Easiest and Hardest Universities To Get Into In The UK
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Choosing where to apply for university is a huge decision. For many students aged 17 to 24, one of the biggest questions is how competitive each university actually is. While some institutions are famously selective, others have more accessible entry requirements and higher acceptance rates. Whether you’re aiming high, prioritising creativity, looking for supportive teaching, or simply want to know the easiest university to get into in the UK, understanding acceptance rates can give you the clarity you need.
This guide breaks down both the easiest and hardest universities to get into, as well as the bigger picture around UK university ranking systems, what the Russell Group is, and how to think about your choices as you narrow down your UCAS list to help you make your decision with confidence.
Easiest Universities To Get Into In The UK
Below are some of the universities with higher acceptance rates and generally more flexible entry requirements. It’s worth noting that these figures vary each year, but they provide a good indication if you’re looking for accessible routes into higher education.
Plymouth College of Art
Plymouth College of Art is well known for its hands-on creative learning and small class sizes. Here, you can benefit from excellent studio spaces, specialist workshops and a strong sense of artistic community.
Plymouth College of Art Acceptance Rate
The Plymouth College of Art acceptance rate is typically high at around 90%, making it one of the easiest universities to get into in the UK.
University for the Creative Arts
The University for the Creative Arts has campuses across the south of England and focuses entirely on creative subjects, including fashion, film, photography, fine art, and digital media. It’s also a popular option for international students who are looking for applied creative training.
University for the Creative Arts Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate usually sits around 85%, which is to be expected considering it’s one of the universities with low entry requirements.
Solent University, Southampton
Solent University offers industry-linked teaching, especially in media, sport, maritime studies, and business. Complete with modern facilities and a supportive environment, this university is perfect if your style of study is practical experience.
Solent University, Southampton Acceptance Rate
Solent’s acceptance rate is approximately 80%, which makes it a welcoming choice for many applicants.
Aberystwyth University
Dreaming of studying in a seaside city? Aberystwyth is one of the oldest universities in Wales and is known for its coastal location, friendly campus and surprisingly wide course selection. Students interested in outdoor living and close community life often rank it highly.
Aberystwyth University Acceptance Rate
Aberystwyth University has an acceptance rate of roughly 75%, meaning slightly fewer students are accepted, but it’s still very achievable.
Bishop Grosseteste University
This small Lincoln-based uni specialises in teaching, childhood studies, humanities and social sciences. There’s a tight-knit community feel, and the support for first-year students is consistently praised.
Bishop Grosseteste University Acceptance Rate
With an acceptance rate close to 80%, it’s one of the easiest universities to get into in the UK for applicants wanting a nurturing academic environment.
University of Sussex
When asked, “Is Sussex a good uni?” The answer is a simple yes. It lands highly in many UK university ranking guides and has a strong reputation for research and social sciences. Offering a leafy campus, the University of Sussex is just a short train ride away from Brighton Beach, perfect for those weekend escapes.
University of Sussex Acceptance Rate
The University of Sussex acceptance rate is around 70%. While it’s not the easiest of all the universities to get into, your chances of being accepted are high if this is a serious contender of yours.
SOAS, University of London
SOAS is unique for its specialist focus on Asia, Africa and the Middle East, covering politics, languages, culture and economics. It attracts students interested in global issues and international relations alike
SOAS, University of London Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate usually falls around 65% which makes it more accessible than many other London-based institutions.
Northumbria University
Located in Newcastle, Northumbria Uni is a large and modern university, famous for strong graduate employment rates and facilities that support both sports and academic development.
Northumbria University Acceptance Rate
Northumbria’s acceptance rate is around 70%. The variety of courses makes it appealing for students who want both choice and flexibility.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales offers campuses in Cardiff, Pontypridd and Newport. Known for affordability, welcoming teaching staff and an emphasis on career-focused learning, it’s a common choice for students who prefer practical pathways with Here! Student Living’s West Wing residence conveniently located nearby.
University of South Wales Acceptance Rate
Its acceptance rate typically sits around 75%.
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University, or NTU as uni-goers often refer to it as, is consistently praised for its student experience, support services and modern facilities. Popular for business, fashion, design, communications and criminology, NTU offers a range of exciting courses.
Nottingham Trent University Acceptance Rate
Nottingham Trent Uni has an acceptance rate of roughly 72%, making it one of the easier universities to get into.
Hardest Universities To Get Into In The UK
Whether you’re setting yourself a challenge or just wondering what the hardest university to get into is, we’ve compiled a list of unis with the lowest acceptance rates in the UK, that more often than not sit at the top of most university league tables in the UK, to help you decide.
University of Oxford
Oxford is world-famous for its tutorial-based teaching and centuries of academic excellence. The atmosphere, college system and global reputation make it an extremely competitive university to get into.
University of Oxford Acceptance Rate
The Oxford acceptance rate is usually around 15%, but this varies by course; some competitive subjects sit far lower. Students often look for the easiest course to get into Oxford, but all subjects here are just as demanding.
London School of Economics
As one of the best universities in the UK for social sciences, LSE attracts thousands of applicants for limited spaces.
One of the best universities in the UK for economics, law, and politics, London School of Economics is often recognised for its high-quality research.
London School of Economics Acceptance Rate
So, is LSE hard to get into? The LSE offer rate is usually around 10% which makes it one of the hardest universities to get into in the UK.
University of Cambridge
Cambridge is another globally recognised institution renowned for its science, maths, engineering, arts and humanities courses. Filled with history, this is one of the most prestigious universities you can attend.
University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate
Is it hard to get into Cambridge? With an acceptance rate of around 18%, Cambridge remains highly selective.
University of St Andrews
St Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university and is well known for intimate teaching, academic excellence and its stunning seaside setting. When students shortlist universities in Scotland, they often place St Andrews right at the top.
University of St Andrews Acceptance Rate
St Andrews has an acceptance rate of around 25% which still makes it one of the hardest universities to get into, especially for certain subjects.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is one of the best unis in the UK for STEM subjects, including engineering, life sciences, computing, and medicine. Its research impact and innovation reputation attracts a large number of strong applicants every year.
Imperial College London Acceptance Rate
Of the 32,000 applicants that ICL receive, their acceptance rate sits around 18%-20%, making it a highly competitive institution.
University College London
UCL is a global university located in central London. Often placed at the top of lists for being the best London uni, UCL attracts ambitious applicants from all over the world.
University College London Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 25% overall, though some courses are far more selective.
St George’s, University of London
St George’s specialises entirely in medicine and healthcare. It offers a clinical environment and hospital-based training, which attracts aspiring medical students.
St George’s, University of London Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 40% which may seem higher than other universities on this list, but the competition for medical courses is very strong.
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh consistently appears in the best universities in Scotland rankings. It has a beautiful historic setting and a strong global research reputation.
The University of Edinburgh Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is around 30% which keeps it within the most competitive institutions.
King’s College London
Popular for law, health sciences, international relations, and humanities, King’s College London is often asked whether it is a Russell Group university. And it is indeed, thanks to its long-standing commitment to world-class research and high academic standards.
King’s College London Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate usually sits around 23% which makes it harder to secure a place compared with many other London universities.
University of the Arts London
UAL is widely respected for creative industries, fashion, media, fine art, and design. It includes colleges such as Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion.
University of the Arts London Acceptance Rate
UAL’s acceptance rate is around 25%, highly competitive for world-renowned creative courses.
UK University Ranking
Understanding UK university ranking systems can be useful when comparing different types of institutions. University league tables for the UK consider factors such as student satisfaction, staff to student ratios, research quality and graduate prospects. However, rankings don’t always reflect the right choice for every student.
When comparing Russell Group universities’ ranking lists with the best non-Russell Group universities, remember that prestige is not the only measure. Some courses with the highest return on investment can be offered outside the Russell Group. Focus on the course content, teaching style and graduate opportunities instead of choosing purely on name or reputation.
FAQs
Still got some burning questions? We’ve compiled a list of the most-asked ones into one simple guide. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Russell Group University?
The Russell Group is a collection of 24 leading research-intensive universities across the UK. They’re known for strong academic reputations and competitive entry standards. Here! Student Living offers accommodation in several Russell Group cities, including The Toybox in Birmingham, West Wing in Cardiff, and Leonardo in Leeds, giving students a convenient base close to top universities.
How many universities are in the UK?
The number of universities in the UK is around 160, depending on how you classify them.
What is the best university in the UK?
The best universities in the UK vary depending on the ranking system and subject area, but Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and St Andrews often appear at the top.
What are the top London universities?
Top London universities include UCL, LSE, Imperial, King’s College London and the University of the Arts London. Many students also explore the best London unis lists to compare campuses and course options.
What are the best Russell Group universities?
According to many UK university ranking guides, the best Russell Group universities include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and LSE.
What are the best universities with low entry requirements?
Some of the best universities with low entry requirements include Plymouth College of Art, UCA, Solent University, Bishop Grosseteste University, and Aberystwyth University.
How hard is it to get into LSE?
LSE is one of the hardest universities to get into UK-wide, with an acceptance rate often around 10%.
Do better universities cost more?
In terms of the tuition fee, no. In the UK, the cost of your course, covered by your student loan, is capped. However, you may end up paying extra for supplies, clubs, and student accommodation depending on where you decide to study. If you’re worried about managing your money, you could try making a budget tracker or opt for an all-inclusive student accommodation, like Here! Student Living, to reduce any hidden costs and save on your energy bills!
Is Sussex Uni a Russell Group University?
No, the University of Sussex is not a Russell Group uni. However, it is still considered to be one of the best non-Russell Group universities.
Final Thoughts: Choosing The Right University For You
Finding out the easiest university to get into in the UK or even the hardest university to get into is only part of the picture. Your choice should be based on the course content, career goals, teaching style, campus environment and the type of city you want to live in. Whether you’re exploring universities in Scotland, comparing top London universities, or simply searching for supportive institutions with flexible entry requirements, there is a place for every student.
Whether you’re studying environmental sciences in Exeter or medicine in Glasgow, Here! Student Living has the perfect accommodation waiting to welcome you. Book your student accommodation today.