Top 16 Easiest And Hardest Universities To Get Into In The UK

Dreaming of British campus life but worried about applications? Navigating the UK university admissions process can be daunting, especially with so many options to choose from. Don't worry! We've got the lowdown on the hardest and easiest universities to get into in the UK for international students. Whether you're aiming for a prestigious institution or looking for a more accessible option, we've covered all the bases. So, grab a cuppa, explore your options, and get ready to get into your dream university!

Easiest Universities To Get Into UK

The competition to get a seat for studying in the UK is fierce, thousands of students enrol in different universities easy to get into across the UK. The following list of the easiest universities to get into UK is compiled based on eligibility criteria like your GPA, entrance exam, college acceptance rate and much more:

1. Aberystwyth University

Location: Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL‍

Fees: 13,950 - £20,700/year ‍

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Student Ratings: 3.17

Being the inaugural university in Wales, Aberystwyth University boasts a century-old legacy of academic distinction. Entry requirements include a minimum grade C or grade 4 pass in GCSE (or equivalent) English or Welsh, with additional criteria for specific degree schemes such as Business, Mathematics, Psychology, and Science. Renowned for our accessible admission standards, Aberystwyth University stands as one of the easiest universities to get into UK.

‍Popular Courses: 

1. Computer Science

2. Psychology

3. Criminology

4. International Politics

2. Bishop Grosseteste University

Location: Longdales Rd, Lincoln LN1 3DY‍

Fees: £12,000 - £15,500/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Student Ratings: 3.59

For 160 years, Bishop Grosseteste University upheld their dedication to top-notch education. They prioritise student support, from enrollment to graduation, and beyond at BGU. Their focus on post-graduation success is paramount, offering diverse career support options. A minimum IELTS score of 6, with 5.5 in all sections, facilitates direct entry. BGU ranks among the easiest universities to get into UK.

Popular Courses:

1. Primary Education (with QTS)

2. Psychology

3. Drama

4. History

3. Ravensbourne University London

Location: 6 Penrose Way, London SE10 0EW‍

Fees: £16,500 - £18,000/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Student Ratings: 4.05

Ravensbourne University London fosters a vibrant, tight-knit community of creators and innovators. Situated in London's Design District, it boasts strong industry ties. Students engage with practitioners and collaborate on projects with leading brands from the outset. You can also visit several museums in London apart from just studying. Requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 (60%). It is renowned as the easiest university to get into UK.

Popular Courses:

1. Fashion

2. Graphic Design

3. Digital Film Production

4. Animation

4.  University for the Creative Arts

Location: Falkner Rd, Farnham GU9 7DS‍

Fees: £14,000 - £16,500/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Student Ratings: NA

The University for the Creative Arts aims to ignite creativity for societal change. With inclusive campuses in Surrey, Kent, and Xiamen, China, and partnerships like Maidstone Television Studios, it fosters dynamic collaborations. Achieve entry with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or equivalent, making it one of the easiest universities to get into UK.

Popular Courses:

1. Fashion Design

2. Graphic Design

3. Film Production

4. Fine Art

5. University of Sussex

Location: Sussex House, Brighton, BN1 9RH‍

Fees: £15,600 - £23,400/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Student Ratings: 3.78

For over six decades, the courses, research, and vibrant campus have aimed to inspire and engage. Sussex University pioneers in diverse fields, from scientific breakthroughs to shaping global policies. With a commitment to student welfare and career advancement, Sussex stands out as one of the easiest universities to get into UK, typically requiring a 65% pass mark from a relevant foundation course for first-year entry.

Popular Courses:

1. Psychology

2. Business and Management

3. Law

4. Social Work

6. Coventry University

Location: Priory St, Coventry CV1 5FB‍

Fees: £16,800 - £19,850/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 32%

Student Ratings: 3.40

Coventry University is a vibrant institution dedicated to delivering top-tier education. Through ongoing investment in staff, students, and infrastructure, they aim to rank among the UK's premier universities. With a UKVI IELTS score of at least 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5), it is known for being the easiest university to get into UK.

Popular Courses:

1. Engineering

2. Business and Management

3. Computing and IT

4. Art and Design

7. Nottingham Trent University

Location: 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ

Fees: £15,600 - £22,500/year

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Student Ratings: 4.36

Nottingham Trent University, known for its practical approach to education and strong industry links, is a dynamic institution that caters to a diverse student body. Emphasising hands-on experience and employability, NTU is considered one of the easiest universities to get into UK. It provides accessible entry requirements and a welcoming environment, attracting students from various backgrounds. The university offers a broad range of courses, encouraging innovation and professional growth.

Popular Courses:

1. Art and Design

2. Law

3. Business

4. Media and Communication

8. University of Roehampton

Location: Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PU

Fees: £12,000 - £16,500/year

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Student Ratings: 3.7

The University of Roehampton, situated in the heart of southwest London, offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Known for its strong emphasis on student well-being and personalised education, Roehampton is considered one of the easiest universities to get into UK. It provides a range of flexible entry options and foundation programs, making higher education accessible to a wide array of students. The university is particularly recognized for its quality teaching and vibrant campus life, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere.

Popular Courses:

1. Education

2. Creative Writing

3. Psychology

4. Business Management

Hardest Universities To Get into In The UK

Securing a spot in certain UK universities demands academic prowess and tenacity. Renowned for their rigorous admissions processes, these institutions set a formidable standard. With high entry requirements and intense competition, aspiring students face a daunting challenge. Here is the list of the hardest UK universities to get into!

1. The University of Oxford

Location: Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD‍

Fees: £24,570 - £40,920/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 30%‍

Eligibility Criteria: 120 points minimum at stage 1 or above

Student Ratings: NA

Oxford stands as a premier hub for education, boasting unparalleled teaching, research, and the distinction of being the oldest English-speaking university. It clinched the top spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for eight consecutive years (2017-2024), marking it as one of the hardest universities to get into in the UK. Admission is fiercely competitive, with only around 3,300 places available annually, demanding exceptional grades for consideration.

Popular Courses: 

1. Mathematics

2. Computer Science

3. Law

4. Economics and Management

2. University of Cambridge

Location: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN‍

Fees: £21,168 - £50,130/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 21%‍

Eligibility Criteria: Requires A*A*A 

Student Ratings: 3.86

Cambridge, a globally renowned institution, boasts students from 130+ countries and collaborates with researchers worldwide. Situated in a vast technology cluster, it hosts 5,300 knowledge-intensive firms and birthed 23 billion-dollar businesses. Requiring 600 UCAS points, it ranks as the fourth hardest universities to get into in the UK.

Popular Courses: 

1. Mathematics

2. Computer Science

3. Natural Sciences

4. Engineering

3. London School of Economics and Political Science

Location: Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE UK. LSE‍

Fees: £21,528 - £30,528/year‍

‍Acceptance Rate: 8.9%‍

Eligibility Criteria: GPA of 3.5 or above

Student Ratings: NA

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) stands as a leading global institution for social sciences. Renowned for academic excellence, it attracts students from 160+ countries, fostering a diverse, cosmopolitan environment. Located in one of the best places, you can also go to the best neighbourhoods in London. As competition for places at LSE is intense, they look for applicants who have achieved a strong set of GCSE grades overall, including a majority at A (7) and A* (8-9). This makes LSE one of the most hardest universities to get into UK.

Popular Courses:

1. Economics

2. Management

3. Political Science and International Relations

4. Law

4. The University of St. Andrews

Location: St Andrews KY16 9AJ‍

Fees: £18,810 - £34,880/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 41%‍

Eligibility Criteria: GCSE grade 5

Student Ratings: NA

St Andrews holds a distinctive allure, with its rich history deeply intertwined with the town. It is a blend of antiquity and modernity, and has been named the UK's top university for the second consecutive year by The Guardian University Guide 2024. However, it is one of the hardest universities to get into in the UK as the applicants need to meet rigorous grade requirements to be considered for interviews. The standard entry grades are set at 38 points (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6) and minimum entry grades at 36 points (HL 6,6,5 plus SL 6,6,5).

Popular Courses:

1. International Relations

2. Computer Science

3. Psychology

4. Management

5. Imperial College London

Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2BX‍

Fees: £32,500 - £42,000/year‍‍

Acceptance Rate: 14%‍

Eligibility Criteria: Overall score of 5.75

Student Ratings: 3.46

Imperial College London is at the forefront of global advancements, tackling challenges in health, climate, AI, and business. Renowned for its academic rigour, they seek top-tier candidates with GCSE grades predominantly at 9-7 (A*-A), emphasising excellence in maths and science. With such high acceptance marks, Imperial stands among the most prestigious and hardest universities to get into in the UK.

Popular Courses:

1. Engineering

2. Computer Science

3. Medicine

4. Physics

6. The University of Edinburgh

Location: Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL‍

Fees: £16,700 and £44,300/year‍

Acceptance Rate: 10%‍

Eligibility Criteria: A*AA - ABB

Student Ratings: 3.58

The University of Edinburgh, one of Scotland's ancient universities, stands as the UK's premier civic institution. With over 400 years of esteemed legacy, they strive for continual improvement. There are also several best parks in London you can visit while studying. Admission typically demands A*AA-ABB, varying by course. Renowned for academic rigour, they are among the hardest universities to get into in the UK.

Popular Courses: 

1. Computer Science

2. Business and Management

3. Medicine

4. Engineering

15. University College London

Location: Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

Fees: £20,000 - £32,000/year

Acceptance Rate:  7%

Eligibility Criteria: A*AA - ABB

Student Ratings: 4.1

University College London, a renowned member of the prestigious Russell Group, is celebrated for its pioneering research and diverse academic offerings. Known for its rigorous admission standards, UCL is among the hardest universities to get into in the UK. It offers a rich academic experience with a focus on innovation and societal impact, making it a top choice for ambitious students.

16. University of Arts London

Location: 272 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EY

Fees: £9,250 - £25,880/year

Acceptance Rate: 22%

Eligibility Criteria: AAB - ABB

Student Ratings: 3.8

University of the Arts London, a world-leading specialist creative university, is known for its excellence in art, design, fashion, and communication. With a vibrant student community and a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation, UAL is considered one of the hardest universities to get into in the UK for arts-related courses. Its competitive admission process reflects its high standards and reputation in the creative industries.

Popular Courses:

1. Fashion Design

2. Fine Art

3. Graphic Design

4. Film and Television Production

Whether you're a high-achieving student looking for a challenge or seeking to enhance your academic and career prospects, understanding the hardest and easiest universities to get into in the UK is essential. These insights can help you set realistic expectations and strategize your applications accordingly. We hope this guide helps you find the best college in London or elsewhere in the UK, where you can thrive academically and personally. Good luck on your educational journey!