University of Kent logo

University of Kent

Canterbury, UK · Ranking #29

The University of Kent is a public research university founded in 1965, with its main campus on a hill above the historic city of Canterbury in south‑east England and additional campuses at Medway and centres in Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome. Often called “the UK’s European university” for its strong continental links, it offers a wide range of programmes across sciences, social sciences, humanities, business and law. Kent has around 16,000 students, about a quarter from outside the UK, representing more than 150 nationalities. The university performs strongly in research (top 20 in the UK for research intensity in REF 2021) and has a green, self‑contained campus with modern teaching facilities, libraries, sports and student accommodation.

University of Kent logo

University of Kent

About the university

The University of Kent is a public research university founded in 1965, with its main campus on a hill above the historic city of Canterbury in south‑east England and additional campuses at Medway and centres in Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome. Often called “the UK’s European university” for its strong continental links, it offers a wide range of programmes across sciences, social sciences, humanities, business and law. Kent has around 16,000 students, about a quarter from outside the UK, representing more than 150 nationalities. The university performs strongly in research (top 20 in the UK for research intensity in REF 2021) and has a green, self‑contained campus with modern teaching facilities, libraries, sports and student accommodation.

Key information

  • Location: Canterbury, UK
  • Ranking #29
  • QS #387
  • National ranking #30
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Humanities (e.g. English
  • History
  • Philosophy)
  • Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Economics)
  • Sciences (Biosciences
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Computing)
  • Kent Business School
  • Kent Law School

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 16,000
  • Undergraduate: 13,000
  • Graduate: 2,500
  • International students: 28%

Campus life

The main Canterbury campus is set on a green hill overlooking the city and cathedral, with teaching buildings, residences, sports facilities, shops and social spaces all within walking distance. Medway campus offers a more compact environment in a historic dockyard setting. Kent Union organises clubs, sports and events, and the city of Canterbury provides a mix of medieval architecture, cafes and student‑friendly venues. International student services help with visas, accommodation and adapting to study in the UK.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £600 - £1,199 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus catered and self‑catered halls in Canterbury and Medway
  • Standard and en‑suite rooms
  • Studios
  • Shared houses and flats in Canterbury and Medway towns

Student clubs and organizations

  • Kent Union societies
  • Academic and course‑based societies
  • Cultural and international student groups
  • Volunteering and community projects
  • Arts and performance societies

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Hockey
  • Tennis
  • Netball
  • Rowing
  • Badminton
  • Other BUCS and recreational sports supported by the university’s sports facilities

Career & internships

Employment rate: 87%

Internships: Many Kent programmes offer optional placement years, internships or study‑abroad opportunities, especially in business, law, sciences and social sciences. The university works with employers in the UK and Europe, and Careers and Employability Service provides guidance, skills workshops and employer events. International students can undertake placements in line with visa rules, gaining valuable work experience alongside their studies.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • UCAS or online application
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Personal statement
  • Academic reference
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
  • Passport copy
  • Additional materials for some programmes (e.g. portfolio for arts)

Tuition costs

  • £23,000 - £35,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 40.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of Kent offers various scholarships for international students, including Global Welcome and Excellence scholarships which provide partial tuition fee reductions, as well as country‑specific awards and subject‑based funding (for example in Law and Business). Amounts are typically several thousand pounds and are awarded competitively on the basis of academic performance, fee status as an overseas student and sometimes a short supporting statement. External funding from governments or sponsors may also be available depending on the student’s home country. Details and deadlines are updated annually on Kent’s international fees and funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1965
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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