UNITED KINGDOM · KINGSTON UPON THAMES, LONDON
Kingston University
public · Founded 1899 · Languages: en
In short
Kingston University, located in southwest London, is a public university known for its Gold TEF rating and Future Skills model that prepares students for career success. It boasts a diverse international community and strong research output.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1899
- Students
- 20,000
- International students
- 5,000
- Acceptance rate
- 80%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–19k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Kingston upon Thames, London, United Kingdom
Kingston University London is a public university established in 1899, known for its diverse community of over 20,000 students from 140 countries. The university is a leading institution in the UK for 'Future Skills', focusing on preparing students for career success in a rapidly evolving job market. Kingston University has received a Gold rating in all three categories of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognising its commitment to high-quality teaching and an outstanding student experience. The university's Future Skills model integrates human-centric skills highly valued by employers, such as creative problem-solving, empathy, and digital competency, into every undergraduate degree course. This approach ensures students develop both subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills, often working directly with employers through a growing network of UK and international businesses. Kingston University also has a strong research profile, with 70% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF). Research at Kingston spans diverse fields, contributing to policy, public life, and addressing global scientific and societal challenges.
Why study here
- TEF Gold rating across all three categories — outstanding teaching, student experience, and degree outcomes.
- Future Skills model integrates employer-valued competencies into every undergraduate degree.
- 70% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
- Diverse international community: 20,000+ students from 140 countries.
- South West London location with superb transport links to the capital's employment market.
Student life
Life at Kingston University combines access to London's cultural riches with a friendly riverside campus community. Students enjoy sports facilities, a lively students' union, arts performances from Kingston School of Art, and strong links with local businesses for placements. Guaranteed first-year accommodation is available on campus.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for international postgraduate students vary by course. Information on specific course fees and international student finance is available on the university's website.
HomeHome undergraduate tuition is capped at £9,535 per year (2025 entry).
LivingMonthly living costs in Kingston upon Thames: approximately £1,200–£1,600 including accommodation, food, and transport.
The university does not provide specific fee ranges for all international students but notes that tuition fees are variable depending on the course of study. International students can explore bursaries and scholarships available to help with postgraduate study costs.
Admissions
UndergraduateA-levels or equivalent international qualification; specific grade requirements per course
PostgraduateUK 2:2 bachelor's degree or international equivalent
Academic IELTS6.0 overall (undergraduate)
Academic IELTS6.5 overall (postgraduate)
TOEFL iBT79+ (undergraduate)
Cambridge CELTAPass (all levels)
Rankings
Guardian University Guide 2026Top half of UK universities
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)Gold — all three categories
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 202170% world-leading or internationally excellent
University scholarships
Kingston University International ScholarshipUp to £2,000 per year
Niloufar Ebrahim ScholarshipFull Masters tuition (memorial award)
Accreditation
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold; REF 2021 top-quarter research impact. Many programmes carry professional accreditation from BCS, RIBA, CIPFA, and other bodies.
For international students
United KingdomStudent 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.
Programs
a selectionKingston University · United Kingdom
3D Design Innovation BA (Hons)
This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in 3D Design Innovation focuses on preparing students for a career in design by integrating digital tools, sustainable practices, and entrepreneurial skills. The course emphasizes collaboration and critical thinking within a creative community, encouraging students to share ideas and explore new making techniques. Graduates will possess the digital, sustainable, and entrepreneurial skills necessary for employment or to start their own businesses.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Kingston University · United Kingdom
Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
Prepare for a career in accounting and finance with Kingston Business School. This BSc (Hons) program focuses on providing you with real-life practical experience and essential skills that employers are seeking. Located near London, a major global financial hub, the course offers opportunities through partnerships with international organizations and connections with industry professionals. You'll gain access to a Bloomberg Trading Room, equipped with advanced technology for analyzing financial data, and have the chance to earn Bloomberg certifications. The program is part of the Department of Accounting, Finance and Informatics, which offers degrees in areas like accounting, banking, finance, and financial technology. The course is accredited by professional bodies such as ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW, potentially allowing for partial exemptions from their professional exams. The curriculum is designed to be vocationally rich and informed by research, aiming to help students achieve their personal and career goals.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Kingston University · United Kingdom
Accounting and Finance MSc
Kingston University's Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting and Finance is designed to equip you with essential analytical and leadership skills for a career in the financial sector. The program delves into current industry developments and provides practical experience using platforms like Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters LSEG. You will build a strong foundation in core accounting areas, including financial reporting, management accounting, corporate finance, and financial modelling. This course is accredited by professional bodies such as the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), offering potential exemptions from their professional examinations. Graduates are prepared for roles such as accountants, traders, and investment bankers.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Kingston University · United Kingdom
Fine Art MFA
The Fine Art MFA at Kingston School of Art is a master's program designed for artists looking to advance their personal artistic practice and conceptual understanding within contemporary art. It combines studio-based work with theoretical exploration, encouraging critical engagement with current social, political, and cultural contexts. The program focuses on developing a substantial body of artwork, supported by individual tutorials, seminars, and workshops, fostering both independent and collaborative approaches to art-making and exhibition strategies. Students benefit from world-class facilities, a program of visiting artists and professionals, and a vibrant creative community within Kingston School of Art, which is located conveniently close to central London.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Kingston University · United Kingdom
Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice
The Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice at Kingston University is an accredited Pearson BTEC course designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to progress to degree-level studies in art and design. You will explore a wide range of creative practices across four core areas: Visual Communication, 3D Design, Fashion & Fabrication, and Fine Art. The program fosters a vibrant studio culture that encourages both individual creative expression and collaborative work, preparing you for a dynamic career in the creative industries.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
9 mo
Duration
Kingston University · United Kingdom
Law LLM
Kingston University's Law LLM offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking programme designed for the contemporary legal landscape. It aims to provide students with advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional insight to advance their legal careers. The course is ideal for those seeking to work as solicitors, barristers, or in related fields, opening doors to diverse opportunities in both public and private sectors. For practicing legal professionals, the LLM allows for career enhancement and specialization, with the dissertation providing an opportunity for in-depth independent research.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United Kingdom
full fundingWellcome 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.
full
Funding
€4000k
Max
Nov 25, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe 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.
full
Funding
€98k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingSkoll 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.
full
Funding
€95k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingRhodes Trust
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.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingGates 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.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAfrica 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.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What makes Kingston University stand out for international students?
+
Kingston University is recognized for its Future Skills model, integrating employer-valued competencies into degrees to enhance career success. It also holds a Gold TEF rating across all categories, indicating outstanding teaching and student experience.
How does Kingston University prepare students for future careers?
+
The university's Future Skills model embeds human-centric skills like creative problem-solving and digital competency into undergraduate courses. They also foster strong connections with UK and international businesses for real-world experience.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
International students typically need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall for undergraduate or 6.5 for postgraduate study. TOEFL iBT scores of 79+ for undergraduate are also accepted, with specific requirements varying by course.
What is the cost of living for students in Kingston upon Thames?
+
Monthly living costs, including accommodation, food, and transport, are estimated to be between £1,200 and £1,600.
Does Kingston University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Kingston University offers scholarships such as the Kingston University International Scholarship, providing up to £2,000 per year. There is also the Niloufar Ebrahim Scholarship covering full Masters tuition.
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