One of the most highly ranked universities in the UK, the University of Bristol, is ranked 51st globally and 8th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Bristol is a research-intensive university; in REF 2021, 94% of its research was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Sustainability is also one of the university’s stated priorities, with a strategy covering operations, research, education, and civic engagement. In 2023/24, the university had 30,660 students, including 10,765 international students, so international students made up about 35% of the student body. Therefore, it is helpful to understand Bristol’s admissions figures as an international student so you can feel more prepared when applying.
Explore some of the factors to consider for admission, including the acceptance rate at the University of Bristol.
University of Bristol Acceptance Rate
Students from all around the world can study in Bristol because it is a welcoming, multicultural university. Recent publicly reported undergraduate admissions data shows that Bristol received about 62,228 applications in the 2024/25 cycle, made about 41,592 offers, and recorded about 7,778 acceptances. This means the offer rate was about 66.84%, while acceptances represented about 12.5% of applications. Because UK admissions sources may use “acceptance rate” to mean either offers made or final acceptances relative to applications, students should read these figures as university-level guides rather than a guarantee of admission. Bristol is ranked among the UK’s top 10 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, which helps explain its high application volume.
Preparing for the University of Bristol
In addition to the acceptance rate at the University of Bristol, you should consider a few additional factors, such as the application process, tuition costs, and scholarships. A few of these factors are discussed below.
Admission Requirements
For international students applying to Bristol, entry requirements vary by course and qualification. The university advises applicants to check the undergraduate or postgraduate course listings for specific academic requirements. English language requirements also vary by course, and English language test results should usually be obtained within two years of the start date of the course. If your qualification evidence is not in English, you must provide a professional or certified translation. You can get more information by clicking the link above.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees at Bristol depend on your course and fee status. For 2025/26 overseas undergraduate students, many arts, social sciences, and law courses are listed at £24,800 per year, while many science and engineering courses are listed at £30,400 per year. International students generally pay more than home students, whose 2025/26 undergraduate tuition fee is confirmed at £9,535. You should plan your finances carefully because there are expenses besides tuition to consider, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and books.
Scholarships
Your studies in the UK may be supported through international scholarships offered by the University of Bristol. For 2026 entry, the university states that it has invested up to £5 million in Think Big scholarships to help international students come to Bristol. Think Big undergraduate scholarships are valued at £6,500 and £13,000 for up to four years of study, while Think Big postgraduate scholarships are valued at £6,500, £13,000, and £26,000 for the first year of study. These scholarships are for applicants with overseas fee status who have applied for an eligible undergraduate or master’s course. Check the eligibility requirements and application deadline before applying for a scholarship.
While admission to the University of Bristol can be competitive, the university welcomes talented students from around the world. Prepare a strong application, check the requirements for your chosen course, and apply with confidence if Bristol is the right fit for your goals.
We hope that this article about the University of Bristol Acceptance Rate was helpful. Check out the Study in the UK and Programs in Europe for International Students pages for more informative articles on studying in the UK.
