The merger is scheduled to take effect in August 2027, but the name of the combined organization has not yet been determined.
Upon completion, the new entity is expected to have approximately 47,000 students, making it the UK’s second largest mainstream higher education institution after University College London.
The agreement will also see around 5,000 mainly postgraduate students from Cranfield enter the King’s College system.
The merger aims to expand UK capabilities in areas such as engineering, artificial intelligence, defence, energy, manufacturing and climate research.
Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor and Dean of King’s College London, said the merger was intended to help create a stronger global organization.
“This is a deliberate move to allow the best talent in the UK to compete with the best talent in the world,” Kapoor said.
He added that the partnership would “create new educational possibilities for students” and strengthen collaboration with industry and government.
The combined organization is expected to focus on aerospace, robotics, hydrogen energy systems, life sciences, public leadership and national security.
Cranfield University specializes in postgraduate education and applied research and is renowned for its links with industry and government, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Professor Dame Karen Holford, chief executive and vice-chancellor of Cranfield University, said the merger would create a “global university” with greater international scale.
She said Cranfield University’s applied research expertise and long-standing industry partnerships would be combined with King’s wider academic network.
UK Science Secretary Patrick Vallance backed the proposal, saying it had the potential to strengthen the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor and support the UK’s science and technology ambitions.