Are you planning to study at one of the UK’s prestigious universities? Before you embark on your application process, having all the necessary information with you is crucial. As a future student here, you need to choose a university. Some British institutions have high acceptance rates, which are easy to get into, while others can be very selective.
By knowing the acceptance rates of these institutions, you’ll be able to prepare more. That’s why we listed the most selective schools in the United Kingdom and what you will require to be one of the few successful applicants in the coming academic year. Note that these universities are also among the best globally. Therefore, their selection processes are very competitive.
This article will help you make an informed decision as you seek an ideal institution to build your career, so make sure to read more!
Universities in the UK with Low Rates of Acceptance
1. University of St. Andrews
The University of St. Andrews, founded in 1413, is a public institute in Scotland. It is the third-oldest in the United Kingdom after Oxford and Cambridge. St. Andrews, as it is famously known, comprises several colleges and schools designed to offer various programs. Over the past six centuries, it has continuously developed into a world-class institution that is currently accepting students worldwide. It has one of the most diverse student bodies in the United Kingdom, with over 145 nationalities.
Its admission policy has ensured that international students make up over 30% of the total population. That’s why enrolling here can be very competitive for both local and international students. Based on the latest statistics of the UCAS Report, the institution accepts only 9.4% of all applicants in a given academic year. This acceptance rate means that out of every 100 applications, nine students are offered a chance to study at the university.
Therefore, the University of St. Andrews has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the UK. It also factors in the UCAS points in its admission requirements, and one has to score at least 240 for a higher chance of being selected.
2. University of Cambridge
Next on our list of institutions in the United Kingdom with the lowest acceptance rate is the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1209, it is the country’s second-oldest university and the world’s fourth-oldest in the world. After leaving the University of Oxford, some scholars came together and decided to start a university, and it has since grown into one of the best in the world.
This collegiate public research institution was granted the Royal Charter in 1231 by King Henry III. Both share much in common and are often called Oxbridge. Cambridge comprises many institutions, including six schools, about 100 departments, and more than 30 colleges. Due to the many applications received every window, its evaluation committee factors in a lot of things before coming up with the final list.
All applicants are compared in every aspect, and those who come out the top are accepted to the institution. Most successful applicants score between 40 and 42 points and 776 for subjects at the higher level. For graduate-level courses, one must prove that they have completed their first degree, understand the financial requirements, and are competent in English.
3. University College London
University College London was established in 1826 as London University, inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s radical ideas. It became the first institute to exist in London. It was also the first in England to admit students regardless of their religious backgrounds. The institution adopted its present name in 1977 and started using UCL as its official name in 2005.
The school is committed to ensuring that every student develops academically, socially, and talent-wise. As such, there are more than 135 organizations and clubs where everyone can express themselves. Moreover, it has since grown in both quality and size. At the moment, more than 50,000 students are enrolled in various programs. Regardless of its population number, the university is still very selective with its admissions, and only those who meet the thresholds are accepted.
Based on recent statistics, the current acceptance rate at UCL is 10%, which is one of the lowest acceptance rates for a university in the United Kingdom. If you are a UK student, some requirements include a score in the range of A*A*A-ABB in A levels or equivalent GCSE results. As for an international student, your high school results should also be comparable to the scores mentioned earlier.
4. London School of Economics and Political Science
Often known as LSE, the London School of Economics and Political Science was founded in 1985 and started offering degree programs in 1901 under the University of London. It then began offering its degrees in 2008. This Westminster-based school has over 13,000 students enrolled in various programs, most from outside the UK.
LSE has admitted students from over 150 countries, making it one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the region. Moreover, it specializes in social sciences and legal studies and is divided into over 20 departments designed to enhance research in these fields. Currently, LSE received 26,625 applications, but only 1,815 students were accepted, translating to a 7% acceptance rate. Therefore, it is one of the most selective and requires very high academic scores.
5. University of Edinburgh
Located in the Scottish capital, the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1582 by the Edinburgh Town Council. It is the sixth oldest university in the United Kingdom and one of the ancient institutions in Scotland. It has five campuses within the city and some of the region’s most historic buildings.
This public university currently hosts nearly 50,000 students from over 150 countries who are admitted to various programs. It provides almost 400 undergraduate degrees (including many joint honours degrees that allow for creative interdisciplinary subject combinations) and over 70 online programs.
According to several world-ranking sites, the university is among the best in the world and one with the lowest acceptance rates. UCAS 2023 admission cycle statistics show the school’s acceptance rate is 9.76%. Edinburgh considers UCAS points in its evaluation, and one must score above 224 points for a better chance of being selected.
6. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is one of the best institutions in the country. Located in Coventry, Warwick was founded in 1965, making it one of the youngest schools in the United Kingdom. The business school within the university was established two years after its establishment, followed by its Law School. It was part of the government’s project to expand higher education in the country, which explains why it developed faster than any other institution on this list.
In 2017, it was named a university with the second-highest graduate employment rate in the region. Due to its reputation, the University of Warwick is very competitive, making it one of the most challenging to enter. It admits below 15% of its applicants despite the offer rate being as high as 70%. Therefore, to join the Warwick community, you will need to meet the high academic standards set by the school. UCAS points between 208 and 223 is one of the requirements that every applicant must meet.
7. Imperial College London
Imperial College London was established in 1907 by royal charter. The School of Medicine and Business School were opened in 1988 and 2004, respectively. The university currently hosts over 23,000 students, 9,500 of whom are awarded from undergraduate programs. Apart from its main campus in South Kensington, ICL has a satellite college in Silwood Park and various teaching hospitals in London.
Like most universities in this list, it also has a diverse student body, with over 50% international students. It admits students from over 145 countries worldwide. This college is ranked highly worldwide, one reason it has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the UK. From 30,725 applications, it only accepted 10% of its candidates. In terms of UCAS points, one will need at least 224 points.
8. University of Oxford
One of the universities in the U.K. with the lowest acceptance rates is the University of Oxford. Estimated to have started its operations as early as the 2nd century, in 1096, it is the oldest university in the United Kingdom and the second-oldest in the world after the University of Bologna.
As stated earlier, Oxford and Cambridge are often referred to as one (Oxbridge), which also impacts the application process. Students are not allowed to apply for degree programs in both schools in the same year except for graduates or those sponsored through organic scholarships.
More than 24,000 students applied for undergraduate programs and only a little over 3,00 students were accepted. Therefore, it is apparent that you must have an outstanding academic history to have a high chance of getting accepted
If you are a U.S. student, Oxford has a system that equates your American results to their usual evaluation criterion. As such, a combined SAT score of at least 2,100 out of 2,400 points (700 in writing and 1400 in mathematics and critical reading) and ACT results of about 32 points will be required.
9. Durham University
Durham University is a public research institution founded in 1832 by an Act of Parliament. Five years later, it was incorporated by the Royal Charter. For over 600 years after Oxbridge, no other recognized university had been established, and Durham became the first one. It is a collegiate university, which means the main functions of the institution are distributed to various departments and colleges. They are responsible for local arrangements and welfare, while departments focus on teaching and research programs.Â
Durham is one of the hardest universities to get into due to its very high academic standards. At the moment, it only takes in 14% of all applicants. Based on the 2018 statistics, about 34,150 applications were submitted, but only 4,655Â were successful applicants. The university requires that every applicant have a UCAS score of above 224 points.
10. University of Strathclyde
The final institution on our list of universities in the UK with the lowest acceptance rates is the University of Strathclyde, which is in the top 250 best schools in the world. It is a public research institution located in Glasgow, founded in 1796. It was granted the Royal Charter in 1964 and became the first technological school in the UK.
The University of Strathclyde admits students from over 100 countries and has the third-largest student body in Scotland. Based on the last few years, joining the institution takes effort. Your academic and social reputation must be in the top 15% of all applicants to be considered a successful candidate. Regarding UCAS, one is expected to score more than 224 points.
Whether you are a local or an international student, getting a chance to study in any of these prestigious universities is a dream. The high competition rate in the UK is due to the increased number of applications they receive due to their academic reputation. That’s why you should remember that the requirements for joining these institutions will depend on the program you want to pursue and your country’s grading system.
We hope this article on the universities in the UK with the lowest acceptance rate was helpful. Make sure also to check out our Study in the UK Page and the Available Programs for International Students for more information about studying in this European country!
