Entry Requirements for UK Universities

Requirements are set per course

UK universities set their own entry requirements, and these vary by university and by individual course. A subject at one university can ask for different grades than the same subject elsewhere, and more competitive courses generally ask for higher grades.

Because there is no single national cut-off, the most reliable approach is to read the entry requirements on the specific course page of each university you are interested in. The structural overview below explains the kinds of requirements you will see.

Academic qualifications

UK universities accept a range of school-leaving qualifications. Common routes include A-levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and recognised international or national qualifications assessed for equivalence. Some courses also specify particular subjects you must have studied.

The exact grades and subjects required for each course are published by the university and updated for each admissions cycle. Never assume a figure — confirm the current requirement on the official course page.

• A-levels (with specific subjects for some courses)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
• Recognised international/national qualifications, assessed for equivalence

English-language requirements

International students whose first language is not English are generally required to demonstrate English proficiency. Universities accept a range of recognised tests and qualifications, and each course sets the minimum level it will accept.

The accepted tests and required scores differ by university and course and can change, so check the English-language requirements listed on the specific course page and verify them on the official source before booking any test.

Admissions tests for some courses

A minority of competitive courses require an additional admissions test. For medicine and dentistry, the UCAT is the standard UK admissions test used by many universities; the BMAT has been discontinued and is no longer part of the process. Some law courses use the LNAT at certain universities, and a few subjects at some universities use their own subject-specific admissions tests.

Which test (if any) a course requires, and how it is used, is decided by each university and changes from time to time. Check the official course page and the official test website, and verify the current requirement before you apply.

Other parts of the application

Beyond grades and tests, UK applications typically include a personal statement and an academic reference, submitted through UCAS for undergraduate study. Some courses also use interviews or ask for additional work, such as a portfolio for creative subjects.

The exact components, deadlines, and how each is weighted are set by the university and the UCAS cycle, so confirm them on the official UCAS and university pages for the year you are applying.