How to Get Into King’s College London With a Scholarship 2026-27

Embarking on a journey to King’s College London (KCL), one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, is a dream for many international students, and making that dream financially viable is key. For the 2026-27 academic year, KCL offers various scholarship opportunities across multiple disciplines, primarily targeting Postgraduate Taught (Master’s) and Postgraduate Research (PhD) programs, including globally-recognised schemes like the Chevening Scholarships (fully funded, covering tuition, travel, and living costs) and the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (covering full tuition, stipend, and travel for eligible low and middle income countries). While the coverage and benefits vary from full funding to partial tuition fee waivers (such as the King’s-China Scholarship Council K-CSC PhD program or the GREAT Scholarships), they are designed to support outstanding international talent in subjects ranging from Social Sciences and Public Policy to Biomedical Sciences, Law, and Engineering.

In this comprehensive blog, we provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to navigating the application process, highlighting key deadlines and strategies to significantly boost your chances of getting into King’s College London with a scholarship.

Why Study at King’s College London?

The decision to study at King’s College London (KCL) is a choice for a world-class education within one of the globe’s most dynamic cities. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a founding college of the University of London, King’s offers a unique combination of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and an unparalleled location.

• Consistently ranked among the top 40 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
• A leading research institution with a high proportion of research rated as ‘world-leading,’ especially strong in Law, Medicine, and Humanities.
• Campuses are located in the heart of London, one of the world’s best student cities, offering unparalleled cultural and professional opportunities.
• Graduates are highly sought after by employers, ranking high for Graduate Employability globally.
• Join a network of over 250,000 global alumni, including 14 Nobel Laureates and influential figures in politics, science, and the arts.
• Contribute to an institution with a history of world-changing discoveries (e.g., DNA structure, radio technology).
• Offers a vast array of high-quality Postgraduate Taught and Research programs across numerous disciplines.

How to Get Into King’s College London With a Scholarship

Achieving admission to King’s College London (KCL) with a scholarship as an international student for the 2026-27 academic year requires a highly strategic, two-pronged approach: securing an unconditional offer for your program and submitting an exceptional scholarship application well ahead of the crucial deadlines. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get in with a scholarship:

1. Secure Admission to King’s College London (The First Step)

The first step to any KCL scholarship is receiving a strong offer for an eligible program.

A. Choose the Right Program

• Align with Scholarships: Use KCL’s official funding database to identify scholarships that match your nationality, study level (Postgraduate Taught or Research), and field of study (e.g., look for departmental scholarships like those offered by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience – IoPPN).
• Meet Academic Entry Requirements: KCL is highly selective. Aim to exceed the minimum requirements, which typically include:
  • A First-Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) UK Bachelor’s Honours degree (or the international equivalent, e.g., a GPA of 3.3-3.7/4.0 or a weighted average of 80-88% from a highly-regarded institution).
  • Meeting the English Language Requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5–7.5, depending on the course).
• Research (PhD) Students: A crucial step is identifying and contacting a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your proposal before applying. A supportive supervisor is essential for a PhD offer and subsequent scholarship nomination.

B. Craft an Exceptional Application (via King’s Apply)

• Outstanding Personal Statement: Clearly articulate your academic motivations, how your prior experience relates to the program, and your future career goals. For scholarship applicants, you must demonstrate a passion for impact and leadership potential.
• Strong References: Secure two academic references (and one professional, if required) who can speak to your intellectual curiosity, academic achievements, and potential for success at a world-class institution.
• Adhere to Deadlines: While the final application deadline for many postgraduate courses is late (e.g., July 2027), scholarship deadlines are much earlier. Apply by the Postgraduate Priority Deadline (often around March 2026) to ensure your application is processed in time for major scholarship consideration.

2. Master the Scholarship Application Process

Scholarships at KCL fall into three main categories: External, Internal (College-Wide), and Departmental.

A. Target Major External Fully-Funded Scholarships

These are the most competitive but offer full coverage. You apply to the external body, but you must also have an offer from KCL.

Scholarship Scheme	Coverage & Benefits	Strategy & Deadline
Chevening Scholarships	Fully Funded: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and visa costs for a one-year Master’s program.	Demonstrate leadership potential and a clear plan to use your UK education to make an impact in your home country. Application deadline is typically in November 2025 (for 2026-27 entry).
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships	Fully Funded: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and visa costs. For citizens of eligible low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.	Focus on your developmental impact and how your study will contribute to sustainable development in your home nation. Application deadline is typically in October 2025 (for 2026-27 entry).
Marshall/Fulbright/FUNED	Full funding for specific nationalities (e.g., US, Mexico).	Research eligibility carefully; these require parallel applications to the external body and KCL.
King’s-China Scholarship Council (K-CSC) PhD	Fully Funded: Tuition fees covered by KCL; stipend and travel covered by CSC.	You must apply for a PhD offer at KCL by a very early deadline (~January 1, 2026) and then apply separately for CSC nomination.

B. Apply for Internal and Departmental Scholarships

These are typically partial scholarships or fee waivers.

• King’s Business School GREAT Scholarships: Offers a minimum of £10,000 tuition fee reduction for specific countries (e.g., Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam). Requires an offer on an eligible course.
• Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) Scholarships: Offers £5,000 partial tuition fee waivers for PGT students in the department.
• KCL General & Departmental Funds: Search the KCL funding database for opportunities specific to your faculty, country, or course. Many awards, like the King’s International Scholarship, are merit-based.

C. The Winning Strategy

• Apply to KCL Early: Your application for the program (via King’s Apply) must be submitted and fully documented before the scholarship application window closes. For major schemes, this is often months before the course deadline.
• Tailor Your Personal Statement: For the scholarship, rewrite or heavily adapt your personal statement to focus on the scholarship’s criteria (e.g., leadership, social impact, academic merit, financial need).
• Confirm Eligibility: Double-check your country’s eligibility and the required academic level for every scholarship you apply for.
• Use the King’s Apply Portal: For internal scholarships, you often apply through the “Funding” section of your King’s Apply account once your course application is submitted.

Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?

Eligibility Criteria for King’s College London 

The eligibility criteria for King’s College London (KCL) for international students are categorized into Academic Qualifications, English Language Proficiency, and Programme-Specific Requirements. These criteria vary significantly between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses, and are always assessed against the UK’s academic system.

Academic Requirements

• For undergraduate programs: Completion of high school qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or International Baccalaureate (IB).
  
• For postgraduate programs: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. Some competitive courses may require higher grades or specific subject backgrounds.

English Language Requirements

• Most courses require proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS Academic, overall score of 6.5–7.0 with no component below 6.0, TOEFL iBT, or Pearson PTE Academic.
  
• Some programs, especially in healthcare or law, may have higher English score requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Relevant work experience may be needed for certain postgraduate courses, like an MBA or professional programs.
  
• Entrance tests such as UCAT, LNAT, or GMAT might be required, depending on the program.

Required Documents

• Completed application form (via UCAS for undergraduates, King’s Apply portal for postgraduates)
  
• Academic transcripts and certificates
  
• Proof of English language proficiency
  
• Statement of Purpose
  
• Letters of Recommendation
  
• Updated CV
  
• Portfolio for creative courses
  
• Valid passport copy
  
• Proof of funding or scholarship application, if applicable

Note: Admission requirements can vary by department, so applicants should check the specific criteria for their chosen course before applying.

Also Read: Canadian University Dubai Scholarships

Cost of Studying at King’s College London

Let’s understand the main costs of studying at King’s College London. 

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Program Type	Tuition Fee (GBP)	Approx. Fee (INR)
Undergraduate (General range)	GBP 20,000 to 29,900	INR 26,30,000 to 39,20,000
LL.M. (Master of Laws)	GBP 35,800	INR 46,60,000
M.Sc. (Finance/Data/Analytics)	GBP 37,800 to 43,000	INR 49,20,000 to 56,00,000

• Most undergraduate courses cost between 20,000 GBP and 29,900 GBP, which equates to 26.3 lakh INR to 39.2 lakh INR.
  
• LL.M. programs typically cost around 35,800 GBP, or roughly 46.6 lakh INR.
  
• Popular M.Sc. programs range between 37,800 GBP to 43,000 GBP, or about 49.2 lakh INR to 56 lakh INR.

Living and Additional Costs (Per Year)

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (GBP)	Approx. Cost (INR)
Living Expenses	GBP 12,000	INR 15,72,000
On-Campus Housing	GBP 3,800	INR 4,97,800
Books & Supplies	GBP1,300	INR 1,70,300
Health Insurance (IHS)	GBP 202	INR 26,400

• Expect 12,000 GBP (15.72 lakh INR) for general living costs.
  
• University housing typically costs around 3,800 GBP, or 4.97 lakh INR.
  
• Books and supplies add about 1,300 GBP, or 1.70 lakh INR.
  
• Health insurance (IHS) costs roughly 202 GBP, which is 26,400 INR.

Top King’s College London Scholarships for 206-27

Choosing King’s College London (KCL) is a strategic move, and securing a scholarship as an international student is highly competitive. KCL participates in several prestigious, fully-funded external scholarships and also offers its own partial awards, primarily for Postgraduate Taught (Master’s) and Postgraduate Research (PhD) programs for the 2026-27 academic year.

Here is a list of the important scholarships, along with their coverage and general eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Name	Study Level	Coverage & Benefits	Eligibility Criteria & Deadline
Chevening Scholarships	1-Year Master’s (PGT)	Fully Funded: Full tuition, monthly London stipend, return airfare, and visa costs.	Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. Must have 2 years of post-graduation work experience (2,800 hours). Must demonstrate leadership. Deadline: Typically October/November 2025.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships	1-Year Master’s (PGT)	Fully Funded: Full tuition, London stipend, airfare, and warm clothing allowance.	Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth low/middle-income country. Must hold a First-Class or 2:1 degree. Focus on sustainable development impact. Deadline: Typically October 2025.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships	PhD Research (PGR)	Fully Funded: Full tuition, London stipend, airfare, and research grants.	Citizen of an eligible Commonwealth least developed country/vulnerable state. Must hold a strong Master’s degree and demonstrate high research potential with developmental impact. Deadline: Typically October 2025.
King’s-China Scholarship Council (K-CSC) PhD	PhD Research (PGR)	Fully Funded: KCL waives tuition; CSC provides monthly stipend, health cover, and airfare.	Must be a Chinese citizen and permanent resident of P.R. China. Must secure an offer for a full-time MPhil/PhD. KCL Application Deadline: Typically January 1, 2026.
GREAT Scholarships (e.g., King’s Business School)	Master’s (PGT)	Partial Fee Waiver: Minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees.	For students from specific eligible countries (e.g., Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, France, Greece, Italy, Spain). Must hold an offer on a designated PGT course (e.g., King’s Business School). Deadline: Typically May 2026.
Said Foundation Scholarships	1-Year Master’s (PGT)	Fully Funded: Full tuition, maintenance/living costs, visa fees, and airfare.	Students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. Must demonstrate academic merit and leadership potential with a commitment to development in their home region. Deadline: Typically October 2025.
Faculty/Departmental PhD Studentships	PhD Research (PGR)	Fully Funded: Full tuition (Home/International) and an annual tax-free stipend (UKRI rate).	Open to Home and Overseas students in specific faculties (e.g., Law, Business School, IoPPN). Eligibility based on a strong research proposal and supervisor support. Deadline: Highly varied, often December 2025 – January 2026.
King’s Joint PhD Programme Funding	PhD Research (PGR)	Fully Funded: Full tuition fees, stipend, and an annual research grant.	Available for students applying to joint PhD programmes run in collaboration with partner universities like the University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, or University of Sao Paulo.
IoPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships	Master’s (PGT)	Partial Fee Waiver: Scholarships valued at £5,000 each toward fees.	For full-time Home and International fee status students undertaking an eligible PGT course at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). Based on merit.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application to Get Into King’s College London

A successful scholarship application to get into King’s College London (KCL) is a masterful combination of demonstrating exceptional academic merit, aligning with the scholarship’s mission, and flawless execution of the application process.

Here are essential tips tailored for international students targeting KCL scholarships for 2026-27:

• Begin your entire application process 12-18 months before the desired start date.
• Apply for your KCL course offer by the Postgraduate Priority Deadline (usually December 2025/January 2026) to ensure your admission application is processed in time for scholarship review.
• Prioritize major external schemes like Chevening (November 2025) and Commonwealth (October 2025) due to their full coverage.
• Tailor your essay to the scholarship’s core values (e.g., leadership for Chevening, developmental impact for Commonwealth).
• Structure your leadership and experience examples using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format for maximum clarity and impact.
• Reference specific modules, research groups, or faculty members at KCL in your essay to show genuine academic alignment.
• Aim for a First-Class degree or the highest possible GPA/percentage, as KCL and all major scholarships are fiercely merit-based.
• Choose referees who can powerfully attest to your leadership potential and research capabilities, and provide them with the scholarship criteria.
• Ensure all transcripts, translations, and English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) are perfectly prepared and submitted before deadlines.
• Regularly monitor the KCL Funding Database and your “King’s Apply” account for internal departmental scholarships you may be automatically eligible for or need to apply to separately.

Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students

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That was everything you needed to know about How to Get Into King’s College London With a Scholarship. These awards are your opportunity to pursue a world-class education at King’s College London with strong financial support.  For more such guides, visit the Scholarships page and stay informed with reliable, updated content on Leverage Edu!