Is King’s College London a good choice? If you are planning to study in the UK, this prestigious university located in the heart of London is well worth considering. In terms of global rankings, King’s College London excels across multiple academic fields and is highly sought after by international students. Grove Education provides a comprehensive overview of King’s College London’s world ranking, popular programmes, and admission requirements, while also outlining tuition fees and application pathways for international students, helping you plan a clear route towards studying in the UK.
Source: King’s College London
Introduction to King’s College London
King’s College London (KCL), founded in 1829, has developed into a world-renowned institution over nearly two centuries. Today, it is recognised as one of the UK’s and the world’s leading universities. As a key member of both the prestigious “Golden Triangle” and the Russell Group, KCL benefits from its prime central London location, offering students unrivalled access to professional networks and industry resources.
The university comprises nine faculties, covering medicine, law, humanities, science, engineering, business and management, and social sciences. With over 42,000 students and representation from more than 160 countries, KCL provides a vibrant, multicultural learning environment [1]. Its academic strength is reinforced by a distinguished faculty, and the university has produced 14 Nobel laureates. King’s is particularly renowned for disciplines such as medicine, nursing, law, social sciences and communications [2].
Is King’s College London a good university? Global rankings
Many students and parents ask whether King’s College London is a good choice. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, KCL is ranked 31st globally and 5th in the UK [3]. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) places KCL 36th in the world and 6th nationally [4].
Subject rankings are also highly impressive. For example:
- Nursing: 1st in the world [5]
- Dentistry: 4th in the world [6]
- Politics: 12th in the world [7]
- Medicine: 15th in the world [9]
- Media & Communications: 18th in the world [10]
- Law: 19th in the world [8]
- Social Sciences: 46th in the world [11]
These results highlight KCL’s global leadership across a wide range of disciplines.
Additional global and UK rankings
Beyond QS and THE, King’s College London performs strongly in other international league tables. In the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2025–26, KCL is placed in the top 36 worldwide [12]. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024, it was ranked 53rd globally [13], with particular strength in medicine, psychology and public health.
In UK-specific rankings, The Guardian University Guide places KCL among the top 30 universities nationally [14], while the Complete University Guide ranks it 19th [15]. These consistent results demonstrate King’s strong reputation in employability, academic research, and global influence.
Popular programmes at King’s College London
Based on ranking performance and admissions data, some of KCL’s most competitive and sought-after programmes include law, business, economics, and medicine. Dentistry, medicine, law, computer science and business management are among the most oversubscribed programmes, with correspondingly higher entry requirements [16].
King’s College London tuition fees for international students
For students starting in September 2025, tuition fees for UK home students are set at £9,535 per year. For international students, fees vary by programme, with medicine and dentistry among the most expensive. Note that fees do not cover textbooks, materials or other additional course-related expenses. Undergraduate tuition fees 2025–26 (international students): [17]
| Programme | Annual tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Music | £25,500 | £2,000 |
| Philosophy, History, English, Social Sciences | £27,100 | £2,000 |
| Law, Nursing (Child & Adult) | £31,600 | £2,000 |
| Mathematics, Statistics | £33,600 | £2,000 |
| Politics, Finance, Economics, Business Management | £35,800 | £2,000 |
| Physics, Neuroscience, Natural Sciences, Computer Science | £35,800 | £2,000 |
| Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Artificial Intelligence | £35,800 | £2,000 |
| Medicine | £53,000 | £5,000 |
| Dentistry | £58,200 | £5,000 [17] |
In addition to tuition, students must budget for visas, living costs and other expenses. KCL estimates visa and related fees at around £12,006 per year, while typical living costs in London amount to approximately £20,808 annually. Actual expenses will depend on individual lifestyle choices [18].
Source: King’s College London
Academic and English Language Requirements for Applying to King’s College London
Entry via A-Level, IB or HKDSE
Applications to King’s College London are submitted through UCAS, where students select courses according to their academic interests and career goals. The university assesses applicants based on academic grades, subject background, and English language proficiency. Entry requirements vary by programme. Competitive subjects such as Medicine, Law, and Mathematics typically require AAA or A*AA at A-Level, while Humanities and Arts subjects usually have slightly lower thresholds.
Below is a general overview of King’s College London’s entry requirements:
- A-Level: AAB to A*AA
- IB Diploma: 35–39 points
- HKDSE: Three electives at 554 to 5*55, with core subjects at least 444
Applicants for Law must take the LNAT test, while Dentistry and Medicine applicants are required to complete the UCAT aptitude test.[19]
English Language Requirements
English language requirements at King’s College London also depend on the programme. Dentistry and Medicine have the highest standards, followed by subjects in Humanities, Law, Business, and Science. Students are strongly advised to check the official university website for the exact requirements of their chosen course.[20]
Most courses typically require:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0, with no component below 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with Writing 25 and no other section below 23
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: 185 overall, with no component below 176
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: 185 overall, with no component below 176 [20]
Alternative Pathway: International Foundation Programme (IFP)
For international students whose academic qualifications (e.g. A-Level, IB, or HKDSE) do not yet meet the direct entry requirements, the International Foundation Programme (IFP) offers an important alternative route to undergraduate study. This one-year foundation course is designed to strengthen academic knowledge, enhance English proficiency, and prepare students for UK university learning.
Students may choose a foundation stream aligned with their intended degree. Meeting the IFP entry requirements (equivalent to A-Level standards) allows students to progress directly to undergraduate study at King’s College London without applying through UCAS. Conditional Offers may also be granted for students who narrowly miss grade requirements. However, the IFP does not cover Dentistry, Law, Music, Pharmacy, or Health-related programmes.[21]
Source: King’s College London
Considering Studying in the UK? Contact Grove Education
King’s College London (KCL) is a highly attractive, world-class university in terms of global ranking, programme variety, and academic reputation. The above overview has detailed its most popular courses and entry requirements, providing insight into the question, “Is King’s College London a good choice?”
If you have further questions regarding KCL’s global ranking, tuition fees, application procedures, or wish to assess whether your academic background meets the entry standards for your desired course, Grove Education is here to help. Our team of professional education consultants can design a tailored pathway to support your successful admission to one of the world’s top universities.
Reference:
1. King’s College London - Our Students
2. King’s College London - Our History
3. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities
4. Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2025
5. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Nursing
6. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Dentistry
7. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Politics
8. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Law & Legal Studies
9. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine
10. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Communication & Media Studies
11. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Social Sciences & Management
12. U.S. News & World Reports - 2025-2026 Best Global Universities Rankings
13. Shaighai Ranking - 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities
14. The Guardian - The best UK universities 2025 – rankings
15. The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 2026
16. Admission Report - KCL acceptance rates, statistics and application numbers for academic years 2013-2022
17. King’s College London - Undergraduate courses A-Z
18. King’s College London - Living expenses
19. King’s College London - Undergraduate entry requirements
20. King’s College London - Undergraduate English Language Entry Requirements
21. King’s College London - Progression to university study