UK University Acceptance Rates
What is a university acceptance rate?
A university acceptance rate, according to UCAS, is the number of applicants who are accept their place onto a university course.
Specifically, this is the percentage of applicants who meet their offer entry requirements and choose to enrol at the university they applied for.
The acceptance rate should not be confused with the offer rate, which is the number of students that receive an offer from the university.
We used the latest available data, published by UCAS in December 2024, to create the list below.
The data captures applicants and acceptances of UK students in June 2023. The acceptance rate statistic is calculated by dividing by the number of applicants by the number of acceptances.
Why are students searching for it?
University acceptances rates help to indicate which universities students are considering the best option for them. A higher university acceptance rate shows that a higher number of applicants accepted that university’s offer.
For students who meet the entry requirements for multiple universities, the university they select is the institution that they believe has the highest quality course, location, campus facilities, career opportunities and more.
However, the statistic is impacted by the number of applicants per university space.
As this is a key deciding factor for prospective students, we display this data on our university profile pages. This means that students can see the acceptance rates and offer rates, alongside the total number of applicants and acceptances.
Here are the 20 UK universities with the highest acceptance rates:
Last updated: January 2025
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Bishop Grosseteste University
“Uni feels like such a personalised and homely experience, and the lecturers couldn’t do more to help you if they tried."
In June 2023 there were 1,010 applicants to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). 425 students accepted their offer which results in a 42.08% applicant acceptance rate.
Ulster University
“Great campus with modern up to date facilities and approachable lecturers”
In June 2023 there were 13,015 applicants to Ulster University. 4,485 students accepted their offer which results in a 34.46% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD)
“Great uni, well-established, beautiful historical building, good for improving career outlook.”
In June 2023 there were 2,645 applicants to University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). 890 students accepted their offer which results in a 33.65% applicant acceptance rate.
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Staffordshire University
“Really good university experience. Definitely recommend staffs to students looking into higher education.”
In June 2023 there were 11,335 applicants to Staffordshire University. 3,780 students accepted their offer which results in a 33.35% applicant acceptance rate.
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Norwich University of the Arts (NUA)
“Wide range and opportunities and experience available to all students, as well as guidance.”
In June 2023 there were 2,660 applicants to Norwich University of the Arts (NUA). 820 students accepted their offer which results in a 30.83% applicant acceptance rate.
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Falmouth University
“Completed my first year at Falmouth University and I loved every minute of it, a very kind environment and lovely people all around.”
In June 2023 there were 6,515 applicants to Falmouth University. 1,980 students accepted their offer which results in a 30.39% applicant acceptance rate.
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Glasgow Caledonian University
“Has some of the most amazing facilities and the staff are engaging and easy to talk to. I have learned invaluable skills throughout my time here and I am sad to be graduating”
In June 2023 there were 13,535 applicants to Glasgow Caledonian University. 3,925 students accepted their offer which results in a 29.00% applicant acceptance rate.
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Teesside University
“Teesside University has a huge library and a huge SU on campus for the students. It is a modern and good university.”
In June 2023 there were 7,850 applicants to Teesside University. 2,250 students accepted their offer which results in a 28.66% applicant acceptance rate.
Queen's University Belfast (QUB)
“Queen’s University Belfast is a great place to study, the facilities in the university are excellent. People here are friendly and kind. They helped me a lot. I love QUB”
In June 2023 there were 13,345 applicants to Queen's University Belfast. 3,745 students accepted their offer which results in a 28.06% applicant acceptance rate.
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Buckinghamshire New University
“University is good they take so much care of you and did help me in this difficult time, they deserve a lot of credit how they help their students."
In June 2023 there were 10,545 applicants to Buckinghamshire New University. 2,955 students accepted their offer which results in a 28.02% applicant acceptance rate.
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Plymouth Marjon University
"A wonderful place filled with supportive, fun and encouraging people. I get to be challenged and educated both in my lectures, through clubs/societies and navigating uni life."
In June 2023 there were 2,320 applicants to Plymouth Marjon University. 630 students accepted their offer which results in a 27.16% applicant acceptance rate.
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Abertay University
“Overall a great university, well managed even in difficult times with covid.”
In June 2023 there were 3,315 applicants to Abertay University (Dundee). 895 students accepted their offer which results in a 27.00% applicant acceptance rate.
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Harper Adams University
“The uni is great with a great amount of courses to choose from.”
In June 2023 there were 2,070 applicants to Harper Adams University. 550 students accepted their offer which results in a 26.57% applicant acceptance rate.
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Robert Gordon University
“Very good course, practical and teaches you real world stuff not just all theory."
In June 2023 there were 6,355 applicants to Robert Gordon University (RGU). 1,685 students accepted their offer which results in a 26.51% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
“Great university, studied here over a number of years via distance learning. Amazing value for money, great staff and lecturers. Scotland is amazing and I would have loved the chance to attend the campus more…”
In June 2023 there were 2,745 applicants to University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). 725 students accepted their offer which results in a 26.41% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)
“Enjoyed my time here, many professional creative facilities to use like studios :)”
In June 2023 there were 7,545 applicants to University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru). 1,990 students accepted their offer which results in a 26.38% applicant acceptance rate.
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Northumbria University
“Lots of student facilities available on campus with a positive working/social life.”
In June 2023 there were 18,015 applicants to Northumbria University. 4,515 students accepted their offer which results in a 25.06% applicant acceptance rate.
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Canterbury Christ Church University
“I love my uni it has nice vibes and good energy.”
In June 2023 there were 7,160 applicants to Canterbury Christ Church University. 1,780 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.86% applicant acceptance rate.
Arts University Plymouth
“Great school, it is great to be surrounded by students with similar aspirations.”
In June 2023 there were 1,355 applicants to Arts University Plymouth. 320 students accepted their offer which results in a 23.62% applicant acceptance rate.
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Cardiff Metropolitan University
“Outstanding university in Cardiff, great city with lots to do.”
In June 2023 there were 10,320 applicants to Cardiff Metropolitan University. 2,535 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.56% applicant acceptance rate.
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