History
Established in 1899, Kingston University is home to a diverse community with more than 20,000 students from 140 countries.
Education
Kingston University 's commitment to high quality teaching, providing an outstanding student experience and supporting students to achieve successful degree outcomes has been recognised with Gold ratings in all three categories of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Kingston University is part of an elite group of just 26 higher education providers from across the United Kingdom awarded Gold ratings in all three TEF categories.
Research
Research drives our success and innovation, enriching our teaching and learning.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), 70% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. We continue to grow our research reputation by building a collaborative research culture across all disciplines. Our research spans diverse fields, with findings shared globally through publications, seminars and conferences.
Career
Careers and Employability Service helps you understand your strengths, explore your options, and take confident steps towards the future you want.
From your first day on campus to years after graduation, you’ll have access to expert advice, hands-on experiences, and real industry connections that turn ambition into action.
Top reasons to study here
- Kingston University pursues excellence for individuals, the University and our communities.
- Kingston University applies new methods or ideas to drive progress.
- Kingston University values the diversity of students and staff, treating all our community with respect.
Kingston University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #179 Ranking
- 20,000 Students
- Public Institution Type
Kingston University Overview
Kingston University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 12.7% United Kingdom
Top 10.2% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
179
By TopUniversities
Climbed 481 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 601 | 660 | 179 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1589
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 55 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1396 | 1534 | 1589 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 801 | 801 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
At Kingston University, we are committed to providing extensive support services to ensure every student feels empowered and equipped to excel academically and personally. Whether you need academic guidance, personal advice or career support, we have a dedicated team to assist you at every step of your journey.
Housing services
Kingston University Halls are high-quality and located close to campus. Each consists of single-study bedrooms arranged in flats with self-catering kitchens. Different room types are available at a range of different prices.
There are also lots of options for students interested in living independently. Kingston and the surrounding areas have a strong private-rented sector, with plenty of houses and flats available.
Library services
At Kingston University, we have four library buildings:
- Kingston Hill Library: Nightingale Centre
- Knights Park Library: Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll Centre
- Penrhyn Road Library: Town House
- Roehampton Vale Library: Sir Sydney Camm Centre
Medical services
Students with any disability, including long-term health conditions, mental health conditions and specific learning differences (SpLDs) can get support through our Disability and Mental Health Service. Find out what’s available and how you can access it.
Campus life
Kingston University is proud of our beautiful location in the historic Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and our close ties with local communities.
Kingston University offers a diverse and supportive environment across multiple campuses, each with its own unique charm, while being within easy reach of Central London and all its attractions.
Our students can be found studying at Kingston Hill or nestled in scenic woodlands next to Richmond Park. Kingston School of Art students enjoy the riverside setting at Knights Park. You'll find each campus brings something special to your academic journey. These campuses are all connected by Kingston University’s free intersite bus service.
Sports facilities
Train at first-class fitness facilities with all the space and equipment you need to be your best.
Make use of excellent outdoor sports facilities at Tolworth Court sports ground. You’ll find everything you need to play football, rugby, netball, cricket, American football and lacrosse, including a floodlit hardcourt area, sports pavilion and café and bar.
Student clubs
Students’ Union is a democratically-elected, student-led organisation here to make life better for Kingston students.Love a trip abroad? Keen to learn a new skill? Need expert advice? Want to find fun events and ways to socialise? Whatever you’re looking for, our Union has got you covered.
Accreditation
Kingston Business School has been awarded the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
Kingston University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United Kingdom Country
London City
Kingston University Student Reviews & Awards
4.1
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 40 Reviews
- 4 Star 36 Reviews
- 3 Star 16 Reviews
- 2 Star 5 Reviews
- 1 Star 3 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.1
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
- Student Diversity 4.1
- Admission Process 4.1
- Quality of Student Life 4.0
will enlighten me in the field of construction
Get a great knowledge of the industry to be able to deliver diligent work to the nation
Its was good experience.i leran many new skills
My time at GIFT University has been both inspiring and transformative. The learning environment encouraged curiosity and motivated me to explore my interests deeply, while the faculty provided guidance and support whenever I needed it.
1/5
My Architectural Journey at Kingston University
My time at Kingston University has been defined by the philosophy of 'Thinking Through Making.' What I truly loved was the hands-on studio culture at Knights Park; the access to world-class 3D workshops allowed me to translate abstract concepts into tangible structures, bridging the gap between imagination and materiality. The diverse, international environment provided a rich exchange of ideas that deeply influenced my design language. However, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. The intensity of the studio schedule often pushed the limits of work-life balance, and I believe the integration of UK-specific technical regulations could be introduced more gradually for international students to ease the transition.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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