Fees and bursaries
We know that juggling your finances can be a difficult part of being a student – and that the current economic climate may mean extra worries for you. But we'll do all we can to help you manage your money. Our experienced money advisers can offer advice with everything from claiming benefits* to managing debt.
And don't forget that your degree is a great investment for the future – in tough economic times it's more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Then when the economy returns to full strength you'll be in the best position to benefit.
It is important to think about your finances before you arrive at Kingston, arrange how you will pay your tuition fees and apply for any funding you may be entitled to. For full information about fees and funding at Kingston University, please make sure you download our Money Matters booklet (PDF) (please note that this was written for the 2011/12 academic year – a version of 2012/13 will be available soon).
- I am an international student. What are living expenses like in the UK?
The Education UK website gives a general guide to the cost of living in the UK. We have also calculated an estimated monthly living allowance for your guidance. Read more.
- What funding is available?
If you are a Home (UK) student, you may be entitled to a maintenance grant or loan, a tuition fee loan and a scholarship from Kingston University. (There are different rules for EU and international students.) Read more.
- How do I apply for funding?
If you haven't already applied for funding, you should contact the relevant agency as soon as possible to arrange for a fee loan, maintenance loan and/or grant. You can usually apply online. Read more.
- I am an international student. Can I apply for any scholarships?
Yes, Kingston University offers a number of international scholarships and loyalty bursaries. Read more.
- What about scholarships for UK students?
Kingston University offers two scholarship schemes for UK students – the National Scholarship Programme and the Kingston Scholarship. Read more.
- Do I pay the Home or Overseas fee rate?
All applicants regardless of whether you are paying your fees, being sponsored to study or receiving a bursary need to upload a scanned copy of their passport and complete the 'Your Fee Status' task so that we can check which fees you should be paying – the rate for Home (UK/EU) students or the rate for Overseas students. We will email you direct to confirm the outcome of the fee assessment and/or if we need any further information from you. Read more.
If you have any queries about your fee status, contact Applicant Services on 0844 855 2177 or email feestatus@kingston.ac.uk.
- How, when and where do I pay my tuition fees?
You can pay your fees online, by electronic bank transfer, by cheque or by bank/building society draft. Overseas and Island students must pay 50% of their tuition fees before enrolment. Read more.
- Where can I find out more?
Remember that the University's Student Funding Service is here to support you in any money matters so please contact us if you have any queries or are unsure about anything. Read more.
*Home students only
"When you see a four-digit number on the cash point screen, it’s exciting – but don’t spend it all at once; otherwise you may be left eating nothing but tinned food by November!"
Giles, Sports Science student
"Put aside your rent money for the next three months as soon as you get your loan, so you know you can't spend it at all."
Racha, Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics student
"If you want to get a part-time job, I would recommend trying to get one within the University. I work in one of the Students' Union bars and its great as it is really flexible as they fully understand that your degree comes first!"
Kayleigh, Business Management student
"Budget – know how much money you have until your next loan comes in and take out cash at the beginning of each week so that you don’t overspend."
Natasha, Law with Human Rights student
"I spent a gap year working, which allowed me to save some money for when I went to University."
Harriette, Geography student
"I would suggest getting a Young Person's Railcard as it can save you loads of money with all those trips to central London."
Adam, Economics student