UK Featured Universities
UK Featured Universities
UK Top Universities
University of St Andrews (2)*
Founded in 1413, St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world. The University has a long-standing reputation as one of Europe’s leading institutions for teaching and research, as well as student satisfaction. It is consistently ranked amongst the top five universities in the UK and is amongst the top 100 universities in the world.
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
Loughborough University (12)*
Loughborough University is committed to providing students with an outstanding and award-winning learning experience. It is world-renowned for its excellence in teaching and research in sports-related disciplines. Popular programs include Communication and Media Studies, Accounting and Financial Management, Sport Management, and Engineering. The university also offers a diverse range of courses in sport science, engineering, business, and arts & humanities, attracting more than 18,000 students from over 130 countries and regions.
www.lboro.ac.uk/
University of Surrey (31)*
The University of Surrey is located in the vibrant cultural and historic city of Surrey in southeast England, just a 34-minute train ride from London. The university comprises four faculties:
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Business, Economics and Law (or Surrey Business School)
www.surrey.ac.uk/
University of Exeter (14)*
Established in 1955, the University of Exeter is a top-15 UK university (global top 170, QS 2025) with over 30,000 students, including more than 7,000 international students from over 150 countries. Renowned for its academic and research excellence, it offers outstanding programmes in Business, Law, Environmental Science, Science, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, enjoys 86% student satisfaction and top-10 UK graduate employability, and has been named The Sunday Times University of the Year multiple times. With its stunning campuses, Exeter remains a favourite among Hong Kong students.
www.exeter.ac.uk/
University of East Anglia (40)*
The University of East Anglia (UEA) ranks among the UK's top universities. It is particularly renowned for popular programmes such as Creative Writing, Psychology, Law, Creative Arts, and Media Studies, which attract international students worldwide. UEA also collaborates with the BBC on its Media Research Centre and partners with Norwich Research Park, earning strong global recognition for its research excellence.
www.uea.ac.uk/
University of Birmingham (16)*
Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is a prestigious Russell Group member offering an elite academic experience that pushes the boundaries of knowledge. Ranked 80th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), it attracts students from over 150 countries, with around 10,000 international students—forming the 4th-largest international student community in the UK and the country’s largest international postgraduate cohort.
www.birmingham.ac.uk/
University of Southampton (16)*
The University of Southampton, a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, consistently ranks in the UK top 20 and global top 1% (80th in QS World University Rankings 2025). Renowned for excellence across science, engineering, computer science, medicine, law, management, arts, humanities, and social sciences, it drives interdisciplinary research tackling global challenges like sustainable development, cancer treatment, renewable energy, and food security. With over 25,000 students—including more than 10,000 international students from over 130 countries—Southampton offers a truly diverse and vibrant learning environment.
www.southampton.ac.uk
University of Sussex (45)*
University of Sussex, a global top-1% university, was one of the UK’s first 1960s “plate-glass” universities (Royal Charter 1961). With over 20,000 students from 100+ countries, it excels in Development Studies, International Relations, Psychology, and Law, and maintains strong ties with Harvard, Yale, CUHK, HKUST, and NTU.
www.sussex.ac.uk/
University of York (20)*
Founded in 1963 on the principles of excellence, equality and opportunity, the University of York has quickly become one of the world’s leading universities. In just 50 years, the University has made a worldwide impact with an academic excellence that rivals that of long established institutions. York is one of a handful of UK universities with a collegiate structure, offering you a unique student experience.
www.york.ac.uk
University of Nottingham (30)*
The University of Nottingham is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, an alliance of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities committed to world-class research, outstanding teaching and learning, and strong links with business and the public sector. It currently has five faculties offering over 360 undergraduate programmes, more than 380 postgraduate taught courses, and a wide range of MRes and PhD degrees across numerous disciplines. Nottingham graduates are highly sought-after by UK employers and, in the past three years, the university has twice been named the most targeted institution by Britain’s top employers for graduate recruitment.
www.nottingham.ac.uk
University of Kent (56)*
The University of Kent, known as “the UK’s European university”, is located in southeast England with four campuses: the main ones in historic Canterbury and Medway, plus specialist postgraduate centres in Brussels and Paris. It attracts over 19,000 students, including more than 4,800 international students from 150+ countries. Popular programmes include Art & Design, Actuarial Science, Accounting & Finance, Business, Computing, Drama, Biomedical Science and Law, with Criminology ranked top-10 in The Complete University Guide 2025. Most courses offer an optional professional placement year, and international students can progress directly to Year 1 after completing the International Foundation Programme.
www.kent.ac.uk/
University of Bristol (10)*
The University of Bristol traces its origins to 1876 when it was founded as University College Bristol and became the first higher education institution in England to admit women on an equal basis with men. Consistently ranked among the world’s elite, it stands at 54th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Known for its highly selective admissions, Bristol receives an average of 8 applications per undergraduate place and has an acceptance rate of around 11.3%—one of the lowest globally. With renowned academics, world-class facilities, and an ideal location, it regularly places in the UK top 10 across major rankings, attracting many of the country’s brightest students.
www.bris.ac.uk/
University of Reading (33)*
The University of Reading is one of the UK's 20 research-intensive universities and among the global top 1% of leading institutions. It holds world-class honours in teaching, research, and enterprise. The Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) confirmed the university's status as a research-intensive powerhouse, with 98% of its research recognised as internationally excellent or better, and 78% rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Reports from over 600 research staff submissions, evaluated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, underscore its significant international impact.
www.reading.ac.uk/study/international/
University of Glasgow (22)*
The University of Glasgow was established in 1451, making it the fourth oldest University in the UK. Since its inception more than five centuries ago, the University of Glasgow has developed in size and reputation and is now ranked as 62nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings, putting it in the top 1% of universities in the world.
www.gla.ac.uk
*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide Ranking 2026
Top Universities in UK
The UK proudly hosts some of the world’s most prestigious universities and top institutions renowned for their prowess in a myriad of academic fields.
For instance, the Russell Group comprises 24 public research-intensive universities that provide undergraduate and postgraduate students with the opportunity to grow, learn and generate impact.
With recent developments granting international students a two-year post-study work visa in the UK, the appeal of pursuing a degree in the country has reached new heights.
On top of its distinguished higher education system, the UK is steeped in a rich tapestry of culture and history, and offers stunning sightseeing opportunities across diverse cities. This harmonious blend of academic and cultural wealth reflects why the UK remains a popular option for international students.
Starting your academic journey in the UK
Embark on an enriching academic journey in the UK, home to vibrant culture, historical significance and some of the top universities worldwide. A UK education is globally recognised for its quality, with a remarkable student retention rate of 82% and comprehensive support systems for international students. UK universities also contribute significantly to global research, producing 14% of the world's most cited papers. With its historic campuses and cutting-edge research facilities, studying in the UK provides you with the opportunity to be in a learning environment that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
Globally recognised ranking systems
Explore the intricacies of various globally recognised ranking systems that discern the calibre of the best universities worldwide. Delve into the nuances of the Complete University Guide (CUG), Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education World (THE) University Rankings. Each ranking system uses intricate methodologies to assess the qualities of universities across the world, including those in the UK, providing a unique perspective on academic excellence and institutional prowess.
With that, we’ve compiled the top universities in the UK, with data from the aforementioned ranking providers. To find out how to use these rankings to your advantage, ask an education advisor who will guide you each step of the way for free.
CUG top universities in the UK 2026
The Complete University Guide offers comprehensive and independent rankings, focusing extensively on the academic robustness, student satisfaction, and graduate prospects of universities, providing prospective students with a balanced overview of UK universities. Here are the best colleges in the UK according to the CUG rankings.
Rank | University |
1 | University of Cambridge |
2 | University of Oxford |
3 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
4 | University of St Andrews |
5 | Durham University |
6 | Imperial College London |
7 | Loughborough University |
8 | University of Bath |
9 | University of Warwick |
10 | Lancaster University |
11 | University of Exeter |
12 | University of York |
13 | University College London (UCL) |
14 | University of Birmingham |
15 | University of Bristol |
16 | University of Sheffield |
17 | University of Southampton |
18 | University of Edinburgh |
19= | King's College London, University of London |
19= | University of Surrey |
QS top universities in the UK 2026
QS rankings assess universities on aspects such as academic reputation, employer reputation, impact of research, and learning and teaching environment, offering insights into the overall global standing of institutions and aiding students in making informed decisions on their higher education choices. Here are the top UK universities according to the QS rankings.
Rank | University | Global rank |
1 | Imperial College London | 2 |
2 | University of Oxford | 4 |
3 | University of Cambridge | 6 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 9 |
5 | King’s College London | 31 |
6 | The University of Edinburgh | 34 |
7 | The University of Manchester | 35 |
8 | University of Bristol | 51 |
9 | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 56 |
10 | The University of Warwick | 74 |
11 | University of Birmingham | 76 |
12 | University of Glasgow | 79 |
13 | University of Leeds | 86 |
14 | University of Southampton | 87 |
15 | The University of Sheffield | 92 |
16 | Durham University | 94 |
17 | University of Nottingham | 97 |
18 | Queen Mary University of London | 110 |
19 | University of St Andrews | 113 |
20 | University of Bath | 132 |
Russell Group universities
The Russell Group is a testament to the global excellence of the UK’s higher education system. As an elite network of 24 world-class, research-intensive universities, these institutions share a commitment to world-class research and an outstanding teaching and learning experience. Russell Group universities also have strong links with businesses and the public sector, producing over two-thirds of the world-leading research in UK universities and contributing significantly to the UK economy. They attract students and staff from around the globe and collaborate with major multinational businesses. Key members of the Russell Group, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, consistently secure top 10 positions in UK university rankings.
THE top universities in the UK 202
THE rankings are renowned for their thorough assessment of universities based on key pillars such as teaching, research (environment, quality and excellence), international outlook, and industry impact, reflecting a multifaceted view of institutions’ performance and influence in the academic world. Below are the leading universities in the UK according to the THE rankings.
Rank | University | Global rank |
1 | University of Oxford | 1 |
2 | University of Cambridge | 3 |
3 | Imperial College London | 8 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 22 |
5 | University of Edinburgh | 29 |
6 | King’s College London | 38 |
7 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 52 |
8 | University of Manchester | 56 |
9 | University of Bristol | 80 |
10 | University of Glasgow | 84 |
11 | University of Birmingham | 98 |
12 | University of Sheffield | 108 |
13 | University of Leeds | 118 |
14 | University of Warwick | 122 |
15 | University of Southampton | 129 |
16 | Queen Mary University of London | 134 |
17 | University of Liverpool | 143 |
18 | Newcastle University | 144 |
19 | University of Nottingham | 145 |
20 | University of York | 154 |
Top universities in London
London, a global education hub, boasts some of the top universities in England. UCL (University College London), King's College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are just a few examples of institutions renowned for their academic excellence and global reputation.
Best universities in Manchester
Manchester is another popular city for students in the UK. The University of Manchester, a Russell Group member, is a leading research-intensive institution regarded as one of the city’s best higher education institutions. Manchester Metropolitan University is also highly regarded, particularly for its creative and digital courses.
Best universities in Wales
Studying in Cardiff similarly offers excellent higher education opportunities across some of Wales’s best regarded universities. Cardiff University, known for its research strengths, and Swansea University, with its beautiful coastal location, are two top choices for students considering studying in Wales.
Choosing the right university
Selecting the right university is a crucial decision that will shape your academic and personal development. To make an informed choice about studying in the UK, consider university league tables, particularly those specific to your field of study. Think about the location and the environments you’ll thrive in, factoring in costs and atmosphere.
For example, London's living costs will vastly outweigh those in smaller cities like Manchester or Cardiff. While the city offers unparalleled cultural attractions and career opportunities, the higher cost of living might require careful budgeting and consideration of your financial resources.
Also thoroughly research course offerings, delving into modules, teaching methods, and assessment styles to ensure they align with your interests and learning style. Explore career services, industry connections, and graduate employment rates to gauge future prospects.
Beyond academics, consider the university's campus life and student support services. A vibrant campus life with clubs, societies, and social events can enrich your experience and help you build lasting friendships. Strong student support services, including academic advisors, counsellors, and health services, are also essential for your well-being and success.
How to apply to UK universities
Most undergraduate applications to UK universities are submitted through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
This process involves researching and choosing up to five courses that align with your academic interests and career goals. Create a UCAS account and complete the online application, including a compelling personal statement showcasing your passion for your chosen subject and highlighting your achievements. Strong references from teachers or mentors are also essential. You’ll also need to pay the application fee and submit your application before the deadline, which is usually in January for most undergraduate courses. If that sounds overwhelming, you can always let an IDP education counsellor guide you through the entire process for free.
Choosing the right course and meeting deadlines are crucial steps in securing a place at your desired university.
If you’re ready to chase your goals, tap the button below and we’ll help you get to a top university in the UK.