Updated October 9, 2026
Imperial College London
Imperial College London (Founded 1907, South Kensington, London) ranks #2 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. STEM-only, joint world #2, in the heart of London's museum district.
Campus culture
Imperial does one thing: science, engineering, medicine, and business. No humanities departments at all, which gives it a focused, high-pressure, lab-coat culture in South Kensington, surrounded by the Natural History and Science Museums. The workload is relentless, the international mix is huge (well over half the students), and London is both the playground and the price tag.
Colleges and housing
Imperial has no college system; accommodation is in halls, with first-year undergraduates who pick Imperial as their firm choice normally guaranteed a room. South Kensington halls are pricey; many students move to cheaper areas (Acton, Hammersmith) after year one. Apply for housing the day applications open.
Costs
International fees from about £38,900 a year: the most expensive on this list, reflecting STEM lab costs. London living runs £1,400 to £2,000 a month. Imperial's scholarships for internationals are limited and competitive; budget for the full sticker price. Home fee capped (currently £9,535).
Admissions
UCAS by the January deadline (October 15 only for medicine). Typical offers: A*A*A to AAA with A* in maths or sciences for most courses. Admissions tests (TMUA/ESAT) for several courses, plus interviews for competitive ones. Imperial reads personal statements carefully for subject passion and super-curricular evidence.
FAQ
What is Imperial known for?
Imperial does one thing: science, engineering, medicine, and business. No humanities departments at all, which gives it a focused, high-pressure, lab-coat culture in South Kensington, surrounded by the Natural History and Science Museums. The workload is relentless, the international mix is huge (well over half the students), and London is both the playground and the price tag.
How much does Imperial cost for international students?
International fees from about £38,900 a year: the most expensive on this list, reflecting STEM lab costs. London living runs £1,400 to £2,000 a month. Imperial's scholarships for internationals are limited and competitive; budget for the full sticker price. Home fee capped (currently £9,535).
How do I apply to Imperial?
UCAS by the January deadline (October 15 only for medicine). Typical offers: A*A*A to AAA with A* in maths or sciences for most courses. Admissions tests (TMUA/ESAT) for several courses, plus interviews for competitive ones. Imperial reads personal statements carefully for subject passion and super-curricular evidence.
Is accommodation guaranteed at Imperial?
Imperial has no college system; accommodation is in halls, with first-year undergraduates who pick Imperial as their firm choice normally guaranteed a room. South Kensington halls are pricey; many students move to cheaper areas (Acton, Hammersmith) after year one. Apply for housing the day applications open.