5. Scholarships and Bursaries at King’s College London

King’s College London is strongly committed to helping talented students succeed, regardless of financial background. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries designed to reduce tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships for UK Students

1. King’s Scholars of Tomorrow: This merit-based award supports academically excellent applicants who demonstrate leadership potential.
2. Access King’s Bursary: Aimed at students from low-income households, this bursary provides additional financial support for living costs.
3. Care Leaver and Estranged Student Bursary: Helps those who have been in local authority care or are estranged from their families.

Scholarships for International Students

1. Global Undergraduate Scholarships: These awards recognise exceptional international applicants across all disciplines.
2. Country-specific scholarships: King’s partners with international sponsors and governments to provide regional awards, such as Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships.
3. External funding: Students can apply for private or third-party scholarships from organisations in their home countries.

How to Apply for Scholarships

1. Most King’s scholarships require you to apply after receiving your offer from the university.
2. Each scholarship or bursary has its own eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and supporting documents.
3. Use the King’s Funding Database to browse all available opportunities and find what suits you best.

6. Understanding Living Costs

In addition to tuition fees, you’ll need to budget for accommodation, food, transport, study materials, and personal expenses while living in London. Although costs vary depending on lifestyle and housing choices, the following are typical examples:

1. Accommodation: Approximately £9,000–£13,000 per year
2. Food and groceries: Around £2,000–£3,000 annually
3. Transport (London travel): Around £1,500 per year
4. Books, materials, and entertainment: About £1,000–£2,000 per year

King’s Student Services recommends using these estimates as a starting point for planning.

To help manage these costs, students can:

1. Apply for maintenance loans or grants (UK students only).
2. Work part-time while studying (international students should check visa restrictions).
3. Explore on-campus job opportunities or King’s Internships.
4. Apply for hardship or emergency funds if unexpected expenses arise.

7. Managing Money Effectively at University

King’s provides guidance to help students handle money wisely and reduce financial stress.

Practical tips for students:

1. Create a monthly budget to track income and expenses.
2. Set aside money for essentials like rent and transport first.
3. Use student discounts offered by the NUS, railcards, and London travel schemes.
4. Avoid high-interest borrowing whenever possible.
5. Talk to the Student Advice team early if you face financial difficulties.

King’s also runs financial literacy workshops and offers online resources to help students plan ahead and make informed financial choices.

8. Need More Help?

The Student Funding Office at King’s College London offers personalised advice on:

1. Applying for student loans
2. Accessing bursaries and scholarships
3. Understanding fee payments and deadlines
4. Managing unexpected financial problems

You can contact them through the King’s Student Services Online platform or by visiting their campus office once you’re enrolled.

Reference

1. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-and-funding
2. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees
3. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/student-funding