en

In short

The Courtauld Institute of Art, part of the University of London, is a world-leading specialist centre for art history, conservation, and curating, located in historic Somerset House. It offers rigorous research-led teaching and direct access to its celebrated gallery.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1930
Students: 600
International students: 240
Acceptance rate: 35%
Tuition (intl): €26–32k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: London, United Kingdom

The Courtauld Institute of Art, part of the University of London, is the world's leading specialist centre for the study of art history, conservation, and curating. Founded in 1932, it is housed in the grand Somerset House on the Strand and home to an internationally celebrated gallery collection. With the UK's largest faculty of art historians and conservators, the Courtauld provides rigorous, research-led teaching across degrees from undergraduate to doctoral level. Its intimate size and London location make it uniquely positioned for students passionate about art and visual culture.

Why study here

Study at the world's top-ranked institution for History of Art (QS World Rankings).
Learn from the UK's largest community of specialist art historians and conservators covering late Antiquity to contemporary digital art.
Access The Courtauld Gallery's collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne.
Benefit from small cohort sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a tight-knit academic community.
Graduate into a global network of museum directors, curators, and cultural leaders.

Student life

Campus life at the Courtauld centres on Somerset House, one of London's most spectacular heritage buildings. The Research Forum hosts regular 'After Hours' talks and 'Museum Debates', while the student-led East Wing Biennial connects art history with contemporary practice. Being part of the University of London gives access to broader student services, sports facilities, and the social life of one of the world's great capital cities.

Fees

InternationalApproximately £22,000–£27,000 per year for international students depending on programme level.

HomeApproximately £9,250 per year for home (UK) undergraduates; postgraduate fees vary.

LivingLondon living costs are estimated at £12,000–£15,000 per year including accommodation, food, and transport.

Scholarships and bursaries are available for both UK and international students. Figures are indicative; check the Courtauld website for current fees.

Admissions

Undergraduate (BA)A-levels typically AAB–AAA or equivalent; strong personal statement focused on art history.

Postgraduate (MA/MRes)Good undergraduate degree in art history or related field; writing sample usually required.

PhDMaster's degree and a research proposal; supervisor match required.

IELTS Academic7.0 overall (6.5 in each component) for most programmes.

TOEFL iBT100 overall for most programmes.

Rankings

QS World University Rankings by Subject 20241st globally for History of Art

University scholarships

Samuel Courtauld Trust ScholarshipsPartial fee awards for outstanding MA students.

Courtauld Travel GrantsSmall grants for research-related travel, open to enrolled students.

Accreditation

Self-governing college of the University of London; degrees awarded by the University of London.

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated fees for international students at the Courtauld Institute of Art?

International undergraduate fees are approximately £22,000–£27,000 per year. Postgraduate fees vary, and living costs in London are estimated at £12,000–£15,000 per year. Scholarships are available.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For most programmes, an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall (with 6.5 in each component) or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall is required.

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes?

Undergraduate applicants typically need A-levels of AAB–AAA or equivalent with a strong art history focus. Postgraduate applicants require a good undergraduate degree in a related field, and PhD candidates need a Master's degree and a research proposal.

What makes the Courtauld Institute of Art unique for studying art history?

The Courtauld is ranked 1st globally for History of Art and houses the UK's largest faculty of art historians and conservators. Students benefit from direct access to The Courtauld Gallery's collection and a close-knit academic community.

What are the living costs for students in London?

Living costs in London, including accommodation, food, and transport, are estimated to be between £12,000 and £15,000 per year.

Last updated 3 July 2026