Study Abroad Programme
Want to experience life at Kingston University for a semester or full academic year? Everything you need to know about our established Study Abroad programme is right here.
The Kingston University Study Abroad programme
Why study abroad at Kingston University London?
Kingston University welcomes more than 250 students to our high-quality Study Abroad programme every year. Here’s why you should be one of them:
- Choose from 1,000 modules in over 30 subject areas
- Get a guaranteed spot in our University accommodation
- Experience the best of London from our vibrant riverside location
- Enjoy competitive tuition fees
- Take our unique British Life and Culture module
Studying abroad at Kingston is undoubtedly the best experience of my life. I recommend it to anyone!
Understanding the Study Abroad programme
You can join us for a full academic year (September – June) or a single semester. Our autumn semester runs from September to December and our spring semester runs from January to April.
Check out the specialist schools in each of our four faculties. Everything listed here is open to Study Abroad students.
Kingston School of Art
- Architecture and Landscape
- Arts, Culture and Communication
- Cultural Studies and Creative Industries
- Design School
Business and Social Sciences
- Kingston Business School
- Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences
Engineering, Computing and the Environment
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Engineering and the Environment
Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry
Our Study Abroad programme is made up of modules. Each module has defined content, contact hours, learning outcomes and assessments. They are measured in credits.
How many credits and modules should I study?
If you’re studying for a full year, you’ll need to enrol for 120 Kingston credits. This is the same as 32 US semester credit hours or 60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.
If you’re studying for a single semester, you’ll need to enrol for 60 Kingston credits. This is the same as 16 US semester credit hours or 30 ECTS credits.
We recommend applying for a total of eight modules, with four as your first choice and four as your second choice.
What if I change my mind about modules?
Our add and drop period gives students the chance to make minor module changes at the start of each semester.
How are modules assessed?
Each module is assessed differently. Usually, assessment includes a mix of written papers, exams, special tests, presentations or productions and other practical assignments.
Our modules are designed for different stages of the undergraduate programme. Each one has a level (4, 5 or 6) to help you choose the right one for you.
Check out the table below to see how our module codes line up with the level you’re at:
UK education | UK FHEQ | US education | Kingston module code | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Final year of high school |
| Freshman | N/A | N/A |
First year of university | Level 4 | Sophomore | AB4000 | No prior knowledge or only basic introductory study |
Second year of university | Level 5 | Junior | AB5000 | Intermediate level knowledge, with some background or a completed introductory module |
Final of university | Level 6 | Senior | AB6000 | Advanced level knowledge – a strong academic background |
UK university grades usually range between 40% (pass) and 70%. A grade of 60–69% is excellent.
When your studies finish, you’ll get a transcript to show how your results translate to your home countries’ credit system.
At Kingston University, most of your learning and teaching will be a mix of formal lectures, smaller seminars and independent study.
Other methods may include:
- Online references and teaching
- Language suite work
- Laboratory work
- Engineering workshops
- Computer workshops
- Art and design studio work
Which modules can I take?
Explore the PDF documents in our module directory to learn more about which subjects you can study at Kingston University.
Accommodation at Kingston University
Studying for a semester?
You won’t be eligible for a hall room if you’re only studying for a semester, but there are plenty of private accommodation options nearby.
Learn more about private accommodation.
Studying for a full academic year?
After you’ve accepted your offer, our accommodation team will contact you directly to tell you how to apply for a room in our halls of residence.
Our halls are self-catering, mixed gender and have WiFi access. You’ll share a flat with other students from different backgrounds and courses.
Want to know more about our halls?
Discover our section about the types of accommodation available to Kingston University students.
Am I eligible to apply for the Study Abroad programme?
Academic requirements
To apply for our Study Abroad programme, you must:
- Be a current undergraduate university or college student
- Have successfully completed at least one year of university study
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 1–4 scale (or equivalent)
Higher-level modules might have other prerequisites. If your GPA is below 2.75 or you’re not sure how your grading system translates, please get in touch with us at studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk.
Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you’ll need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 88. We are happy to consider other internationally recognised tests too.
Need to improve your English language skills?
Over the summer, we run pre-sessional English courses for international students looking to advance their English language skills.
How to apply to study abroad at Kingston
There are four ways to apply to Kingston University. Your home institution will be able to tell you which is best for you.
You can apply:
- Through an institution we have a direct enrolment agreement with
- Through a Study Abroad provider like Academic Programs International (API) or International Studies Abroad (ISA)
- As an independent student
- Through one of our official international exchange partners
You must submit the following information as part of your application.
- An official college or university transcript showing which classes you’re enrolled in
- A 250–300 word personal statement explaining why you chose Kingston, which modules you’ve selected and your main goal here
- A good quality flat scan of your passport’s photo page
- An academic reference from an academic member of staff who has taught you in at least one class and can comment on your performance
- A head-and-shoulders photo
- Official confirmation of your English language proficiency, if it’s not your first language
Please make sure everything is in English.
If you’re applying for a studio-based module at Kingston School of Art in one of the following subjects, you’ll need to send us a portfolio of your work too.
- Architecture
- Fashion
- Fashion Promotion and Communication (specific agreements only)
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Illustration Animation
- Interior Design
- Product and Furniture Design
Creating and sharing your portfolio
We accept web portfolios and PowerPoint or JPEG documents under 10MB. Email the link or attachment to studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk.
You must include:
- Your name, current university and the course you wish to apply for on all correspondence headers and web links
- A mix of developmental work and finished projects
- Anything personal or interesting to you that supports your application and shows us how you think
Apply by June 5 for the autumn semester or the full year. Apply by October 31 for the spring semester.
- You’ll get an email to confirm we’ve received your completed application
- We’ll approve your study plan and send you a formal offer by email
- You can accept the offer by following the link and replying to the email
- We’ll send all the arrival information you need before you start
View the institutions we have a direct enrolment agreement with
- Academic Programs International (API)
- Central Michigan University
- College Consortium for International Studies
- Georgian Court University
- International Studies Abroad (ISA)
- Lebanon Valley College
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts Montclair State University
- Nürtingen-Geislingen University
- Robert Morris University
- Slippery Rock University
- State University of New York, New Paltz
- University of Nebraska Lincoln
- University of Rochester
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Tulsa
- Winthrop University
View our official international exchange partners
- Hiroshima University (Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment)
- Kyoto Institute of Technology (Design School/Architecture only)
- Kyoto Seika University (Illustration Animation only)
- Academy of Art University (School of Fashion only)
- Adelphi University
- Baldwin-Wallace University
- California State University
- Grand Valley State University
- Jacksonville University - Davis College of Business
- James Madison University
- Pratt Institute
- State University of New York New Paltz
- The Catholic University of America (School of Architecture only)
- University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
Ready to start your Study Abroad journey?
Applications to our Study Aboard programme open in late March. Return here for the online application link.
In the meantime, you can email us with any questions.
How much does it cost to Study Abroad at Kingston?
Kingston University’s competitive Study Abroad fees cover:
- All tuition
- A discounted airport pick-up service
- Special welcome and departure events
- Use of the library and computing services
- Student counselling, wellbeing and health centre services
- Students' Union membership
- A transcript at the end of your studies
If you’re applying and paying independently, you need to pay your fees in British pounds on your first day at Kingston.
Learn more about how to pay.
| Study option | Period of study | Tuition fees 2024/25 | Tuition fees 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic year | £13,300 | £14,000 |
| 2 | Autumn (Fall) semester | £6,650 | £7,000 |
| 3 | Spring semester | £6,650 | £7,000 |
Check out our refund policy below. Remember, weeks start on Saturdays and end on Fridays.
Date of withdrawal | Study option | Fees |
|---|---|---|
Before 15 August | 1 or 2 | No administration fee |
Before 1 December | 3 | No administration fee |
After 15 August | 1 or 2 | £200 administration fee |
After 1 December | 3 | £200 administration fee |
After arrival at Kingston University, but before first day of teaching | 1, 2, 3 | Either switch to the next semester/year at no additional cost; or
£200 administration fee plus 90% refund of tuition fees |
After the first day of teaching, but before end of second teaching week | 1, 2, 3 | £200 administration fee plus 75% refund of tuition fees |
After second week of teaching | 1, 2, 3 | No refund |
Make sure you budget for living expenses as well as tuition fees.
Around £180 per week should cover meals, some local travel, study-related costs, entertainment and other personal items.
Standard university accommodation is usually between £150 and £200 per week.
All undergraduates registered at an institution in the USA or Canada can apply for the $500 British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association (BUTEX) scholarship. Find out more about BUTEX.
Arriving at Kingston University
Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming, so we’ve got lots going on to help you feel welcome.
You’ll receive all the details in your pre-arrival information emails. But here’s some useful information about what to expect:
- A tailored orientation session to meet key teams and discuss your studies
- An informal welcome reception to socialise with fellow students
- A Welcome Week programme full of fun events and information
- An enrolment event to confirm your student status
Looking for more arrival information?
We tell you what you can expect when you arrive at Kingston University.
Useful information
Check out our pre-arrival information page for practical tips to support you as you settle in the UK.
Learn your rights when it comes to finding paid work here.
Discover more about Kingston’s unique location.
Read about our multi-faith community and how you can practise your religion here.
Find out what’s going on in our vibrant student community.
Check the need-to-know dates for the coming academic year.
We’re here to help
Our Study Abroad International Learning (SAIL) team is here to answer your questions and offer guidance whenever you need it. You can get in touch by:
- Visiting their office on the ground floor of Yorkon Building on the Kingston Hill campus (see the Kingston Hill campus plan)
- Calling +44 (0)20 8417 3629/3650
- Emailing studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk
