If you’re aiming for the top A Level grades and universities, you’re probably also wondering which unis are the hardest to get into. Do the most prestigious universities also pose the toughest challenges for admission? And if so, what are your chances?

The big names like Oxford and Cambridge are incredibly competitive. But there are other equally challenging institutions like LSE, UCL and St Andrews that top the charts in difficulty. 

These unis attract the best and brightest students, so their selection process is naturally rigorous. From daunting entrance exams to intense interviews, these unis go beyond academic performance – they’re searching for well-rounded, critically thinking individuals. 

So if you think this could be you, let’s break it down.

In this article:

Which is the hardest university in the UK to get into?

When people think about difficult admissions, Oxford and Cambridge are usually the first universities that come to mind, and for good reason. They’re famed the world over for academic excellence, high standards and centuries of tradition. For the 2022-2023 academic year, Oxford had an acceptance rate of 13.7%. Cambridge wasn’t far behind with a success rate of 15.8%. 

Getting into these unis means excelling in your A Levels and passing some of the toughest entrance exams in the country, followed by a challenging interview process.

However, you might be surprised to learn that the London School of Economics (LSE) is even more selective, with an acceptance rate as low as 7%! Particularly competitive in social sciences, LSE draws thousands of applicants, making it one of the hardest UK universities to get into.

If you’re applying to any of these institutions, be prepared for a demanding process. Good grades alone aren’t enough. Your personal statement must show critical thinking, personal development and a passion for your chosen field. If you have an interview too, this will test how well you think on your feet.

To better understand your options, don’t miss our guide to the easiest UK universities to get into.

Which UK universities have the lowest acceptance rates?

The lower a university’s acceptance rate, the tougher it is to secure a place. This is because you’re facing more competition. So their expectations for grades, entrance exams, personal statements and interviews are higher.

Here’s a closer look.

• London School of Economics: Known for its focus on social sciences, LSE’s acceptance rate currently stands at a tiny 7%.
• University College London: UCL is also highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 9.4%.
• Imperial College London: With a focus on STEM subjects, Imperial’s acceptance rate is about 10%.
• University of St Andrews: Known for its strengths in the humanities and sciences, St Andrews has an acceptance rate around 13.5%.
• University of Oxford: Oxford is slightly more selective than Cambridge, with an acceptance rate just under 14%.
• University of Cambridge: While many people think of it as the hardest for admissions, Cambridge’s acceptance rate is 15.8%.

These figures show getting into any of these universities is tough. But remember, it’s not just about beating the odds. It’s about proving you’re the right fit for the course, the university and the unique academic environment it offers. 

For more help deciding, don’t miss our complete guide to London universities.

What are the top five Russell Group universities?

The Russell Group is a collection of 24 research-intensive universities in the UK, often seen as the crème de la crème of higher education. They’re renowned for cutting-edge research, academic prestige and strong industry connections. 

If you’re eyeing one of these universities, you’re probably aiming for the top. So what are the very best Russell Group unis? 

Here’s the top five.

1. University of Oxford: One of the world’s oldest universities, Oxford has a long tradition of academic excellence across all disciplines.
2. University of Cambridge: Known for its rigorous academic environment and a strong emphasis on research, Cambridge is world-renowned.
3. Imperial College London: A leader in science, technology and medicine, Imperial ranks among the top universities worldwide.
4. University College London: UCL is celebrated for its diverse range of programs and strong research across many fields.
5. London School of Economics: Focused on the social sciences, LSE has a global reputation for excellence in subjects like economics, politics and law.

What is the best non-Russell Group university?

While Russell Group universities get a lot of attention, they’re not the only ones offering top-tier education. 

Yes, Russell Group universities are associated with the highest research output and employability, making them attractive to top students. However, just because they’re in the Russell Group doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for everyone. There are plenty of excellent non-Russell group universities like the University of St Andrews and the University of Bath that regularly top league tables.

The University of St Andrews is seen as the best non-Russell Group uni. It’s ranked among the top universitues in the UK and even rivals Oxford and Cambridge in league tables. 

St Andrews is also known for its close-knit student community, making it a great choice for those wanting a more personal (yet still academically challenging) university experience.

Can you get into a Russell Group university with ABB?

While Russell Group universities typically ask for high grades like A*AA or AAA, some offer flexibility depending on the course and your overall application. So, if you’re wondering whether you can get in with ABB, the answer is, it’s possible! 

Slightly lower-ranked Russell Group unis like Queen’s University Belfast or Cardiff University accept AAB, ABB (or even BBB/BBC) for certain programs, especially if you have strong extracurricular activities or work experience. 

At Cardiff (for instance), you could get into their Geology, English Literature, Media and Communications, Music and Sociology courses with ABB.

Even at more competitive universities, contextual offers are sometimes made, so don’t be discouraged if your grades fall below standard requirements. A chat with admissions staff is always worthwhile if you’re unsure.

Thinking about retakes to improve your university application? Explore our guides to GCSE and A Level retakes.

What are the Red Brick universities?

Now, as well as Russell Group unis, you might also hear the term “Red Brick universities”. This refers to a specific group of institutions that gained university status in the late nineteenth and early twentieth-centuries. These unis catered to the educational needs of UK industrial cities and they’re still some of the most respected institutions today.

The Red Brick universities include:

• University of Birmingham: Established in 1900, Birmingham has a strong reputation in research and teaching.
• University of Bristol: Known for its cutting-edge research, Bristol is consistently ranked among the best universities in the UK.
• University of Leeds: A top research university, Leeds is known for its commitment to student experience and academic quality.
• University of Liverpool: Liverpool has a rich history of research, particularly in science and medicine.
• University of Manchester: Manchester has long been associated with pioneering research, especially in science and engineering.

These Red Brick unis might not have the international recognition of Oxford or Cambridge, but they offer many fantastic opportunities (especially in more industrial or research-focused fields) and a great student buzz.

What are the hardest degrees to get into in the UK?

Getting into university is one thing. But some degrees are also tougher to get into than others! 

These degrees come with the highest academic requirements, intense competition for places and additional selection processes like interviews or entrance exams. So you’ll need top grades across multiple subjects to stand out.

Subjects associated with healthcare such as Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science have some of the highest grade requirements. The courses are lengthy and incredibly challenging, with a rigorous selection process.

You’ll also find subjects needing strong scientific, maths and problem-solving skills (like Architecture, Science, Engineering and Computing) are equally competitive for places. This is especially the case at top institutions like Oxbridge, Imperial and LSE.

For a more in-depth look at degrees and their difficulty, don’t miss our guides to the hardest and easiest degree courses in the UK.

What’s the most stressful university in the UK?

Some universities are known for being more intense environments. For instance, students at Oxford, Cambridge and LSE often report feeling the weight of academic expectations (and pressure to achieve a first-class degree), with heavy workloads and tight deadlines contributing to stress. 

Universities like Imperial College London and King’s College London are also known for their intense academic environments, particularly in STEM subjects. These unis have demanding curriculums, but they also provide strong support services, so if you’re worried about the pressure, know that help is available.

On the flip side, universities with smaller, close-knit communities (like St Andrews or Durham), are often seen as offering more pastoral care and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. So if you think you might thrive in a less intense environment, these could be great options.

Which university has the highest dropout rate in the UK?

Dropout rates provide insights into the challenges students face. In total, 41,630 students dropped out of their courses in the 2022/23 academic year. This represents a 28% rise over the last five years. So why?

Well, high dropout rates result from various factors, including academic pressure, financial struggles, or a mismatch between student expectations and the course. Interestingly, while you might think the toughest universities have the highest dropout rates, it’s often unis with lower entry requirements that see students leave early.

According to What Uni, the UK universities with the highest dropout rates are:

• London Metropolitan University: 18.6%
• University of Bolton: 15.4%
• University of Bedfordshire: 15.2%
• University of the Highlands and Islands: 14%
• University of Suffolk: 13.6%

While dropout rates shouldn’t deter you from applying, it’s important to consider what support and resources are available to help students stay on track.

Is UK university harder than the US?

Comparing the difficulty of UK and US universities is tricky because the systems are very different. UK unis tend to focus on one subject area from day one, while US unis have a broader curriculum letting students explore different fields before committing to a major. 

Both systems have their challenges, so the “harder” experience depends on your learning style.

Here are a few key differences:

• Specialisation vs. broad focus: UK students dive into their chosen subject from the start, while US students spend the first two years exploring different fields.
• Grading: In the UK, final exams and dissertations often hold more weight, whereas in the US, continuous assessment plays a bigger role.
• Time to complete: UK degrees typically last three years, compared to four in the US.

If you’re daunted by the pressures of uni applications or tackling a difficult course, you’re not alone. This is where academic coaching can make a real difference. Whether you’re focusing on uni choices, personal statements, exams and study skills or adjusting to academic life, we’ll help you navigate these challenges with confidence.

If you’re ready for the next step in your academic journey, reach out for support today.