20 hardest UK Universities to get into
Based on the Complete University Guide’s current rankings for 2025 entry (based on their calculated ‘entry standard scores’, accounting for average UCAS tariffs across applicants), here’s the rundown of the top 20 hardest universities to be accepted into in the UK…
University of St Andrews
Score = 212: With a historic reputation as a renowned UK university, this Scottish institution is one of the most prestigious in the country. Over 135 countries recently had students at this university!
University of Strathclyde
Score = 210: Specialising in engineering and business courses, Strathclyde often requires AAA–BBB grades for business, accounting, and finance options.
University of Cambridge
Score = 209 points: A famed UK university known around the world, Cambridge is known for being exceptionally challenging to secure admission?, with over 20,000 applicants annually.
University of Glasgow
Score = 209: A historic university, known especially for engineering and sciences degrees, Glasgow is very popular with around 40,000 yearly applicants.
Imperial College London
Score = 206: Specialising in STEM subjects and courses, Imperial attracts thousands of students interested in science and engineering, leading to high entry requirements and top criteria for making the cut. With acceptance rates often dropping as low as 14.3%, it can be a tricky option to apply for!
University of Oxford
Score = 206: Famous across the world, this prestigious university has a very competitive selection process, with notable alumni like Hugh Grant and many UK prime ministers. With an acceptance rate of just 17.5%, it definitely deserves its top spot.
University of Edinburgh
Score = 197: Another Scottish university with high standards, they are highly regarded for research, notably across medicine and law subject areas, attracting high-achieving students from the UK and overseas with international students.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Score = 195: LSE is highly selective, especially across economics and social science subjects, making it a challenge for students looking to apply to study at this popular London uni. For maths, for example, A*AA is required from A-Level results, with the A* being in maths itself!
University College London (UCL)
Score = 190: UCL’s globally renowned research and course across a range of subject areas make it a popular choice each year for students, with 80,000 applicants for undergraduate degrees in 2024 alone!
University of Durham
Score = 185: Also ranking high on our list of ‘poshest’ UK universities, Durham is popular for its collegiate system and traditions, as well as student experience and social culture.
University of Aberdeen
Score = 185: To study medicine here, an average UCAT score of 2760-2800 is needed to even get an interview!
University of Bath
Score = 181: Known for varied sciences and business degrees, Bath is a popular choice for thousands of students across subject areas, often requiring AAA–AAB for most sciences.
University of Dundee
Score = 180: More challenging subjects like chemistry, physics, and biology require A-Levels between AAA-BCC to study here.
University of Stirling
Score = 177: Accepting between 11-20% of applicants, Stirling is definitely a more competitive university and selective in their application process.
Heriot-Watt University
Score = 176: Acceptance rates can drop to around 60% making it more moderately challenging to get in but with some difficult entry requirements for demanding degrees.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Score = 175: 23% is the average acceptance rate, really making its mark as a challenging uni to get into as a deserving spot on our list.
University of Bristol
Score = 174: Similarly requiring AAA-AAB across many sciences/maths courses, Bristol is another popular choice amongst students in a range of degree areas.
University of Warwick
Score = 173: With many seeing the uni as having a strong economics and business area, around 45,000 students apply each year.
King’s College London
Score = 171: Known for medical and health associated courses and subject areas, KCL frequently requires high standards and entry requirements for applicants each year, with a small 13% acceptance rate.. Very competitive!
University of Manchester
Score = 167: AAA-ABB is required for most of Manchester’s courses with an average of 167 UCAS points needed by students.
Don’t forget to check specific entry requirements for each course, up-to-date acceptance rates, and weigh-up your chances of being successful across your 5 UCAS choices for your application to make an informed decision! We have accommodation available in all of these locations too.
