How to apply

Supporting documentation

We require the following documents to accompany your application:

1. Official college/university transcript(s), including classes that you are currently enrolled in. Your home institution may prefer to email this directly to us at studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk.
2. A 250–300 word personal statement explaining your reason for choosing the Kingston Study Abroad programme, the modules that you have selected and the main goal for your Study Abroad experience.
3. A good quality flat scan of your passport.
4. An academic reference. This must be from an academic member of staff (professor) who has taught you in at least one class and can comment on your academic performance. You will be able to provide your referee's details on the online application itself.
5. A head-and-shoulders photo.
6. A portfolio (only applicable to studio-based modules in the Kingston School of Art) – see below.
7. If your first language is not English, official confirmation of your English language proficiency, such as IELTS.

All documents are required in English.

Items 1) to 5) (and 7 if required) may be submitted as part of the online application itself or emailed to studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk.

For practical modules within Kingston School of Art

If you wish to apply for a place as a Study Abroad or international exchange student on practical (ie no lectures, just studio work) modules within the Kingston School of Art you will need to send a portfolio of your work in addition to the main application materials.

This applies to the following subjects: 

• Architecture
• Fashion
• Fashion Promotion and Communication (specific agreements only)
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design
• Illustration Animation
• Interior Design
• Product and Furniture Design

To submit your portfolio, choose one of the following:

1. Set up your own web portfolio and send us a link to your website by return email. Please do not choose a site with a short life. A good site is www.flickr.com. Email the link to studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk
2. Email your portfolio as an attachment. PowerPoint is the preferred format but JPEG files are also acceptable (but no AutoCAD or cad files). File size must be below 10MB. Email  to studyabroad@kingston.ac.uk
3. Post a CD or DVD of your portfolio, PowerPoint or JPEG files. CDs and DVDs will not be returned. Post to the Study Abroad International Learning Office.

Make sure your name, current university and the major you wish to apply for are clearly indicated on all correspondence headers, web links, CDs etc.

Include developmental work as well as finished projects, and anything personal or of interest to you which supports your university courses and shows us how you think about your work.

Some subject areas impose a maximum limit to the number of Study Abroad/international exchange students that they will accept, so we advise applying early.

Application deadlines

• 5 June – for the fall/autumn semester or full academic year (study options 1 and 2)
• 31 October – for the spring semester (study option 3) 

What happens after application?

After receiving your complete application, you will receive an email confirming that we have received this successfully.

Staff will then assess and approve an appropriate study plan for you, which will be accompanied by a formal offer. If a module is not approved or no longer available, we'll give guidance on how to choose an alternative.

To accept and confirm your place, you'll need to follow the link in your offer email and reply by the given deadline.

All information about your accommodation as well as when to arrive, enrolment, orientation and an airport pick-up service together with practical information will normally be emailed to you in:

• July (for students starting in September); or
• December (for students starting in January)