King’s College London scholarships 2026 offer international students a powerful way to reduce tuition fees and living costs while studying at one of the top universities in the UK in the heart of London. These scholarships range from fully funded awards with stipends to partial fee waivers, covering master’s, PhD, and selected postgraduate taught programs for the 2026–27 intake.
Basic information about King’s College London scholarships 2026
King’s College London (KCL) offers a portfolio of scholarships and funding schemes for 2026 entry, including faculty-based awards, external partnerships, and fully funded PhD and master’s scholarships. Many of these scholarships are open to international students and are designed to cover tuition fees, provide living stipends, or offer partial financial support for postgraduate studies.
For 2026, examples of scholarship schemes include:
- CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Education 2026–27 (postgraduate, full tuition waiver plus stipend).
- King’s–China Scholarship Council (K-CSC) PhD awards for 2026–27 entry.
- King’s Business School Postgraduate Scholarships for master’s courses.
- Fully funded PhD scholarships such as the African Creativity Beyond Borders Prize Programme for October 2026 intake.
List of King’s College London Scholarships 2026
- ADAPT-AI PhD Studentships
- African Creativity Beyond Borders
- ANID/CONICYT Becas Chile
- Arts & Humanities Studentships
- Doctoral Training in Digital Twins for Healthcare
- Chemistry Studentship
- Chevening Scholarships
- CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Education
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
- Department of Physics studentship
- EMBA scholarships
- EPSRC IDLA 2026 Studentship
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care Studentship
- Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship
- FUNED Credit-Scholarships
- GREAT scholarships
- Hans Rausing Scholarships
- Harold Moody PGR Studentship
- Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians
- Hinduja Scholarship for MedTech Innovation & Entrepreneurship MSc
- IoPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
- Joint A*STAR – King’s College London PhD Studentships in Biomedical Science
- King’s Bridge Scholarship
- King’s College London Marshall Scholarship
- King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC)
- Multiscale RNA Networks and Pathways
- Said Foundation Scholarships
- Vice-Chancellor’s Awards
- Yeoh Tiong Lay LLM Scholarship
University details: why King’s College London stands out
King’s College London is a leading public research university located in central London, consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally. It has multiple campuses along the River Thames and offers strong academic reputations in fields such as business, law, health, social sciences, and the humanities, making it highly attractive for scholarship applicants.
Key points about King’s College London for scholarship seekers:
- Long-established institution with a strong research profile and global partnerships.
- Large international student population, with dedicated support for visas, accommodation, and careers.
- Comprehensive funding and bursary pages that list internal and external scholarships by level and faculty.
Study areas and available programs
Scholarships for 2026 at King’s are linked to specific study levels and departments, particularly postgraduate taught and research programs. While the full list is extensive, common study areas covered by major scholarship schemes include:
- Arts, Media and History
- Education
- Social Science
- Biomedical and Life Science
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Finance
- Nursing
- Psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience
- Medicine
- Biology
Some Scholarships are
1. ADAPT-AI PhD Studentships (Starting October 2026)
Subject areas
- Arts, Culture & Media
- Creative Technologies & Artificial Intelligence
Funding type
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (£22,780 incl. London Weighting, 2025/26 rate)
- Research training & support
- Bench fees
Duration
- 3.5 years (full-time)
- 7 years (part-time)
Who can apply
- UK & international applicants (up to 30% international)
- Academic or professional background in:
- Arts, humanities, creative practice, social sciences
- Creative industries, technology, audience development
About ADAPT-AI
- AHRC-funded doctoral programme
- Focuses on audience engagement with AI, VR, AR & creative tech
- Consortium institutions:
- King’s College London
- London South Bank University
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Key dates
- Application deadline: 13 February 2026
- Interviews: March 2026
- Results: April 2026
- Start date: October 2026
2. African Creativity Beyond Borders – PhD Scholarships (October 2026)
Subject areas
- Arts, Culture & Media
- Politics, Economics, International Development
- History, Policy & Society
Funding type
- Full tuition fees
- Annual stipend (£22,780 incl. LWA, 2025/26 rate)
- Research training & support
Number of awards
- 4 fully funded PhD scholarships
- Up to 1 international award
Duration
- 4 years (full-time)
Who can apply
- UK & international applicants
- Strongly encourages:
- Black / Mixed Black candidates
- Applicants with African heritage or diaspora roots
Research focus
- African creativity in the UK & globally
- Creative economies, heritage, culture & policy
- Equity, representation & inclusion
Key dates
- Application deadline: 13 February 2026
- Interviews: March–April 2026
- Results: May 2026
- Start date: October 2026
⚠️ Note for international students: Visa & NHS surcharge not covered.
3. Arts & Humanities PhD Studentships (King’s College London)
Subject areas
- Arts, Humanities & related disciplines
- Includes: English, History, Film Studies, Digital Humanities, Philosophy, Music, Creative Writing & more
Funding available
- 13 fully funded studentships
- 4 fees-only studentships
Fully funded includes
- Full tuition fees (UK & international)
- Annual stipend (£22,780 incl. LWA, 2025/26 rate)
- Research training & support
- Workspace & research travel funding
Duration
- 3.5 years (full-time)
- 7 years (part-time)
Who can apply
- UK & international applicants (up to 30% international)
- New PhD projects starting October 2026
Key dates
- Application deadline: 13 February 2026 (5pm)
- Results: Mid-April 2026
- Start date: 1 October 2026
4. CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Education 2026-27 (Master’s)
Level
- Master’s degree (1 year, full-time)
Subject areas
- All subjects except MBA & Executive Education
- Preference for:
- Business
- Science & Engineering
- Social Sciences & Public Policy
Funding type
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Stipend: £22,161
Who can apply
- International students only (Overseas fee status)
- Starting studies in 2026–27 at King’s College London
Important notes
- Visa, NHS surcharge & travel not covered
- Cannot be deferred
Application deadline
- 24 April 2026 (11pm)
- Results by end of June 2026
For more. Visit
King’s College London Scholarships benefits
The benefits depend on the specific award, but several major King’s College London scholarships for 2026 provide very competitive funding packages. Typical benefits include:
- The King’s College London Scholarships in the UK can be fully funded or partially funded.
- The scholarships will cover tuition fees.
- Research funding will also be covered in some programs.
- Living expenses allowance is also by some scholarships.
- Opportunities to develop personal and professional skills.
- Part-time work opportunities.
- This is a chance to study for free in the UK.
- The scholarships in the UK are a fantastic opportunity for students to grow; they will make networks
- Support for research-related costs for PhD projects (depending on the scheme).
- Access to academic mentoring, research training, and professional development opportunities.
Benefits not included
Even the most generous King’s scholarships normally exclude some personal expenses, so you must budget carefully. Items typically not covered include:
- Visa application fees and related costs, including the UK Student Visa charge.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which international students must pay to access the National Health Service.
- International travel to and from the UK (flights, airport transfers, initial arrival costs).
- Additional personal expenses such as leisure, vacations, or non-essential electronics and lifestyle costs.
Some awards also do not cover pre-sessional English language courses or repeat years and interruptions, so it is important to read the terms carefully before planning your finances.
Eligibility criteria for King’s College London Scholarships
Specific eligibility criteria vary by scholarship, but common requirements for King’s College London scholarships 2026 include:
- Academic excellence: Strong previous academic results (for example, a first-class or high upper-second-class honors degree or equivalent).
- Admission offer: You usually must have applied for and received an offer for an eligible program at King’s (full-time master’s or PhD) starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
- Fee status: Many scholarships are aimed at “overseas” fee-paying students; home-fee-status students may be ineligible for some funds such as CMA CGM Excellence Fund.
- English language: You must meet the university’s English entry requirements; some scholarships do not support pre-sessional English courses.
- Programme/discipline: Scholarships may be restricted to particular faculties or topics, such as business, global affairs, or African creativity research.
For schemes like K‑CSC, there may also be nationality or partnership-specific rules
Required documents for the application
To apply for King’s College London scholarships 2026, you will need a complete admission application plus additional scholarship documents. Although the exact list depends on the scheme, commonly required documents include:
- Completed online application for the relevant King’s degree (via King’s Apply portal for master’s or PhD).
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates for all previous studies.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume showing academic, professional and extracurricular achievements.
- Personal statement or scholarship motivation statement explaining why you deserve the award and how it aligns with your goals.
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants) outlining your topic, methodology and supervision plan.
- Reference letters from academic referees; many scholarships require at least two references.
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent), if applicable.
- Copy of passport and any additional documents required by funding partners (for example CSC documentation for K‑CSC).
Some scholarships, such as the CMA CGM Excellence Fund, ask you to submit supporting documents directly to a dedicated funding email address after completing the online form.
King’s College London Scholarships application process (step‑by‑step guide)
Below is a typical step‑by‑step application process for King’s College London scholarships 2026, combining the general approach and specific guidance from schemes like K‑CSC and CMA CGM.
- Research scholarships and programmes
- Visit the King’s funding pages and identify scholarships that match your level, nationality and subject area.
- Check eligibility conditions, benefits, and deadlines for each scheme.
- Choose your course at King’s
- Select an eligible master’s or PhD programme starting in the 2026–27 academic year.
- Confirm that your chosen course is listed as eligible for the scholarship.
- Submit your admissions application
- Apply for admission through the King’s online admissions system (King’s Apply) by the scholarship’s internal deadline, such as 1 January 2026 for K‑CSC.
- Include any required funding code or reference
- Upload required supporting documents
- Provide transcripts, references, CV, and other documents by the specified date
- Ensure your application is complete; incomplete files are normally not considered.
- Complete the scholarship application form
- For scholarships like CMA CGM Excellence Fund, fill in the separate scholarship form and email supporting documents to the funding contact.
- For faculty-level awards like King’s Business School scholarships, follow the instructions on the faculty scholarship page.
- Await shortlisting and decisions
- Some schemes shortlist candidates for interview or internal selection before final nominations
- Final decisions are usually communicated between April and June 2026, depending on the scholarship.
- Accept your offer and arrange your visa
- If you receive a scholarship offer, confirm acceptance by the given deadline.
- Use your offer letter and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply for the UK Student Visa and plan accommodation and travel.
Tips for a successful scholarship application
To maximize your chances of winning a King’s College London scholarship in 2026, focus on quality, clarity, and relevance. Strong, targeted applications stand out to selection committees.
Practical tips:
- Start early: Begin researching and preparing materials several months before the deadline so that you can meet dates like 1 January or 24 April 2026 with a complete file.
- Tailor your personal statement: Clearly show how your academic background, skills and goals align with the specific scholarship and programme at King’s.
- Demonstrate impact: Highlight leadership, community work, research potential or professional achievements that demonstrate the impact you will make as a King’s scholar.
- Follow instructions precisely: Use the correct funding code, send documents to the designated email, and respect word limits and document formats.
- Secure strong references: Ask referees who know your work well and can comment on your academic excellence, research potential and suitability for the scholarship.
- Check eligibility and avoid errors: Confirm that your nationality, fee status, course choice and start date match the scholarship rules so your application is not rejected on a technicality.
Monthly living expenses for international students (in USD)
Living in London is relatively expensive, and King’s provides its own estimate of monthly student living costs. King’s currently suggests that students should allow around 1,734 GBP per month on average for living expenses in London, excluding tuition fees.
Using a rough exchange rate of 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD (rates vary), this average comes to approximately:
- 1,734 GBP × 1.25 ≈ 2,168 USD per month.
King’s also provides a lower and higher range for monthly living costs:
- Lower range: 1,326 GBP per month ≈ about 1,658 USD.
- Higher range: 2,279 GBP per month ≈ about 2,849 USD.
These amounts must cover:
- Accommodation (often the largest share).
- Food and groceries.
- Local transport around London.
- Utilities, phone, personal expenses and study materials.
Many fully funded scholarships provide a stipend close to common UK research council levels, but you should still compare the stipend amount (for example 22,161 GBP per academic year under CMA CGM) against your estimated 12‑month living costs to check if you need extra funds.
Why choose King’s College London scholarships 2026? (at least 5 reasons)
- Significant financial support
- Fully funded and partially funded scholarships can cover full tuition and contribute substantially to living costs, making a top London education far more affordable.
- Study at a world‑class university in central London
- King’s is a prestigious, research‑intensive university with campuses in the heart of London, giving you access to top employers, cultural institutions and networking opportunities.
- Wide range of programmes and disciplines
- Scholarships span business, global affairs, arts, humanities, social sciences and interdisciplinary research, so you can find awards that fit your specific academic goals.
- Strong career and research prospects
- Scholarship holders often benefit from enhanced academic support, research training, and exposure to influential faculty and partners, boosting both academic and career outcomes.
- Dedicated support and clear application routes
- King’s provides structured guidance on scholarship timelines, step‑by‑step application instructions, and staff contacts (such as
- [email protected]
- for some schemes), helping you navigate the process smoothly.
- Attractive stipends for selected awards
- Some scholarships include competitive stipends designed to reflect London living costs, such as the 22,161 GBP stipend for CMA CGM Excellence Fund masters students in 2026–27.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Are King’s College London scholarships 2026 fully funded?
Some scholarships are fully funded, covering full tuition fees and providing a living stipend
2. Can international students apply for King’s scholarships 2026?
Yes, many King’s scholarships are open to international (overseas fee‑paying) students, and some, like CMA CGM, specifically exclude home-fee students so that funding is focused on international applicants.
3. What is the main deadline for 2026 scholarship applications?
Deadlines differ by scheme: for example, K‑CSC PhD awards have a deadline of 1 January 2026 for the King’s application, King’s Business School scholarships close on 31 March 2026, and CMA CGM Excellence Fund applications close on 24 April 2026.
4. Do I need an offer from King’s before applying for a scholarship?
Most scholarships require you to apply for and often hold at least a conditional offer for an eligible programme at King’s, or to submit your admission application by a specific date, before your scholarship application is assessed.
5. Does the scholarship cover visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs?
Generally no; schemes such as CMA CGM and many PhD scholarships explicitly state that visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are not included and must be paid by the student.
6. Can I defer my King’s scholarship to another academic year?
Many scholarships cannot be deferred and are valid only for students starting in the specified academic year, such as 2026–27; if you defer your course, you may lose the funding and need to reapply.
7. How competitive are King’s College London scholarships?
These scholarships are highly competitive because King’s is a top institution and the awards are generous, so strong academic records, well‑crafted personal statements and excellent references are essential.
Application deadlines (examples for 2026 intake)
- K-CSC PhD awards:
- Application start: 16 October 2025.
- King’s application deadline: 1 January 2026 (23:59 UK time).
- Deadline to submit all supporting documents: 14 January 2026 (23:59 UK time).
- CMA CGM Excellence Fund for Education 2026–27:
- Scholarship application deadline: 24 April 2026.
- King’s Business School Postgraduate Scholarships:
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026.
Official Link:
By understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, deadlines and application steps, you can craft a compelling application and improve your chances of winning a King’s College London scholarship for 2026.
