Are you planning to study at one of the universities in the UK? Before starting your application, it is important to understand each institution’s admissions process. Some British institutions have higher acceptance rates, while others are more selective.
By reviewing the available admissions information, you can prepare a stronger application and choose universities that suit your academic profile. You may also want to browse our overview of universities around the world.
This article lists universities in the United Kingdom with competitive undergraduate admissions and provides current admissions context. The bullet points below use the accepted-applicant ratio wherever comparable data is available. This is the percentage of undergraduate applications associated with applicants who were ultimately accepted. It should not be confused with the offer rate, which measures the percentage of applications that received an offer before final results and enrollment decisions.
Most of the ratios below were calculated using the UCAS undergraduate provider-level data resources for the 2025 cycle. Cambridge and Oxford publish detailed institution-specific statistics, which are used where applicable. Acceptance rates also vary substantially by course, applicant profile, and qualification system. The numbered order follows the original article and should not be treated as a strict ranking.
Universities in the UK with Low Acceptance Rates
1. University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is Scotland’s oldest university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. According to the university’s official facts and figures page, it had 10,356 students in the 2024–2025 academic year, with more than 120 countries represented in its student population.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, approximately 10.8% of undergraduate applications were associated with accepted applicants. Undergraduate entry requirements depend on the program. The university’s general guidance lists A-level requirements ranging from ABB to A*A*A and International Baccalaureate requirements ranging from 36 to 38 points. Applicants should check the relevant subject page for prerequisites and current requirements. For additional background, see our St Andrews admissions overview.
2. University of Cambridge
Next on our list is the University of Cambridge. Established in 1209, Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest universities. It comprises 31 colleges, six schools, and more than 150 faculties and departments.
According to Cambridge’s official undergraduate admissions statistics for the 2025 cycle, the university received 22,513 applications, made 4,893 offers, and recorded 3,669 acceptances. Its official success rate, which measures the proportion of applicants accepted at confirmation, was 16.3%.
Academic requirements vary by course and, in some cases, by college. Cambridge’s general undergraduate guidance states that minimum International Baccalaureate offer levels are usually 41 to 42 points out of 45, with 776 in Higher Level subjects. Some courses and colleges require higher scores or particular subjects. Applicants should review the official accepted qualifications page and the relevant course page. For additional background, see our Cambridge admissions overview.
3. University College London
University College London, commonly known as UCL, was founded in 1826. It was the first university established in London and the first entirely secular university in England to admit students regardless of religion.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, UCL’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 12.8%. UCL also publishes undergraduate application data by faculty and program for 2025–2026. These figures exclude Clearing applications, offers, and places and show that competition varies considerably across subject areas.
UCL does not use UCAS tariff points to assess undergraduate applications. Instead, it applies qualification and grade requirements for each course. Depending on the degree, standard A-level offers range from A*A*A to ABB. Applicants should review the official entry requirements page and the relevant program listing. For additional background, see our UCL admissions overview.
4. London School of Economics and Political Science
Often known as LSE, the London School of Economics and Political Science was founded in 1895. It specializes in the social sciences and offers programs across a wide range of related disciplines.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, LSE’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 7.0%. LSE’s official undergraduate admissions information also states that the school received around 30,000 applications for approximately 1,900 places in 2025. Meeting or exceeding the stated entry requirements does not guarantee an offer because competition is intense.
Entry requirements vary by program and qualification system. Applicants should review the official entry requirements page and the relevant degree listing. For additional background, see our LSE admissions overview.
5. University of Edinburgh
Located in the Scottish capital, the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 by the Town Council. It is the sixth-oldest university in the United Kingdom and the oldest civic foundation in the English-speaking world.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, Edinburgh’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 11.1%. The university’s 2024–2025 annual reporting separately records 69,356 undergraduate applications, 31,480 offers, and 6,832 enrollments. These figures use a different reporting period and should not be treated as interchangeable with the UCAS accepted-applicant ratio.
Each Edinburgh degree program has specific entry requirements. Applicants should review the official undergraduate entry requirements guidance and the relevant degree listing rather than relying on a blanket UCAS tariff-point threshold. For additional background, see our Edinburgh admissions overview.
6. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick received its Royal Charter of Incorporation in 1965. Its first undergraduate cohort began studying at the university in October of that year. For a broader overview of the national system, read our guide to higher education in the UK.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, Warwick’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 15.9%. Warwick publishes typical offers for common qualifications on its individual course pages. Its university-wide minimum GCSE requirement is a grade C or grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification. Some courses impose higher or additional requirements.
Applicants should review Warwick’s official undergraduate entry requirements and the relevant course listing. For additional background, see our Warwick admissions overview.
7. Imperial College London
Imperial College London was founded in South Kensington in 1907. It now includes nine campuses across London and the South East and focuses on science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, Imperial’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 10.5%. Imperial also publishes official transparency information, including five-year undergraduate admissions statistics. Competition varies considerably by department and program.
Entry requirements vary by course and qualification system. Review Imperial’s official undergraduate entry requirements and the relevant degree listing. For additional background, see our Imperial admissions overview.
8. University of Oxford
One of the universities in the UK with highly competitive undergraduate admissions is the University of Oxford. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form by 1096. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University of Bologna is another historic European institution.
Applicants may apply to only one Oxford course in an admissions cycle. They cannot apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Applicants should review Oxford’s official UCAS application guidance before submitting an application.
Oxford’s official undergraduate admissions statistics show that the university received 23,061 applications in 2024, made 3,793 offers, and admitted 3,245 students. This gives an admitted-applicant ratio of approximately 14.1%. Oxford’s offer rate for the same cycle was approximately 16.4%.
Applicants from the United States should not rely on obsolete SAT scoring scales. Oxford’s requirements vary by course and qualification combination. Review the university’s official international qualifications page and the relevant course listing. For additional background, see our Oxford admissions overview.
9. Durham University
Durham University was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and received its Royal Charter in 1837. It is one of England’s oldest universities.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, Durham’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 18.3%. Durham’s entry requirements depend on the chosen course. All courses require applicants to achieve specified grades, and some require prior study and knowledge of particular subjects.
Applicants should review Durham’s official entry requirements and the relevant course listing. For additional background, see our Durham admissions overview.
10. University of Strathclyde
The final institution on our list is the University of Strathclyde, a university based in Glasgow. Its roots date to 1796, and it has held a Royal Charter since 1964.
Based on the 2025 UCAS provider-level data, Strathclyde’s undergraduate accepted-applicant ratio was approximately 16.2%. The university describes itself as a leading international technological university. Its official international students page states that its community includes almost 30,000 students from more than 140 countries.
Applicants should check the relevant course page and, where applicable, the university’s international entry requirements. Institution-wide ratios provide useful context, but they should not be used as a substitute for current course-specific guidance.
Whether you are a local or international student, admission to a UK university can be highly competitive. Requirements and acceptance rates depend on the program, qualification system, and sometimes the applicant’s country of study. Institution-wide figures are a useful starting point, but applicants should always confirm the latest course requirements on the official university website before applying.
We hope this article on universities in the UK with competitive admissions was helpful. Make sure to check out our Study in the UK Page and the Available Programs for International Students for more information about studying in the United Kingdom.
