Kingston University logo

Kingston University

London, UK · Ranking #601

Kingston University London is a modern public university based in Kingston upon Thames in south‑west London, originally founded in 1899 and granted university status in 1992. It has four main faculties: Kingston School of Art; the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences (including Kingston Business School and Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences); the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education; and the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment. The university is known for career‑focused teaching and strong links with industry, and is ranked number one in London for several subjects such as fashion and textiles, geography, graphic design, children’s nursing, midwifery and social work. Around 18,800 students study there, including over 4,700 non‑UK students from more than 140 countries.

Kingston University logo

Kingston University

About the university

Kingston University London is a modern public university based in Kingston upon Thames in south‑west London, originally founded in 1899 and granted university status in 1992. It has four main faculties: Kingston School of Art; the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences (including Kingston Business School and Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences); the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education; and the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment. The university is known for career‑focused teaching and strong links with industry, and is ranked number one in London for several subjects such as fashion and textiles, geography, graphic design, children’s nursing, midwifery and social work. Around 18,800 students study there, including over 4,700 non‑UK students from more than 140 countries.

Key information

  • Location: London, UK
  • Ranking #601
  • National ranking #10
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Kingston School of Art
  • Faculty of Business and Social Sciences (Kingston Business School
  • School of Law Social and Behavioural Sciences)
  • Faculty of Health Science Social Care and Education
  • Faculty of Engineering Computing and the Environment

Programs (5)

  • Art and Design
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Architecture

Student body

  • Total students: 18,800
  • Undergraduate: 14,800
  • Graduate: 4,000
  • International students: 25%

Campus life

Kingston University has several campuses (Penrhyn Road, Knights Park, Kingston Hill, Roehampton Vale) connected by free university buses, with teaching buildings, studios, labs and student spaces across Kingston upon Thames. The Students’ Union runs societies, sports and events, and the riverside town offers shops, cafes and quick transport links into central London. Halls of residence and private rentals provide a range of accommodation options. International student support helps with visas, housing and academic skills in a diverse, career‑focused environment.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £800 - £1,500 / per month

Housing options

  • University halls (single and en‑suite rooms
  • studios) on or near Kingston campuses
  • Nominated private halls
  • Shared rental flats and houses in Kingston and south‑west London

Student clubs and organizations

  • Students’ Union societies
  • Course and academic societies
  • Cultural and international student groups
  • Arts and media clubs
  • Sport and fitness clubs

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Basketball
  • Netball
  • Other BUCS and recreational sports through Kingston University Students’ Union

Career & internships

Employment rate: 92%

Internships: Many Kingston programmes have placement or “sandwich” years, live projects and strong links with employers, especially in art and design, business, computing, engineering, health and social care. Careers services support CVs, applications and networking with London and global employers. International students can undertake placements within visa rules, gaining industry experience in creative sectors, tech, healthcare and business.

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
  • Portfolio or audition for art
  • design and performance courses (where required)

Tuition costs

  • £21,000 - £24,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 75.00%
  • Scholarships available: Kingston University offers scholarships and discounts for international students, including subject and region‑specific awards. Typical support is a partial tuition fee reduction (several thousand pounds) based on academic merit and fee status as an overseas student. Some scholarships are targeted at particular faculties such as Kingston School of Art or the Business School. External funding through home‑country schemes or sponsors can sometimes be combined. Exact schemes, amounts and deadlines are published annually on the university’s international fees and funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1899
  • Teaching languages: english
  • Study formats: offline

Contact

  • Website: https://www.kingston.ac.uk
  • +44 20 8417 9000