The ranking of the hardest UK universities to get into was recently announced in the University League Tables 2025, revealing which institutions have the highest entry requirements and most competitive admission processes. According to the latest data, the University of St. Andrews tops the list with the highest UCAS entry score of 212, followed closely by the University of Strathclyde and University of Glasgow.
For ambitious students dreaming of attending these elite universities, understanding what makes them so selective is crucial for successful applications. While the ranking primarily reflects undergraduate admission standards, it offers valuable insights for prospective students researching other degree programs in the UK. Entry standards vary significantly, but most require A-level results, impressive personal statements, and often additional assessments such as interviews or written tests.
So here is the ranking of the UK universities characterized by fierce competition for entry.
Top 10 Hardest UK Universities to Get Into
University
Entry Standards (UCAS Score)
University of St. Andrews
212
University of Strathclyde
210
University of Glasgow
209
University of Cambridge
209
Imperial College London
206
University of Oxford
205
University of Edinburgh
197
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
195
University College London (UCL)
190
Durham University
185
University of Aberdeen
185
But what are UCAS points exactly? UCAS stands for “Universities and Colleges Admissions Service” in the UK. The UCAS score represents the average entry standards for each university, calculated from the qualifications of students accepted into undergraduate programs. Higher UCAS scores indicate more demanding entry requirements, with points awarded for A-levels and other qualifications where A* typically equals 56 points, A equals 48 points, and so on.
1. University of St. Andrews
Overall rank: 4
The highest-ranking Scottish university, St. Andrews tops the list as the hardest university to get into in the UK with an entry requirement equivalent to 212 UCAS points. The oldest university in Scotland claims to treat references (which give evidence of clear potential) as a very important factor when considering applicants – something which worked a charm for Prince William and Kate Middleton, who met while studying at St. Andrews.
2. University of Strathclyde
Overall rank: 32
With a UCAS score requirement of 210, the University of Strathclyde ranks as the second hardest university to gain admission to in the UK. This Glasgow-based institution is particularly well-known for its excellence in engineering, science, and business education. Despite not ranking as highly in the overall university tables, Strathclyde’s focus on innovation and industry connections makes it attractive to students.
3. University of Glasgow
Overall rank: 28
The University of Glasgow maintains rigorous admission standards with a UCAS entry score of 209, making it the third most difficult UK university to enter. Founded in 1451, this institution has impressive historic traditions. Glasgow’s competitive admissions process reflects its global reputation in fields like medicine, veterinary science, and the humanities. The university’s high entry requirements ensure that only the most academically accomplished students have the opportunity to study in its historic campus.
3. University of Cambridge
Overall rank: 1
Cambridge shares third place in entry difficulty with a UCAS score of 209. The university requires A*A*A at A level for undergraduate science courses and A*AA for arts and psychological and behavioral science. This is not surprising for a university that has produced over 1000 Nobel Prize winners, more than any other in the UK. Applicants should also expect to undergo interviews and assessments.
5. Imperial College London
Overall rank: 5
Imperial College London has the highest standards of all the London universities, with a UCAS requirement of 206. It specializes in practical application of science. Its research departments specialize in global health, climate change, and sustainable sources of energy technology, and have one of the largest research incomes in the UK. Entry requirements range from A*A*A* to AAB at A level.
6. University of OxfordOverall rank: 2
The oldest university in the English-speaking world maintains exceptionally high standards, where applicants typically need between A*A*A* and AAA at A level, and most must complete subject-specific written tests or submit academic work samples. Oxford’s famously rigorous interview process with college tutors forms a critical part of the selection procedure. The students who gain admission have the intellectual curiosity and potential that characterize Oxford’s educational ethos.
7. University of Edinburgh
Overall rank: 15
The Scottish capital’s university does not make the top ten in the overall league table, but maintains a high level of entry standards with an average entry requirement of 197. Its prestigious alumni help it to remain a sought-after place of study – graduates signed the United States’ Declaration of Independence, founded Ivy League universities, and helped bring modern medicine to rural China. Edinburgh is also globally known as a center for research excellence, especially in medicine, veterinary sciences, informatics, and the humanities.
8. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Overall rank: 3
LSE specializes in anthropology, criminology, international relations, and sociology. Entry requirements range from A*AA to AAB at A level, with a UCAS score of 195. The institution has produced 18 Nobel Prize winners and counts 37 world leaders among its alumni. Its central London location adds to its appeal for those who wish to get closer to global financial and political centers.
9. University College London
Overall rank: 9
Undergraduate entry requirements to UCL range from A*AA to AAB at A level. This institution prides itself on being the first university in the world to admit students of any race, gender or religion. Today, UCL continues this progressive tradition and is known particularly for strengths in medicine, architecture, law, and arts and humanities subjects. Its UCAS entry requirement is 190.
10. Durham University
Overall rank: 7
Durham operates a collegiate-based system, whereby students apply to study in an academic department and join a college community. Notable alumni include Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, broadcaster Gabby Logan, and rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson. Durham is particularly appealing for students who are looking for a traditional university atmosphere with strong community connections.
10. University of Aberdeen
Overall rank: 41
Tied with Durham at a UCAS score of 185, the University of Aberdeen rounds out the list of the UK’s hardest universities to enter. Founded in 1495, it’s Scotland’s third-oldest university. Aberdeen excels in disciplines related to the energy sector given its proximity to North Sea oil fields. The university’s international outlook and significant research output make it highly competitive, especially for its flagship programs.
Why These Universities Are Hard to Enter
Gaining admission to these top UK universities is an especially difficult feat because of several key factors:
- Limited Places vs. High Demand: The most competitive universities receive far more applications than available spots. Top institutions like Oxford and Cambridge typically receive 5-7 applications per place.
- Academic Excellence Requirements: Most demand outstanding academic credentials, some requiring perfect A grades across all subjects.
- Holistic Assessment Processes: Beyond grades, these universities evaluate personal statements, references, interviews, admissions tests, and sometimes portfolios or written work submissions.
- Subject-Specific Competition: Certain courses like Medicine, Law, Economics, and Engineering at these universities face particularly intense competition, sometimes with acceptance rates below 10%.
- International Prestige: Global reputation attracts applications from the highest-achieving students worldwide, further increasing competition for domestic applicants.
- Alumni Networks and Career Prospects: The career advantages and networking opportunities associated with these institutions make them particularly desirable, driving up application numbers year after year.
- Research Excellence: Their status as institutions for high-quality research means they seek students who are capable of thriving in academic environments and demonstrate original thinking.
Gaining admission to the hardest UK universities requires exceptional academic preparation to set you apart from thousands of other qualified applicants. Although the strict university entry requirements can be a challenge, the effort is worthwhile.
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