Kingston International Study Centre (ISC)
Welcome to Kingston University! Located in a safe, beautiful suburban area just 25 minutes from central London, Kingston University offers innovative education, outstanding career support, and a truly global community. The Kingston International Study Centre (ISC) is your perfect starting point. We help international students smoothly transition into the UK higher education system, equipping you with the academic and English skills needed to thrive.
1. Top Reasons to Choose Kingston
- Innovative “Future Skills” Programme: Prepare for the AI era. We integrate 9 essential human-centric skills into all undergraduate degrees to ensure you stand out in the global job market. Informed by extensive research with YouGov and Nanyang Technological University, this sector-leading approach is embedded across all years through the Navigate, Explore, and Apply modules. Students collaborate directly with employers, and can even earn spots on the Future Talent Council Global Student Fellowship. Additionally, as an Adobe Creative Campus, students receive unparalleled access to digital tools to enhance their digital competency.
- Outstanding Career & Entrepreneurship Support: Ranked No. 1 in the UK for graduate start-ups. With our strong industry links, 92% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months. The dedicated “Enterprise!” programme and the vibrant Entrepreneur Society provide specialized resources to help students turn their business ideas into reality. Guest speakers, industry placements, and networking opportunities connect students directly with professionals, making our graduates highly adaptable and skilled.
- Award-Winning Facilities and Teaching Excellence: Kingston is one of only 26 UK institutions to achieve a Gold rating in all three Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) categories, and 70% of its research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The university has transformed its campus with the £118 million, RIBA Gold Medal-winning ‘Town House’, featuring a three-floor library, dance studios, and a rooftop garden. International students are further supported by a 24/7 Student Assistance Programme (SAP) to ensure their mental health and wellbeing.
- A Safe and Attractive Location: Kingston upon Thames is ranked the 3rd safest borough in London. Enjoy a peaceful riverside lifestyle while maintaining easy access to the world’s 3rd best student city. Located just 25 minutes by train from central London, the town features historic cobbled streets, a vibrant daily market, and extensive retail options like The Bentall Centre, offering exclusive student discounts.
| Future Skills (9 Key Attributes) | Skills Developed & Application Areas |
| Creative problem solving | Ability to derive innovative solutions for complex business challenges |
| Digital competency | Proficiency in digital tools and AI technology, supported by our Adobe Creative Campus partnership |
| Being enterprising | Mindset to create and execute new value beyond existing frameworks |
| Having a questioning mindset | Critical and analytical thinking to challenge the status quo |
| Adaptability | Flexibility to respond to rapid social and technological changes |
| Empathy | Ability to understand people from diverse backgrounds from a client or consumer perspective |
| Collaboration | Skills to work effectively in cross-border and cross-departmental teams |
| Resilience | Mental toughness to recover from setbacks and continuously pursue growth |
| Self-awareness | Objective understanding of one’s own strengths and weaknesses for continuous self-improvement |
2. How We Compare
Kingston University doesn’t just offer an excellent overall experience; we dominate in specific specialist areas. We are ranked among the best in the UK for Art, Design, Healthcare, and Business.
| Ranking / Indicator | Kingston University’s Top Specialist Areas |
| No. 1 in London | Children’s nursing, creative writing, general nursing, graphic design, mental health nursing, midwifery |
| No. 2 in the UK | Mental health nursing |
| No. 4 in the UK | Graphic design, fashion and textiles |
| Top 10 in the UK | Construction, surveying and planning, geography |
When compared to other universities in the London area, Kingston’s unique strengths become even clearer:
| Comparison Item | Kingston University (KU) | University of West London (UWL) | Competitive Analysis & Insights |
| Guardian Ranking (2026) | 54th | 41st | UWL ranks slightly higher overall, but KU holds top-tier UK rankings in specific fields like art, healthcare, and business. |
| International Student % | 17.72% | 29.00% | KU offers a highly balanced environment between international and UK students, ensuring a true British cultural experience alongside global networking. |
| Start-up & Entrepreneurship | No. 1 in the UK (HESA) | Unranked | KU provides unmatched infrastructure for future entrepreneurs, including the dedicated Enterprise! programme. |
| Campus Safety & Location | Kingston upon Thames (3rd safest London borough) | Ealing, Brentford (West London) | KU’s campus is exceptionally safe, combining riverside nature with vibrant commercial facilities in an ideal study environment. |
| Employment Rate (15 months) | 92% | High (Details unpublished) | KU’s 92% employment or further study rate is a direct result of the Future Skills programme and strong industry placement networks. |
3. ISC Pathway Programmes & Progression
We offer tailored preparation programmes based on your academic background and English proficiency. Successfully completing your pathway at the required grades guarantees your progression to a Kingston University degree.
International Foundation Year (IFY)
For students aiming to enter Year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
| IFY Subject Route | Common Progression Degrees | Typical Progression Grade Requirements |
| Business, Management and Law | Business, Economics, Marketing, Accounting, Law | Overall Grade 60%–65%, English Grade 50%–60% depending on the specific degree. |
| Science, Engineering and Computing | Biochemistry (BSc), Aviation Engineering (BEng), Architecture (BA), Mathematics | Biochemistry: Overall 55%, English 50% Aviation Engineering: Overall 55%, English 50% Architecture: Overall 60%, English 60% + Portfolio. |
| Social Sciences | Criminology (BSc), Financial Economics (BSc), Law (LLB), International Law (LLB) | Financial Economics: Overall 60% International Law: Overall 65% Criminology: Overall 60%. |
International Year One (IY1)
For students aiming to directly enter Year 2 of an undergraduate degree.
| IY1 Subject Route | Common Progression Degrees | Typical Progression Grade Requirements |
| Accounting and Finance | Accounting, Finance related degrees | (Subject to specific overall and English grade criteria) |
| Business Management | Business Management (BSc), Business Management and Entrepreneurship (BSc) | Overall Grade: 40% English Grade: 60% (with no skill less than 50%). |
| Marketing and Advertising | Business Management and Marketing (BSc) | Overall Grade: 40% English Grade: 60% (with no skill less than 50%). |
(Note: We also offer a Pre-Masters Programme for students preparing for postgraduate study).
4. Tuition Fees
Plan your budget with transparency. Please note that a new fee structure will be introduced across the UK for the 2026/27 academic year. Applying early for programmes starting before August 26, 2026, allows you to lock in the 2025/26 fees.
Kingston ISC Programme Fees
| Programme Name | Subject Route | 2025/26 Fees (£) | 2026/27 Fees (£) |
| International Foundation Year (3 terms) | International Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance | £15,900 | £17,250 |
| Law and Social Sciences | £15,900 | £17,250 | |
| Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics | £16,250 | £17,500 | |
| International Year One (3 terms) | Accounting and Finance | £15,900 | £17,250 |
| Business Management | £15,900 | £17,250 | |
| Marketing and Advertising | £15,900 | £17,250 | |
| Pre-Masters Programme (1 term) | Business and Management | £8,900 | £8,900 |
| English Language Preparation (Online) | 6-week course | £2,100 | – |
| 10-week course | £3,500 | – | |
| 16-week course | £5,600 | – |
University Degree Fees (Upon Progression)
| Programme Type (Undergraduate) | 2025/26 Fees (£) | 2026/27 Fees (£) |
| Classroom Based (Social Sciences, Economics & Law, etc.) | £17,700 | £18,500 |
| Studio / Laboratory Based (Art, Design, Pharmacy, etc.) | £18,500 | £19,200 |
| Professional Placement Year or Study Abroad | £1,260 (Placement) / £4,280 (Abroad) | £1,290 (Placement) / £4,450 (Abroad) |
5. Living Costs & Accommodation
Living in London doesn’t have to break the bank. Kingston’s suburban location and our 24/7 free inter-site university bus help you optimize your living costs while enjoying high-quality, secure accommodation.
University-Managed Accommodation (2025/26)
| Hall of Residence | Closest Campus | Room Type | Cost Per Week (£) | Features & Notes |
| Seething Wells | Penrhyn Road | Micro en suite | £130 | Ideal for budget-conscious students. |
| Seething Wells | Penrhyn Road | Budget en suite | £161 | Excellent value for money. |
| Clayhill | Penrhyn Road | Standard en suite | £176 | Located in the leafy Surbiton area. |
| Chancellors Hall | Kingston Hill | Affordable en suite | £183 | Extremely convenient for ISC students located on Kingston Hill. |
| Middle Mill | Knights Park | Standard non en suite* | £186 | Close to the art campus; rooms include a sink, shared bathrooms. |
| Seething Wells | Penrhyn Road | Smaller standard en suite | £198 | Great communal spaces and shared kitchens. |
| Chancellors Hall / Walkden Hall | Kingston Hill | Standard en suite | £208 | Modern, eco-friendly facilities. |
| Seething Wells | Penrhyn Road | Premium Plus en suite | £250 | For students seeking more space and comfort. |
| 71-75 Penrhyn Road | Penrhyn Road | Large self-contained studio | £408 | Fully independent studio for maximum privacy. |
Estimated Monthly Living Costs
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) | Notes & Money-Saving Tips |
| Rent (including bills & Wi-Fi) | £690 – £900 | Based on Standard en suite halls (£176–£208/week). Includes utilities, protecting you from energy price hikes. |
| Groceries & Toiletries | £160 – £200 | Cooking at home. Minimum £40/week (e.g., milk £1.30, bread £1.55). |
| Transportation | £0 – £80 | The University’s intersite bus is free. Use a discounted Student Oyster Card for travel to central London. |
| Leisure & Socializing | £150 – £250 | Pub meal (£15), cinema (£15), gym (£20-50/month). Take advantage of student discounts at the Bentall Centre. |
| Total Estimated Cost | Approx. £1,000 – £1,430 | Varies by lifestyle, but comfortably within the UKVI recommended minimum of £1,334/month. |
6. Scholarships for International Students
We are dedicated to making top-tier education accessible. Alongside partial scholarships offered directly by the ISC, Kingston University provides powerful financial support upon your progression.
| Scholarship / Discount Name | Award Amount | Eligibility & Conditions |
| International Success Support Scholarship | £2,500 / year | For international students starting in Jan/Sept 2026. Automatically applied if eligible. Undergraduates receive it for up to 3 years (total £7,500); postgraduates for 1 year. |
| International Merit-Based Scholarship | £5,000 | For students with excellent academic records. Requires a separate application and is highly competitive. |
| GREAT Scholarships | £10,000 | In partnership with the British Council. For passport holders of specific countries (Ghana, Kenya, Thailand) applying for a postgraduate course. |
| Postgraduate Progression Scholarship | 15% fee discount | For international students who completed a Kingston undergraduate degree and progress to a postgraduate course without a gap. |
| Alumni Discount | 10% fee discount | Automatically applied for international students who previously completed an undergraduate course at Kingston University. |
Ready to shape your future? Apply to the Kingston International Study Centre today and take your first step towards a successful global career!