Universities in London, The United Kingdom

London offers a wide choice of universities and higher education institutions, and teaching is in English. The institutions in this list range from large multidisciplinary universities with several campuses to specialist schools in law, business, film, the arts or regional studies. Some are public universities that are centuries old; others are private, career-focused institutions.

Several of London's universities have a long history. King's College London was founded in 1829 and, according to the university, has five campuses across London and more than 42,000 students. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) opened in 1895. Imperial College London was founded in South Kensington in 1907 and focuses on science, technology, engineering, medicine and business. SOAS University of London, founded in 1916 in Bloomsbury, specialises in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The University of Westminster traces its history to the Polytechnic Institution, opened at 309 Regent Street in 1838.

What London's universities offer

Most undergraduate programmes lead to a bachelor's degree with honours (BA or BSc), followed by taught master's degrees and doctorates. Universities set their own entry requirements and tuition fees for each course, so the course page is the reference for grades, language level and price. Besides full degrees, many universities run study abroad semesters, summer schools and foundation programmes for international students.

Student housing is usually offered in university halls of residence or private student halls. LSE, for example, states that it allocates accommodation to more than 4,000 students each year in its own halls, in University of London intercollegiate residences and in private halls.

Applying and visas

• Undergraduate applications go through UCAS, with up to five choices. For 2027 entry, the equal consideration date for most courses is 13 January 2027 (18:00 UK time); Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses close on 15 October.
• According to UCAS, many universities keep accepting applications from international students until later in the year. Postgraduate applications are made directly to each university.
• Students from outside the UK and Ireland usually need a Student visa. It requires an offer from a licensed student sponsor, and you can apply up to 6 months before the course starts. The fee is £558 from outside the UK, plus the healthcare surcharge.
• For degree-level study, English must be equivalent to CEFR level B2; the university can assess your level itself.
• After graduating, the Graduate visa allows 2 years of stay for applications made on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027.

Costs

King's College London sets home fees at £9,790 for new students starting in September 2026. Students from the EU, EEA or Switzerland who started in 2021 or later pay the international rate, which varies by university and course. For the Student visa, you must show the course fee for one academic year (up to 9 months) and £1,529 per month for up to 9 months for living costs in London.

Universities give their own estimates: LSE advises allowing at least £1,550 per month for all living expenses. Its halls range from about £152.60 to £328.30 per week, depending on the residence and room type. Full-time students who live in London can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard (£22 administration fee), which saves 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.

Practical tips

• Compare the campus location with where you will live: London is large, and travel time matters as much as rent.
• Check whether a degree is awarded by the institution itself or by a partner university.
• Apply for university housing early, as many halls fill up before the start of the year.
• Prepare your personal statement and academic reference well before the UCAS deadline.

Frequently asked questions

When should I apply to a university in London?

For 2027 entry, most undergraduate courses have a UCAS equal consideration date of 13 January 2027, and Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine courses close on 15 October. Many universities accept international applicants later in the year.

Do I need a visa to study at a London university?

Students from outside the UK and Ireland usually need a Student visa, which requires an offer from a licensed student sponsor. The application fee is £558 from outside the UK, plus the healthcare surcharge.

How much money do I need to live in London as a student?

For the Student visa you must show £1,529 per month for up to 9 months. LSE advises allowing at least £1,550 per month for all living expenses.

What level of English do London universities require?

For degree-level study, the Student visa requires English equivalent to CEFR level B2. Each university sets its own requirement per course and can assess your level itself.