The University of Kent is based in Canterbury in south-east England, with a second campus in Medway, and ranks 415th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Its fees are lower than at Liverpool, Cardiff or Bath, for example: 2027-entry international undergraduates pay $29,160 (£21,950) a year in economics, business and law and $31,820 (£23,950) in computer science and pharmacy, and a discount of up to $6,640 (£5,000) over the first two years is applied without an application. Students with the Russian school certificate usually start with the International Foundation Programme at the University of Kent International College, from $24,710 (£18,595) for 2026/27. Since August 2026 Kent has been part of the LASE University Group with the University of Greenwich, but students still apply to, study at and graduate from Kent.
Kent State University in the United States is an unrelated institution. Older guides also mention Kent's Brussels School of International Studies, but the university's current campus page lists only Canterbury and Medway.
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Campuses | Canterbury (main) and Medway (including pharmacy) |
| Rankings | QS 2027: 415; THE 2027: 451–500; ARWU 2026: 401–500 |
| Students | about 15,000, roughly a quarter international (THE data) |
| Group | LASE University Group with the University of Greenwich (since 3 August 2026) |
| After an 11-year school certificate | International Foundation Programme at the International College (with Oxford International) |
| Foundation, 2026/27 | from $24,710 (£18,595), IELTS 4.5 |
| Undergraduate, 2027 entry | $29,160 (£21,950) to $31,820 (£23,950) a year |
| Discount | up to $6,640 (£5,000): £3,000 in year one and £2,000 in year two, no application (September 2027 entry; full terms still to be published) |
| Pre-CAS deposit | $6,640 (£5,000) |
| Master's, 2026/27 (example) | Financial Management MSc $27,500 (£20,700) |
Who Kent suits
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Moderate fees for England and a discount of up to £5,000 with no separate application | Lower world-ranking positions than Russell Group universities |
| On-campus foundation with January and September starts | Country-specific foundation requirements are provided by the International College rather than published on Kent's pages |
| Halls promised to international students for every year of study if they apply on time | A £5,000 deposit is due before the CAS |
| A 300-acre parkland campus overlooking Canterbury | The merger's effects on students are described only in general terms so far |
| Broad choice: law, business, politics, computing, pharmacy in Medway | 2027 entry requirements are not yet final |
Kent fits students who prioritise the cost of a UK degree and a calm campus, and for whom the Russell Group label is not essential. To compare on price, look at Aberdeen and Cardiff; all options are on our study in the UK page.
The University of Greenwich merger
On 3 August 2026 Kent completed its merger with the University of Greenwich, creating the London and South East (LASE) University Group: more than 50,000 students across four campuses in Greenwich, Avery Hill, Medway and Canterbury. According to the university, both institutions keep their names, courses and identities, and students continue to apply to, study at and graduate from either the University of Kent or the University of Greenwich. For a 2027 applicant, Kent's own admissions, fees and requirements still apply.
After high school: the International Foundation Programme
Kent's page for Russia says applicants typically need to complete the International Foundation Programme before progressing to a degree. It is run by the University of Kent International College (UK IC) with Oxford International on the Canterbury campus.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Length | 1-year foundation + 3-year degree |
| Starts | January and September |
| Fee, 2026/27 | from $24,710 (£18,595) |
| English | IELTS 4.5, no component below 4.0; a UKVI SELT is required |
| Progression | to a range of Kent degrees on meeting progression requirements |
The college also offers an International Year One leading to year two of a degree. Kent's pages do not list country-specific school-certificate requirements; the International College provides them. UK IC students live in the student village on the Canterbury campus, with a free shuttle to Medway. Our foundation year guide explains how pathways work.
Undergraduate fees and entry, 2027
| Programme | Campus | Typical A level offer | IELTS | International fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics BSc | Canterbury | BBB | 6.0, no component below 5.5 | $29,160 (£21,950) |
| Business Management BSc | Canterbury | ABB | 6.0, no component below 5.5 | $29,160 (£21,950) |
| Law LLB | Canterbury | AAB | 6.5, no component below 5.5 | $29,160 (£21,950) |
| Computer Science BSc | Canterbury | BBB | 6.0, no component below 5.5 | $31,820 (£23,950) |
| Pharmacy MPharm | Medway | see course page | 6.0, no component below 5.5 | $31,820 (£23,950) |
The listed requirements relate to 2026 entry; Kent says 2027 requirements will be finalised soon. Fees may rise in later years under Kent's tuition fee increase policy, and placement years carry a reduced fee. Apply through UCAS by 13 January 2027; see our guide to applying to UK universities.
Master's degrees
For Russian applicants, Kent typically asks for an average of 3.6 on a Bakalavr or Specialist diploma for courses requiring a UK 2:2, and 4 for courses requiring a 2:1. Some courses need a related degree or work experience. Graduates taught entirely in English may be considered for an English-test exemption with a medium-of-instruction letter.
| Programme, 2026/27 | International fee | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Management MSc | $27,500 (£20,700) | 6.0, no component below 5.5 |
| Advanced Computer Science MSc | see course page | 6.0, no component below 5.5 |
Kent publishes its 2027/28 postgraduate listings from October 2026. For January 2027 starts, the Kent International Scholarship is £3,000 on Kent Business School master's and £5,000 on other taught master's. Our UK MBA and master's guide covers the wider process.
Scholarships
- Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates (September 2027): $6,640 (£5,000) as a fee waiver, £3,000 in year one and £2,000 on progression to year two. No application: it is added once you accept your offer. Full 2027 eligibility details are still to be published.
- Kent International Scholarship for master's: £3,000 (Kent Business School) or £5,000 (other programmes) for January 2027.
- Chevening: the UK government's master's scholarship. For 2027/28, Russian citizens are eligible only if they live outside Russia; the deadline is 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC, and later cycles are announced on the Chevening website.
Kent decides on all awards. External funding is listed in our UK scholarships guide.
Deposit, housing and living costs
Deposit. All self-funded and partially funded international applicants pay $6,640 (£5,000) before the CAS. Refunds are limited, for example after a visa refusal; requests must arrive within 30 days of the course start or visa decision, and £100 is retained for administration.
Halls. Kent's accommodation policy covers international students for every year of study if they apply by the deadline (30 June 2026 for 2026/27). Contracts run from 31 to 52 weeks; most international students choose 38 or 52 weeks. 2026/27 prices for 38 weeks in Canterbury:
| Option | Per week | 38 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Twin en-suite room, Park Wood flats | $180 (£133.84) | $6,760 (£5,086) |
| Five-bed house, Park Wood | $180 (£138.95) | $7,020 (£5,280) |
| Darwin College room | $200–230 (£149–173) | $7,530–8,750 (£5,668–6,584) |
| En-suite room in a flat (Park Wood, Keynes, Tyler Court) | $330–350 (£250–263) | $12,600–13,280 (£9,486–9,994) |
For the visa you show £1,171 a month for nine months, $14,000 (£10,539), rising to $14,390 (£10,827) for applications from 30 November 2026, plus any unpaid tuition. See our student housing guide, and use only lawful payment routes from Russia (how to pay for studies abroad from Russia).
Visa
Kent or its college issues the CAS after the deposit; the visa fee is $740 (£558), the health surcharge $1,030 (£776) a year, and funds must be held for 28 days. Residents of Russia and Kazakhstan need a tuberculosis test at a GOV.UK-listed clinic. The Graduate visa lasts 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. UK Visas and Immigration decides; see our UK student visa guide and Graduate Route guide.
Common mistakes
- Searching for Kent State University. The American university is unrelated; the British one is the University of Kent.
- Assuming you now apply to "LASE". Applications and degrees remain with the University of Kent.
- Forgetting the £5,000 deposit. No CAS is issued without it.
- Expecting £5,000 every year. The award is split into £3,000 and £2,000.
- Missing the housing deadline. The accommodation promise applies only to on-time applications.
FAQ
Can I enter the University of Kent straight after Russian high school?
Usually not: Kent offers Russian school leavers the International Foundation Programme at the University of Kent International College first. It costs from $24,710 (£18,595) for 2026/27, starts in January or September and requires IELTS 4.5 via a SELT.
How much does the University of Kent cost?
For 2027 entry, undergraduate fees are $29,160 (£21,950) a year in economics, business and law and $31,820 (£23,950) in computer science and pharmacy. The £5,000 discount reduces the first two years, and the Financial Management MSc cost $27,500 in 2026/27.
What does the merger with the University of Greenwich mean?
Since August 2026 both universities belong to the LASE University Group. According to Kent, they keep their own names and courses, and students apply to, study at and graduate from either the University of Kent or the University of Greenwich.
What grades do I need for a Kent master's?
For courses requiring a UK 2:2, Kent typically expects an average of 3.6 on a Russian Bakalavr or Specialist diploma; for a 2:1, an average of 4. Some programmes require a related degree or professional experience.
Does Kent offer halls to international students?
Yes. International students are promised a room on the Canterbury campus or at Pier Quays in Medway for every year of study if they apply by the deadline. In 2026/27 a 38-week contract cost $6,760 to $13,280 depending on room type.
How does StudyU help with Kent?
Choosing a programme and foundation route, preparing the application, documents and visa file are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The University of Kent and its International College decide on admission, the university decides on awards, and UK Visas and Immigration decides on the visa.
Sources
- University of Kent: applicants from Russia
- University of Kent International College, International Foundation Programme
- 2027 courses: Economics BSc, Business Management BSc, Law LLB, Computer Science BSc, Pharmacy MPharm
- Master's: Financial Management MSc, Advanced Computer Science MSc, 2027/28 fees
- University of Kent: international scholarships, pre-CAS deposit, undergraduate fees 2027/28
- University of Kent: international accommodation, 2026/27 prices, locations
- University of Kent: merger with the University of Greenwich completed, 3 August 2026
- UCAS: 2027 deadlines
- GOV.UK: Student visa, money, HC 584, IHS, Graduate visa, SELT, TB clinics in Russia
- Chevening: Russia
- QS 2027, THE World University Rankings, ARWU 2026
Dollar figures use ECB reference rates of 30 September 2026 (£1 = $1.3286), rounded to $10. Facts checked on 1 October 2026.
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Next steps
- University of Aberdeen: Admission and Fees for International Students
- Cardiff University: Admission in Cardiff and Astana
- Studying in the UK for international applicants
- Universities in London for International Students: List, Rankings, Fees and How to Choose for 2027
- Foundation Year in the UK: Types, Entry Requirements, Costs and Progression
- Scholarships in the UK in 2026: Chevening, Gates Cambridge, Clarendon and University Awards — What Applicants from Russia, Kazakhstan and Central Asia Can Get
