About the university
Imperial College London was founded in 1907 and focuses on science, engineering, medicine and business. It is ranked second in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and eighth in the THE World University Rankings 2027.
Imperial is known for research with real-world impact, from the discovery of penicillin onwards. Its staff, alumni and students have won 14 Nobel Prizes, and its business school and computing, engineering and medicine departments are among the most competitive in the world.
Indian students mostly apply for one-year master's courses in computing, artificial intelligence, business analytics, finance and engineering. Entry is very competitive: many computing courses ask for a first-class degree. Fees are high, but Imperial offers at least 300 Imperial Inspires Scholarships of £15,000 a year to international students for 2027 entry.
The main campus is on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, next to the Science Museum and about ten minutes' walk from South Kensington station. London living costs are high, so plan your budget carefully.
- Founded
- 1907, with the mission 'To be useful'
- Type
- Public university focused on science, engineering, medicine and business
- Total students
- About 21,600 (21,595 in THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- International students
- 60% of students (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- Student–staff ratio
- About 12 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- Main campus
- South Kensington, London; other sites include White City and Silwood Park
- Intakes
- Undergraduate courses start in October; master's courses start in August, September or October
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
2 in the world (1st in the UK)
THE World University Rankings 2027
8 in the world
Complete University Guide (UK) 2027
5th of 130 UK universities
Guardian University Guide (UK) 2027
5th in the UK
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (UK) 2027
3rd in the UK
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £48,300
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- October
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £48,300
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- October
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £48,300
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- October
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) MSc
- Fee / year
- £48,300
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- October
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £51,000
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- August
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £51,000
- Duration
- 12–16 months (full time)
- Intakes
- September
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £54,000
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- August
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £54,000
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- August
- English
- Higher level: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each element)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (GBP) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computing MSc | 1 year (full time) | £48,300 | ≈ ₹58.9 lakh |
| Advanced Computing MSc | 1 year (full time) | £48,300 | ≈ ₹58.9 lakh |
| Artificial Intelligence MSc | 1 year (full time) | £48,300 | ≈ ₹58.9 lakh |
| Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) MSc | 1 year (full time) | £48,300 | ≈ ₹58.9 lakh |
| Business Analytics MSc | 1 year (full time) | £51,000 | ≈ ₹62.2 lakh |
| MSc in Management | 12–16 months (full time) | £51,000 | ≈ ₹62.2 lakh |
| Finance MSc | 1 year (full time) | £54,000 | ≈ ₹65.9 lakh |
| Financial Technology MSc | 1 year (full time) | £54,000 | ≈ ₹65.9 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Imperial College London with similar universities in the UK.
Scholarships
- Undergraduate and selected taught postgraduate courses, autumn 2027 entry
Imperial Inspires Scholarships
Value: £15,000 a year for each year of the course; at least 300 awards
Eligibility: International students paying the Overseas fee on a full-time course that offers the scholarship in Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine or the Business School. Eligible applicants are invited to apply.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Imperial accepts CBSE and CISCE Class XII with 90% overall across five subjects and 90% in relevant subjects.
- Most engineering and computing courses ask for the equivalent of A*A*A or A*AAA at A level, so expect high subject scores in maths and physics.
- Apply through UCAS; first-year undergraduates who meet the conditions are guaranteed a place in halls.
Postgraduate
- Graduates of Indian institutes of national importance and listed universities (such as Delhi, BITS, IISc, JNU and Hyderabad) need 60% for a 2:2, 65% for a 2:1 and 70% for a first.
- Graduates of other Indian universities need 65% for a 2:2, 70% for a 2:1 and 75% for a first.
- A three-year bachelor's with the right grades may be accepted for master's courses.
- Many computing master's ask for a first-class degree; business school courses usually ask for a 2:1. A £125 application fee applies to Business School MSc applications.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Degree transcripts and certificate
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- English test score
- Personal statement
- References (usually academic) and CV for business school courses
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Standard level 6.5 (6.0 in each element); higher level 7.0 (6.5 in each element). Each course page says which level applies. |
| PTE Academic | Standard 62 (56 in each element); higher 69 (62 in each element). |
| TOEFL iBT | Standard 92 (20 in each); higher 100 (22 in each). For tests from 21 January 2026: 4.5 and 5.0 on the new scale. |
| Duolingo English Test | Standard 115 (105 in each subscore); higher 125 (115 in each subscore). |
| Class 12 English | 70% in English in Indian 12th Standard from CBSE or CISCE boards only, for both levels. |
Accommodation and living costs
First-year undergraduates who meet the conditions are guaranteed a place in Imperial halls. Rent includes bills, internet, basic contents insurance, maintenance and communal cleaning. Postgraduates usually live in GradPad (Imperial's postgraduate housing, with its own fees), discounted rooms at Griffon Studios and Wood Lane Studios, or private housing. Prices below are 2026/27 weekly undergraduate rents.
| Item | In GBP | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Twin room (shared) | £150–199per week | ≈ ₹18,300 – ₹24,278 |
| Standard single room | £174–199per week | ≈ ₹21,228 – ₹24,278 |
| En suite single room | £236–352per week | ≈ ₹28,792 – ₹42,944 |
| Premium en suite single room | £259–425per week | ≈ ₹31,598 – ₹51,850 |
Campus and location
Most teaching takes place at South Kensington, in central London's museum quarter. Imperial also has campuses at White City, Hammersmith, Silwood Park in Ascot and several London hospital sites.
- South Kensington is a compact site in the area known as Albertopolis, next to the Science Museum and a ten-minute walk from the Tube station.
- Imperial Business School teaches at South Kensington in a building designed by Norman Foster.
- Silwood Park in Ascot hosts some life sciences and ecology courses, with its own halls.
- Undergraduate halls include Beit Hall, Eastside, Southside, Wilson House, Woodward Buildings and Kemp Porter Buildings.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Imperial graduates are sought after in technology, finance, consulting, engineering and research. Course pages list employers such as Amazon, Google, HSBC, McKinsey and Visa. For post-study work rules, see our UK guide.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| International students as a share of all students | 60% | THE World University Rankings 2027 |
| Applications per place, BEng Computing | 13 to 1 (2025) | Imperial College London course page |
Studying in the UK
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much is a master's at Imperial for Indian students?
For 2027 entry, most computing and engineering master's cost £47,250 to £48,300. Business school courses cost £48,000 to £54,000, and the Full-Time MBA £81,000.
Can I get into Imperial with a 3-year Indian degree?
Yes, a three-year bachelor's with the right grades may be accepted for master's courses. Grades needed depend on your university: for example 70% or 75% for a first-class equivalent.
Does Imperial accept Class 12 English instead of IELTS?
Yes. Imperial accepts 70% in English in Indian 12th Standard from CBSE or CISCE boards only. State board results are not listed.
Are there scholarships for Indian students?
Imperial offers at least 300 Imperial Inspires Scholarships of £15,000 a year for international students on eligible courses for 2027 entry. Eligible applicants are invited to apply.
Is there a January intake?
No. Master's courses on this page start in August, September or October, and undergraduate courses start in October.
Sources
- Imperial College London: league tables and rankings (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: introducing Imperial (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: South Kensington campus (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: Computing MSc (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: Computing BEng (2027 entry) (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: postgraduate accepted qualifications (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: undergraduate accepted qualifications (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: Imperial Inspires Scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: undergraduate accommodation fees (opens in a new tab)
- Imperial College London: postgraduate accommodation (opens in a new tab)
- THE World University Rankings 2027: Imperial College London (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.imperial.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
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