If you’re planning to take a postgraduate taught (PGT) programme at King’s College London (KCL), it’s crucial to get a clear picture of the tuition fees and how you might fund your studies. This post breaks down what you need to know in simple language.

1. Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Taught Programmes

1. Tuition fees vary by course and are listed on the individual course page under “Fees & funding”.
2. For many programmes the fees will change for each year of study. KCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees for self-funding overseas students, though only up to a cap (typically no more than 7% or CPI whichever is higher) for current students.
3. Example: For the MSc in International Management (2026/27) at KCL, the full time tuition fees are:
4. £35,950 per year for UK students.
5. £40,450 per year for international students.
6. If a programme lasts more than one year (or part-time) you should check the full duration fee schedule and any fee increase in subsequent years.
7. Important note for EU/EEA/Swiss students: From academic years after a certain point, students from EU/EEA/Switzerland may not qualify for ‘home’ fee status and may therefore pay the overseas rate.

2. Funding Your Postgraduate Taught Study

Financing postgraduate taught study involves a mix of tuition and living cost planning, and KCL provides a range of funding avenues.

2.1 Loans and Government Funding

1. If you are a UK-domiciled student starting a master’s course from 1 August 2025, a new Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £12,858 is available. This loan can be used for tuition and/or living costs.
2. These options vary depending on your residence (England/Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland) so check eligibility details carefully.

2.2 Scholarships, Bursaries and Sponsorship

1. KCL administers an extensive range of scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate taught students. These may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, subject area or nationality.
2. Some external funding routes are also available. For example, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships allow students from certain countries to receive full tuition coverage, living allowance and travel and this can be used at KCL.
3. Sponsorship by a company or organisation: Some students are funded via industrial or corporate sponsorship, which can cover part or all of their fees.

2.3 Living Costs and Other Expenses

1. Beyond tuition fees you should budget for travel, accommodation, bills, books, and living expenses. While KCL’s website focuses more on tuition and funding, many students use personal savings, loans or part-time work to cover living costs.
2. Some of the costs may include deposits for living expenses, travel to and from home country, and other one-off costs or materials for the course. Example from a specific programme: KCL’s International Management MSc notes extra costs such as books, business attire, printing, travel.

3. How to Make a Funding Strategy that Works

1. Start early: Check the tuition fee for your specific course, any anticipated increases, and funding deadlines.
2. Calculate total cost: Add tuition + living costs + travel + extras. Then map out how you will cover this (loan + scholarship + personal savings + sponsorship).
3. Explore all scholarship options: Use KCL’s funding database to find scholarships specific to your subject, country or funding need.
4. Understand eligibility and apply: For loans, check residency status and credit/loan conditions. For scholarships, check criteria like merit, nationality, subject area and deadlines.
5. Track fee increases: Since fees may increase year-to-year, ensure you are prepared for possible rises. Know that KCL limits increases for current students but it’s still a part of your planning.
6. Check payment schedules and deposits: Some programmes require a non-refundable deposit when you accept the offer. Example: The International Management MSc requires a deposit (£500 UK, £2,000 international) to secure the place.

4. Why Understanding Fees & Funding is Crucial

1. Knowing the full cost gives you a realistic view of what you’ll need to invest and how much support you might need.
2. It helps you avoid financial surprises mid-course which could distract from your studies.
3. Funding support can make a big difference in your decision whether to pursue a PGT at KCL or elsewhere.
4. A clear strategy improves your application: if you can show you have or are applying for funding it strengthens your overall profile.

Reference

1. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees
2. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding/student-funding
3. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/international-management-msc/fees
4. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/legacy/funding/commonwealth-masters-scholarships