Kingston University Scholarships 2026 (Application Process) | Study in UK

If you are planning to study in the United Kingdom and you want a university that combines strong academic programmes with genuine financial support for international students, Kingston University London is well worth your attention. Located just 30 minutes from central London in the vibrant riverside town of Kingston upon Thames, Kingston University offers a rich academic environment, a Gold-rated teaching experience, and a wide range of scholarships for international students starting in 2026.

This guide covers every scholarship available at Kingston University for the 2026 and 2026-27 academic cycle, including the International Merit Based Scholarship, the International Success Support Scholarship, the British Council GREAT Scholarship, the MBA Scholarship, the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship, and more. We will walk through who each award is for, how much it is worth, how to apply, and what deadlines you need to keep in mind. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate taught Masters programme, this is your complete starting point.

About Kingston University London

Kingston University London is a public research university with a history dating back to 1899, when it first opened its doors as Kingston Technical Institute. Over more than a century, it has grown into a well-respected institution offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines.

Today, Kingston University enrolls over 20,000 students from more than 140 countries, with around 4,000 international students on campus at any given time. The university operates across four campuses in and around Kingston upon Thames, all within easy reach of each other and all well-connected to central London by train and bus. Each campus is self-contained and student-friendly, offering academic facilities, library access, student support services, and social spaces designed for learning and wellbeing.

In terms of rankings, Kingston University is placed in the top 60 UK universities according to the Guardian University Guide 2026. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it sits at approximately position 660 globally. The university is particularly strong in several specific subject areas. It holds the number one position in London for children’s nursing, creative writing, general nursing, graphic design, mental health nursing, and midwifery. Nationally, it ranks second in the UK for mental health nursing and fourth in the UK for graphic design and fashion and textiles.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 70% of Kingston University’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, which is a strong indicator of the university’s commitment to knowledge creation beyond the classroom. It is also consistently ranked among the top UK institutions for graduate start-ups, with Kingston students setting up one in every ten of all graduate businesses launched in England in recent surveys. That entrepreneurial energy is something you feel on campus.

Kingston University organizes its teaching across four faculties:

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

Across these four faculties, Kingston offers over 325 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level, giving students a genuinely wide range of academic pathways to choose from.

Why Choose Kingston University for Your UK Studies?

Before we get into the scholarships in detail, it helps to understand why Kingston attracts students from over 140 countries every year. A few things consistently come up in conversations with current and former students.

The first is location. Kingston upon Thames is a safe, green, and lively riverside town with great transport links into central London. You are close enough to benefit from everything the capital has to offer, including one of the world’s largest job markets, world-class culture, and a deeply international community, without paying London-centre accommodation prices. That balance of access and affordability is something many students find genuinely valuable.

The second is the Future Skills approach. Kingston has built its curriculum around a model it calls Future Skills, which is designed to equip students with the practical, professional, and digital competencies that employers are actively looking for. This shapes how courses are taught, how assessments are structured, and how career development is integrated into the student experience. It is not just a tagline; it is visible in how modules are designed and what students are expected to do with their learning.

The third is the employment outcomes. Kingston graduates work at companies including Amazon, Deloitte, UCL, Turner and Townsend, Disney, and KPMG. The university has a 92% graduate employability rate, with graduates entering employment or further study within 15 months of graduation according to available data. The careers team runs a Career Pathways Insight tool that maps student skills and interests to real job families, then recommends relevant internship and vacancy opportunities throughout the degree.

Finally, for international students specifically, Kingston has a well-developed support network. From visa guidance and immigration support to on-campus counselling, disability services, and a dedicated international student office, the university takes the welfare of its overseas students seriously.

Kingston University Scholarships 2026: Full Overview

Kingston University offers a range of scholarships and financial awards for international students starting in January 2026, September 2026, and January 2027. These range from automatic awards applied directly to your tuition invoice, to competitive merit-based scholarships that require a separate application with a personal statement and video.

Here is a summary table of all the major scholarship programs currently available to international students at Kingston University for 2026:

1. International Merit Based Scholarship 2026

The International Merit Based Scholarship is the flagship award at Kingston University for international students. It is worth £5,000 towards your first-year tuition fees and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students starting in September 2026 or January 2027. The scholarship is competitive and is decided not on a first-come, first-served basis, which means taking the time to write a genuinely strong application is worth the effort.

What makes this scholarship slightly different from the typical academic merit award is the combination of elements required. The Scholarships Committee looks at your reasons for wanting to study at Kingston University and your ability and enthusiasm to champion Kingston and support the university’s recruitment and marketing work as a student ambassador. In practice, this means your personal statement needs to go beyond just listing academic achievements.

How the Award Works

If you are awarded the scholarship and you pay your full tuition fees in advance, you should deduct £5,000 from your total fees. If you are paying by instalments, the £5,000 deduction will be applied to your final instalment. The award is specifically for the first year of study only, so factor this into your overall financial planning for the full duration of your course.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be classified as an international (overseas fee status) student at Kingston University
• You must hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study at Kingston University for the January 2027 or September 2026 intake
• Applications are open for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants across most eligible programmes

Application Requirements

• Your offer email from Kingston University (conditional or unconditional)
• An academic transcript (your most recent available; if your final transcript is not available until after 30 May, submit your most recent grades and a final transcript will be requested later)
• An academic reference from a previous teacher or employer
• A personal statement of a maximum of 300 words
• A one-minute video introduction of yourself recorded and uploaded as part of the application

Deadlines and Notification

• September 2026 intake: applications typically open in March 2026, with a deadline of 10 May 2026
• January 2027 intake: applications open in October 2026
• Outcome notifications for the September 2026 intake are usually made towards the end of June 2026
• For January intake applicants, notifications are sent during the week commencing 24 November 2025

You will receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting your application. If you do not see it, check your spam or junk folder. Once a decision is made, successful applicants receive an email with a scholarship contract that must be signed and returned by the deadline stated. Missing this deadline means the scholarship is withdrawn, so stay on top of your inbox.

2. International Success Support Scholarship 2026

The International Success Support Scholarship is one of the most student-friendly awards on offer at Kingston because it does not require any separate application. If you are eligible, the award is automatically applied to your tuition fee invoice.

The scholarship provides £2,500 towards tuition fees for eligible international students starting in January 2026 or September 2026 on an eligible course. Postgraduate students receive the award in their first year. Eligible undergraduate students can receive £2,500 per year for up to three years, making the total potential value of this award up to £7,500 over the course of a three-year undergraduate degree.

This is a meaningful and practical award. For many students, having £2,500 automatically removed from their first tuition invoice reduces financial stress at the start of their studies and makes the transition to UK university life significantly smoother.

Eligibility

• You must be an international student (assessed as overseas for fee purposes)
• You must have an offer to study at Kingston University on an eligible course starting January 2026 or September 2026
• The award is tied to specific eligible courses, so check the Kingston University international scholarships page to confirm your programme qualifies

No separate application is required. If your course is eligible, the award will automatically appear as a reduction on your tuition fee invoice.

3. British Council GREAT Scholarship 2026

The British Council GREAT Scholarship is a prestigious award funded jointly by the UK government and Kingston University London. For the 2026-27 academic year, Kingston is offering GREAT Scholarships worth £10,000 each towards tuition fees for eligible students pursuing a one-year full-time postgraduate taught Masters programme.

This scholarship is part of a broader national programme that covers 72 UK universities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The GREAT Scholarship at Kingston is specifically available to students from three countries: Ghana, Kenya, and Thailand. If you hold a passport from one of these countries and you have an offer for a Masters programme at Kingston for September 2026, this is a genuinely strong financial award worth pursuing.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must hold a passport from Ghana, Kenya, or Thailand
• You must have an offer to study a one-year postgraduate taught Masters programme at Kingston University for September 2026
• You must meet the specific entry requirements applicable to students from Ghana, Kenya, or Thailand respectively
• The scholarship is available across all full-time postgraduate taught Masters programmes at Kingston

Deadline

The deadline for the GREAT Scholarship application at Kingston University is 29 May 2026. Scholarship applications for September 2026 are now closed as of the time of the official update, with the university aiming to inform all applicants of outcomes by the end of June 2026 at the latest.

For full details and to apply, visit the Kingston University GREAT Scholarship page or the British Council Study UK GREAT Scholarship page for Kingston.

4. Kingston MBA Scholarship (Kingston Impact Scholarship) 2026

Kingston Business School offers a dedicated scholarship of £5,000 towards tuition fees for self-funded international students starting on the MBA or MBA (Cyber for Business Leadership) programmes in September 2026. Kingston Business School is accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which places it among a select group of globally recognized business schools.

This scholarship is specifically for students who are self-funding their MBA. It is an application-required award, meaning you need to submit an application form after receiving your MBA offer. If you are considering the Kingston MBA and you are planning to fund your studies independently without sponsorship from an employer or government, this scholarship is an important financial support option to factor into your planning.

Eligibility

• Self-funded international students only
• You must hold an offer for the MBA or MBA (Cyber for Business Leadership) course at Kingston for the September 2026 intake
• UK nationals are not eligible

5. Postgraduate Progression Scholarship

The Postgraduate Progression Scholarship is designed for Kingston University’s own undergraduate students who choose to continue their education at Kingston at postgraduate level. If you are completing your undergraduate degree at Kingston University in the 2024-25 academic year and you progress without a gap into a postgraduate taught or research degree at Kingston in 2025-26, you are eligible for a 15% reduction on your postgraduate tuition fees.

This scholarship is applied automatically and does not require a separate application. It is an excellent incentive for students who enjoy their undergraduate experience at Kingston and want to continue building on that foundation at the same institution. The 15% reduction is applied to the full postgraduate tuition fee and can represent a saving of several thousand pounds depending on your programme.

6. Niloufar Ebrahim Scholarship

The Niloufar Ebrahim Scholarship provides a portion of tuition fees up to the value of £1,000 for international postgraduate students with an offer to study at Kingston. This scholarship is not applied for directly. Recipients are selected from the pool of International Merit Based Scholarship applicants, meaning that by completing a strong International Merit Based Scholarship application, you automatically enter consideration for this award as well. It is a secondary award within the merit scholarship evaluation process.

7. Kingston University Sanctuary Scholarships

Kingston University’s Sanctuary Scholarships are specifically designed to support students who are seeking asylum in the UK and who do not have access to standard Student Finance. These scholarships support eligible students at undergraduate level and reflect Kingston’s commitment to widening access to higher education regardless of a student’s circumstances. Deadlines and award values vary; check the Kingston University scholarships and bursaries page for the latest Sanctuary Scholarship information.

Tuition Fees at Kingston University 2026

Understanding tuition fees is essential before you assess the value of any scholarship. Kingston University’s tuition fees for international students in 2026 are structured as follows:

• Undergraduate programmes: approximately £15,000 to £18,500 per year for most courses
• Postgraduate taught Masters programmes: approximately £16,000 to £20,000 per year for most programmes
• MBA programme: approximately £24,000 per year
• Some specialist postgraduate programmes in science and health may have higher fees

Against these fee levels, the International Merit Based Scholarship of £5,000 represents approximately 25% to 33% of a typical first-year tuition fee for international undergraduates and postgraduates. The GREAT Scholarship of £10,000 covers a very substantial portion of a one-year Masters tuition fee. Even the automatic International Success Support Scholarship of £2,500 makes a real and practical difference, especially when combined with other awards.

It is also worth noting that Kingston’s tuition fees are generally lower than those at many other London-based universities of comparable standing, which is one of the reasons international students consistently cite Kingston as an accessible option for studying in the capital.

Living Costs for International Students at Kingston

Budgeting is one of the most important preparations you can make before arriving in the UK. Kingston upon Thames offers a meaningfully more affordable cost of living compared to central London, while still giving you easy access to everything the city has to offer.

Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect for living costs in Kingston:

• Accommodation: University-managed student housing typically costs between £6,000 and £9,000 per year. Private apartments in the area can range from £600 to £1,000 per month depending on location, room type, and whether you are sharing.
• Food and groceries: Most students in Kingston budget around £30 to £60 per week for food, depending on how much they cook versus eat out.
• Transport: A monthly travel card for Kingston and surrounding zones covers bus and train access into central London. Cycling is also a popular option given the town’s riverside paths and green spaces.
• Personal expenses: Books, social activities, phone, and general daily spending varies but budgeting £100 to £200 per month is a reasonable estimate for most students.
• Total monthly estimate: Most international students at Kingston budget between £1,000 and £1,250 per month for all living costs combined. The UK government’s maintenance requirement for student visa holders outside London is approximately £1,171 per month, so this aligns with official guidance.

Kingston University also guarantees on-campus accommodation to all new international students in their first year, provided applications are submitted before the relevant deadline. This is a significant reassurance for students arriving in the UK for the first time and who do not yet have local knowledge of the private rental market.

Admission Requirements for International Students at Kingston University

Before you can apply for any scholarship, you need to hold an offer for your chosen programme at Kingston. Here is an overview of the general admission requirements for international students in 2026:

Undergraduate Admission

• Academic achievement: typically 60 to 65% in your previous education (secondary or high school equivalent), though some programmes require higher grades
• English language: minimum IELTS 6.0 overall (no individual band below 5.5 for most undergraduate programmes), TOEFL iBT minimum 80, PTE Academic minimum 59
• Applications for undergraduate courses are submitted through UCAS in the UK
• Application deadline for undergraduate courses: 30 June 2026

Postgraduate Admission

• Academic achievement: at least 65% in a completed bachelor’s degree, equivalent to a 2:2 classification (minimum CGPA 6.0 out of 10 for most Masters programmes)
• English language: minimum IELTS 6.5 overall (no individual band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT minimum 88, PTE Academic minimum 59
• Some programmes, particularly in healthcare, education, and law, may have higher language requirements
• A tuition fee deposit of £5,000 is required for international postgraduate students on a student visa to secure a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Postgraduate applications are submitted directly through Kingston University’s online admissions portal

Kingston’s acceptance rate sits at approximately 68% across all programmes, which reflects a moderately competitive admissions environment. The university values academic potential alongside personal motivation and practical readiness, and reviews applications holistically.

How to Apply for Kingston University Scholarships 2026: Step-by-Step

Applying for Kingston University scholarships is a clear, manageable process if you follow the steps in order. Here is exactly how it works:

Step 1: Apply for Your Programme First

You must hold at least a conditional offer from Kingston University before applying for the International Merit Based Scholarship or the GREAT Scholarship. For undergraduate applications, submit through UCAS. For postgraduate applications, apply directly through Kingston’s online admissions portal. Get your programme application in early, as scholarship deadlines come relatively quickly after the January and September intake cycles open.

Step 2: Wait for Your Offer Letter

Once Kingston issues your conditional or unconditional offer, you will have the documentation needed to proceed with the scholarship application. Keep your offer email accessible as you will need to upload it.

Step 3: Prepare Your Scholarship Documents

For the International Merit Based Scholarship, you will need:

• Your Kingston offer email
• Your academic transcript (most recent available)
• An academic reference letter from a teacher or employer
• A personal statement of up to 300 words
• A one-minute video introduction

Take the video seriously. It is a genuine part of the assessment, and a clear, confident, well-prepared video makes a positive impression. You do not need professional equipment; natural lighting, a clear background, and strong spoken communication are what matter.

Step 4: Submit Your Scholarship Application Online

The scholarship application form typically opens in March and October each year for the September and January intakes respectively. Complete the form carefully, attach all required documents, and submit before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email on the day of submission.

Step 5: Wait for the Outcome

The Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and makes final decisions. The committee does not correspond with applicants during the review process. Outcomes for the September 2026 intake are typically communicated towards the end of June 2026. For January intake applicants, results come in late November.

Step 6: Sign and Return Your Scholarship Contract

If you are successful, Kingston will contact you by email with a scholarship contract. You must sign and return this contract by the stated deadline. Failing to respond on time results in the scholarship being withdrawn. Keep your email accessible and act promptly.

To view all active scholarship programs and access application links, visit the Kingston University international scholarships and bursaries page.

Student Support at Kingston University

Beyond scholarships, Kingston invests in support services that help international students navigate UK university life successfully. These include:

• International Student Support Team: Provides guidance on visa requirements, immigration rules, CAS letters, and all practical aspects of arriving and settling in the UK as an international student.
• Information Centre: Kingston’s single point of contact for all student queries, accessible by phone, online chat, or in person at any of the four campus libraries. It handles everything from academic support queries to accommodation advice, disability support, and wellbeing referrals.
• Counselling and Wellbeing Services: One-to-one counselling is available by appointment or walk-in, alongside self-help resources and an on-campus NHS surgery at Penrhyn Road campus for general health consultations.
• Student Life Advisory Team: Covers financial advice, accommodation queries, student complaints, and general guidance on all aspects of university life.
• Beyond Barriers Mentoring Scheme: Pairs students with professional mentors to support career development and personal growth throughout the degree.
• Careers and Employability Service: Provides CV workshops, interview preparation, employer networking events, and the Career Pathways Insight profiling tool. Major employers including Amazon, Deloitte, KPMG, Disney, and others actively engage with Kingston through careers fairs and on-campus recruitment events.
• Kingston Students Union (KSU): Runs sports clubs, academic societies, social events, and student welfare services. KSU is an active part of campus life and a good first stop for students who want to get involved beyond their degree programme.

Popular Degree Programmes at Kingston University

Kingston offers over 325 programmes. Here are some of the most popular and well-regarded courses pursued by international students:

Popular Undergraduate Programmes

• BSc Accounting and Finance
• BSc Business Management
• BSc Computer Science
• BA Graphic Design
• BSc Nursing (Children’s, Mental Health, General)
• BA Fashion Design
• BSc Civil Engineering
• BA Law
• BSc Biomedical Science
• BSc Psychology

Popular Postgraduate Programmes

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• MSc Data Science
• MSc International Business Management
• MSc Software Engineering
• MSc Cyber Security
• MSc Marketing
• MA Journalism
• MSc Finance and Investment
• MSc Architecture
• MSc Construction Project Management

Other External Scholarships Available to Kingston Students

In addition to Kingston’s own scholarships, international students studying at Kingston may be eligible for external financial support from the following sources:

• Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships offered by the UK government to outstanding students from Chevening-eligible countries for one-year Masters degrees in the UK. Kingston University is a participating institution. Applications are typically open from August to November each year for entry the following September.
• Commonwealth Scholarships: Available to students from Commonwealth countries for Masters and PhD study in the UK. Awards are based on academic merit and potential impact in the student’s home country.
• Home government scholarships: Many countries have their own national scholarship programmes that fund students to study abroad. Examples include the Turkish Government Scholarship, the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Saudi Cultural Bureau scholarships, and similar programmes. Kingston’s International Student Support team can advise on whether your home country’s programme is applicable to study at Kingston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Kingston University’s International Merit Based Scholarship?

Any student classified as an international (overseas fee status) student with a conditional or unconditional offer to study at Kingston University for the September 2026 or January 2027 intake is eligible to apply. UK nationals are not eligible.

Is the GREAT Scholarship open to all nationalities?

No. The British Council GREAT Scholarship at Kingston University is specifically for students holding passports from Ghana, Kenya, or Thailand. Students from other countries are not eligible for this specific award, but can apply for the International Merit Based Scholarship and other Kingston awards.

Can I combine multiple scholarships at Kingston?

In some cases, yes. For example, if you are eligible for the automatic International Success Support Scholarship and you also apply for and receive the International Merit Based Scholarship, both awards can potentially contribute to reducing your tuition fees. However, the total funding you receive must not exceed 100% of your tuition fee. It is best to confirm your specific situation with Kingston’s International Scholarships Department.

Do I need to apply for the International Success Support Scholarship?

No. The International Success Support Scholarship is automatically applied to your tuition invoice if you are eligible. There is no separate application process. Just ensure you are enrolled on an eligible course for the January 2026 or September 2026 intake.

What should I include in my personal statement for the International Merit Based Scholarship?

Your 300-word personal statement should explain why you chose Kingston University, what you hope to achieve during your studies, and how you could act as an enthusiastic ambassador for Kingston in your home country and student community. Be specific and genuine. Generic statements about wanting a good education will not distinguish your application from others.

Can I work while studying at Kingston University?

Yes. International students studying on a UK Student Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during official university holidays. Working part-time helps many international students manage their living expenses and gain UK work experience at the same time.

Is on-campus accommodation guaranteed for new international students?

Yes. Kingston University guarantees on-campus accommodation for all new international students in their first year, provided you apply for halls of residence before the stated deadline. This gives international students important peace of mind during the initial transition to the UK.

Final Thoughts

Kingston University London offers a genuinely comprehensive package for international students in 2026. The combination of multiple scholarship options, affordable London-area living costs, strong academic programmes, Gold-rated teaching, and dedicated international student support makes it a compelling choice for students who want a real UK university experience without the financial pressure of a top-tier London institution.

Whether you are aiming for the £5,000 International Merit Based Scholarship, benefiting automatically from the £2,500 Success Support award, or applying for the prestigious £10,000 GREAT Scholarship if you are from Ghana, Kenya, or Thailand, the financial support options at Kingston are real, well-structured, and worth pursuing with a focused application.

Start by securing your programme offer, then move quickly to prepare your scholarship documents. A strong 300-word personal statement and a confident one-minute video can make a genuine difference in the outcome. Kingston receives many applications every year, so treat each scholarship as the competitive opportunity it is.

To explore all available scholarships and begin your application, visit the official Kingston University international scholarships and bursaries page. For postgraduate programme applications, head to Kingston University’s international scholarships page for postgraduate students. Both pages contain the most current information on open calls, eligible courses, and direct application links.