University Guide
King's College London (KCL)
Founded in 1829, King’s College London is a Russell Group university with more than 42,000 students. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses across subjects including medicine, law, business, the arts and sciences, with a long history of research that has helped shape the world we live in. King’s has five campuses: Strand, Waterloo, Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Denmark Hill. Four sit beside the Thames in central London, while Denmark Hill is based further south. From studying near historic landmarks to exploring the city between lectures, London is a big part of the experience. With students spread across several campuses, the university’s societies, events and shared spaces offer plenty of ways to find your community.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the King's College London (KCL).
Rankings
King’s College London ranks 37th in the world and sixth in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Its strengths also show in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, where Nursing ranks second globally and Dentistry fifth, with 26 subjects appearing in the world’s top 50.
Employability
Whether you have a career in mind or are still exploring your options, King’s Careers & Employability offers individual advice, application and interview support, workshops and employer events. Through King’s CareerConnect, students can search for part-time jobs, internships, placements and graduate opportunities, as well as book appointments with the careers team. Many careers services remain available for up to two years after you finish your course, giving you support as you take your next steps.
Fees
For students starting in September 2026, Home undergraduate tuition fees are £9,790 per year. International undergraduate fees vary by course, while postgraduate fees depend on the programme and your fee status. You can find the relevant amount on your chosen course page. Check the fees for your intended year of entry, as charges may change between academic years and during your course. More information is available on King’s undergraduate tuition fees page.
Bursaries
King’s offers bursaries and scholarships to help eligible students with the cost of studying. The King’s Living Bursarysupports eligible Home undergraduates from lower-income households and does not need to be repaid. The amount depends on your assessed household income and the year you started your course. Students are normally assessed automatically using their Student Finance household-income assessment. Other awards have their own eligibility criteria and application deadlines, so check King’s funding opportunities for support relevant to your circumstances.
Accommodation
King’s Residences offers accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, with utility bills included and support available around the clock. Locations, room types and facilities vary, so compare the options with your budget and the campus where you’ll be studying. King’s publishes an accommodation guarantee for eligible new undergraduates, subject to firm-choice, registration and booking requirements. Check the conditions and deadlines for your year of entry; the guarantee does not cover a particular residence or room type. Its Affordable Accommodation Scheme also provides lower-cost rooms for eligible undergraduates when applications are open. If you’re considering private halls or a house share, AFS has a range of student accommodation in London. Compare the full cost, including bills and travel, and check your journey to campus before booking.
Need a place to stay in London?
We have lots of available student accommodation in London.
Students' Union
King’s College London Students’ Union, known as KCLSU, helps students get involved and feel part of university life. Every King’s student automatically becomes a member, with hundreds of societies, activity groups and sports clubs to explore. Whether you want to meet people who share your background, try a new sport or pursue an interest outside your course, there’s plenty to choose from. KCLSU also runs events and social spaces, including The Vault and Guy’s Bar, and represents students through elected officers. Its advice service offers free, confidential and impartial support when you need help with university-related issues.
Famous for
King’s is known for its contribution to medicine, healthcare and scientific discovery. Rosalind Franklin’s research at King’s, including the famous Photo 51, helped reveal the structure of DNA. Its nursing faculty also traces its roots to the pioneering school founded by Florence Nightingale in 1860. Fourteen people associated with King’s and its predecessor institutions have received Nobel Prizes. Its wider community includes Archbishop Desmond Tutu, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and author Michael Morpurgo.
News
Visit the King’s News Centre for the latest university announcements, research discoveries and stories from its students, staff and wider community.
Accommodation for Students says
“King’s makes London part of your everyday student life. A walk along the Thames, a society event or an afternoon exploring somewhere new can all fit around your lectures. There’s a lot to enjoy, but finding the right place to live makes a real difference. Start with where your course is based, then work out a realistic budget for rent, bills and travel. A manageable commute leaves you more time to make the most of the city.”
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