King’s College London: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Eligibility, Fees, Courses
Table of Contents
King’s College London (KCL) is one of the UK’s leading institutions of academic excellence. Ranked among the top 40 universities globally and within the top 10 regionally, KCL holds a prestigious position in higher education. As the fourth oldest university in the UK, it champions innovation by providing cutting-edge education across multiple disciplines. The faculty at King’s is dedicated to inspiring current and future generations, equipping them to become problem-solvers and change-makers in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Highlights Table
University | King’s College London |
Established In | 1829 |
Motto | ‘sancte et sapienter’ (With Holiness and With Wisdom) |
Global Ranking | #40 |
Acceptance Rate | 13% |
Total Enrollment | 34,496 |
Campus | Denmark Hill Campus Guy’s Campus St Thomas’ Campus Strand Campus Waterloo Campus |
Location | London |
Official Website | https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ |
King’s College London: Overview
King’s College London (KCL) was established in 1829. It is the fourth oldest university in the UK and one of the most prestigious. Over nearly two centuries, it has evolved into a leading institution renowned for world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. KCL operates across five campuses:
- Guy’s Campus
- Waterloo Campus
King’s operates multiple faculties and sub-faculties in different fields of studies.
- King’s Business School
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine
- Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
- Social Science and Public Policy
- The Dickson Poon School of Law
KCL maintains strong affiliations both domestically and internationally. It collaborates with institutions worldwide to enhance its academic and research endeavors.
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King’s College London: Rankings
King’s College London is ranked #40 in the world. It has been listed under global organizations, including QS, Times Higher Education (THE), Shanghai Ranking, and European regional rankings. The table below highlights all the major King’s College London Rankings.
Ranking Categories | Rankings |
QS World University 2025 | #40 |
Times Higher Education | #36 |
Shanghai Ranking | #4 |
Complete University Guide | #24 |
UK Ranking | #6 |
Arts and Humanities | #20 |
Clinical and Health | #13 |
Legal Studies | #27 |
Psychology | #15 |
Social Sciences | #33 |
KCL is also recognized as a leading university on SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.
King’s College London: Acceptance Rate
King’s College London has an overall acceptance rate of 13% only. This means out of 100 applicants, only 13 are accepted. The acceptance rate at KCL also depends on the source and the specific program. Due to this reason, reports indicate an overall acceptance rate of approximately 13%, while others suggest it is around 16.9% for undergraduate programs.
Factors Contributing to the Low Acceptance Rate:
- High Volume of Applications: KCL attracts a large number of applicants globally, drawn by its prestigious reputation and diverse academic offerings. This high demand naturally leads to a more selective admissions process.
- Program Popularity: Certain programs, such as Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, are particularly competitive. For instance, the acceptance rate for Medicine was reported at 6.2% in 2021, reflecting the intense competition for these courses.
- Academic Standards: KCL maintains rigorous academic requirements, seeking students with outstanding academic records, strong personal statements, and relevant extracurricular experiences.
Who Is an Ideal Applicant?
KCL looks for applicants who demonstrate:
- Academic Excellence: High grades in relevant subjects and strong standardized test scores.
- Passion for the Chosen Field: A clear commitment to the subject area, evidenced through personal statements, references, and related experiences.
- Extracurricular Engagement: Participation in activities that showcase leadership, initiative, and a well-rounded character.
- Diversity and Global Perspective: An appreciation for diverse cultures and viewpoints, aligning with KCL’s international outlook.
King’s College London: Courses and Faculties
KCL is the ideal place for students who want to make a difference and build a sustainable world. For over 2 centuries, KCL has been academically renowned and offered multiple courses in business, healthcare, banking, arts and politics. Today, KCL offers over 135 undergraduate and 237 postgraduate programs in multiple fields. The duration of undergraduate courses at KCL is 3 to 4 years and 2 years for postgraduate courses.
The table below highlights all the major undergraduate courses at different faculties at KCL.
Faculties | Courses |
Arts and Humanities | BA Ancient History BA English Language and Linguistics BA Modern Languages BA Philosophy BA Politics BA Economics |
Business and Management | BSc Business Management BSc International Management |
Engineering and Technology | BEng/ MEng Biomedical Engineering BSc Computer Science BEng Electronic Engineering |
Natural Sciences | BSc Natural Sciences |
Social Sciences and Management | BA Social Sciences MSc Management |
Life Sciences and Medicine | BSc Biomedical Science BSc: MBBS Medicine MPharm |
KCL Tuition Fees
King’s College London’s tuition fees for domestic students are set at £9,250/ year for 2024-25. Students from EU, EEA, or Switzerland are not enlisted for this tuition fees, as they are no longer eligible for home fee status at public universities in the UK. For the 2025-26 academic cycle, KCL’s tuition fees will be £9,535 for full-time courses and £7,145 part-time courses.
KCL Tuition Fee for International Students
KCL’s undergraduate tuition fee for international students varies from £27,100 to £35,800/ year. International students are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first-year tuition fees. The international tuition fee is subject to an annual increase in years of study, and other conditions of the university.
How to Pay Tuition Fee?
Most home undergraduate students don’t need to pay tuition fees upfront unless they choose to. Instead, they can apply for a student loan to cover the cost. Learn more on our loans and grants page.
Repayments begin the April after your course ends, but only if your income exceeds the threshold for your repayment plan. Details on repayment plans are available on the UK Government’s ‘Repaying your student loan’ page.
Please note, tuition fee payments in GBP with non-UK issued cards are not accepted due to high processing costs.
King’s College London: Scholarships and Bursaries
King’s offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Postgraduate scholarships at KCL can cover up to 50% of the tuition fees and offer other academic assistance. Each year, KCL offers up to 83 bursaries of £9,000 to first-year students. Here’s a table highlighting some of the most popular scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Scholarships and Bursaries | Applicant Residency | Award |
Access to Professions Bursary | United Kingdom | £9,000 |
ANID/CONICYT Becas Chile | Chile | Fee Discount |
Broadening Horizons Award (Global Mobility) | Home Fee Status Students | Fee Discount |
Bystander-balance | PhD Students | Stipend, Study costs, and Research Training & Support Grant. |
Care Experienced and Estranged Bursary | United Kingdom | £1,000 |
Centre of European Law PhD Studentship | PhD Students | Fee Discount and Stipend |
Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom/ International/ Commonwealth Office | Up to £18,000 of tuition fees |
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships | International | £1,516/ monthly stipend |
Dickson Poon School of Law School Studentship | United Kingdom/ International | £20,000 of tuition fees |
King’s College London: Accommodation
Students at King’s are offered the unique opportunities to live in furnished accommodation. There are on-campus and off-campus student accommodation in London with basic and luxury housing facilities. King’s College London (KCL) offers a variety of student accommodation with weekly rents starting from £304.00. This equates to approximately £1,216 per month. The exact rent varies depending on the residence and room type.
KCL provides several on-campus housing options, including:
- Great Dover Street Apartments
- Stamford Street Apartments
- Atlas
- Wolfson House
- Angel Lane
Apart from these student housing, King’s College is also surrounded by multiple off-campus student accommodation. Unlike on-campus, these student properties offer a more independent and comfier lifestyle. These residences offer various amenities and are located in central London, providing convenient access to KCL campuses. Off-campus accommodation rent near KCL starts from £200/ week. Here are some of the most trusted student housings outside King’s campus.
- Chapter Aldgate
- Chapter Spitalfields
- Chapter Highbury II
- Scape Mile End Canalside
- Chapter Portobello
- Manequinne House
- Chapter Lewisham
- Westcombe House
- The Valentine
- Grand Felda House
Conclusion
This was all about King’s College London. This institute of global excellence offers academic and life opportunities like no other. Its prime location in London offers easy access to some of the finest museums and public places in the UK. KCL is all about quality education and consistent growth for a better tomorrow. Your life at KCL will offer you splendid opportunities to make the world a better place and become a better person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King's College London ranking globally?
KCL ranks 35th in the QS World University Rankings (2024) and 35th in Times Higher Education (2023).
What is the acceptance rate for KCL?
The acceptance rate is approximately 13%, with more competitive rates for highly sought-after programs.
Is King's College London expensive for international students?
KCL is a public research institution and its tuition fee for domestic students is £9,250/ year, based on the UK government’s cap. EU, EEA or Switzerland starting their course in 2021 or after are not eligible for domestic tuition fee. For international students, the undergraduate tuition fee ranges from £21,900 to £27,100/ year. The tuition fee at all public universities in the UK will change for domestic students in 2025-26 academic cycle.
Does King’s College London provide on-campus accommodation?
Yes. King’s Residences are the official on-campus accommodation. These properties offer rooms to 5,500+ undergraduate and postgraduate students each year. There are different types of rooms, including shared flats and private students.
What are the best courses at King’s College London?
Top programs include Medicine, Law, Business, Data Science, and English Literature.
What are the nearby areas for student accommodation?
Popular areas include Waterloo, Borough, and Southbank, offering a mix of affordable and premium housing.
Is it hard to get into King’s College London?
KCL is one of the top universities in the world and has a highly selective admission process. It has an overall acceptance rate of 13% only, meaning out of 100 applicants, only 13 are selected.