UK University Acceptance Rates
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A couple of years ago, the StudentCrowd team identified an increasing trend of Google searches for “university acceptance rate”. Between March 2013 and March 2023, this graph shows searches have increased over the 10 year period.
Here at StudentCrowd, we love helping students in their higher-education decision making. To provide more information for prospective students, we decided to source and publish the top 50 university acceptance rates data.
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 2023, to create the list below.
The data captures applications and acceptances of UK students in June 2022. 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 50 UK universities with the highest acceptance rates:
Last updated: January 2024
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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 2022 there were 1,340 applicants to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). 515 students accepted their offer which results in a 33.01% 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 2022 there were 2,495 applicants to Norwich University of the Arts (NUA). 830 students accepted their offer which results in a 29.75% 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 2022 there were 2,820 applicants to University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). 965 students accepted their offer which results in a 29.38% 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 2022 there were 5,800 applicants to Falmouth University. 1,940 students accepted their offer which results in a 29.28% applicant acceptance rate.
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Arts University Plymouth
“Fantastic facilities, better than any other art school I’ve seen. Really friendly community of fellow art students.”
In June 2022 there were 1,030 applicants to Arts University Plymouth. 295 students accepted their offer which results in a 25.99% applicant acceptance rate.
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Staffordshire University
“Really good university experience. Definitely recommend staffs to students looking into higher education.”
In June 2022 there were 10,235 applicants to Staffordshire University. 2,875 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.87% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Lincoln
“Amazing staff, super friendly people. Would recommend Lincoln to anyone."
In June 2022 there were 14,455 applicants to University of Lincoln. 3,920 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.69% applicant acceptance rate.
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Cardiff Metropolitan University
“Outstanding university in Cardiff, great city with lots to do.”
In June 2022 there were 10,120 applicants to Cardiff Metropolitan University. 2,845 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.54% 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 2022 there were 8,585 applicants to Teesside University. 2,575 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.28% 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 2022 there were 3,095 applicants to University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). 920 students accepted their offer which results in a 24.15% 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 2022 there were 2,040 applicants to Plymouth Marjon University. 565 students accepted their offer which results in a 23.11% applicant acceptance rate.
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Canterbury Christ Church University
“I love my uni it has nice vibes and good energy.”
In June 2022 there were 8,615 applicants to Canterbury Christ Church University. 2,440 students accepted their offer which results in a 23.05% applicant acceptance rate.
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School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
“Great school, it is great to be surrounded by students with similar aspirations.”
In June 2022 there were 3,630 applicants to School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). 870 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.97% applicant acceptance rate.
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Northumbria University
“Lots of student facilities available on campus with a positive working/social life.”
In June 2022 there were 18,875 applicants to Northumbria University. 4,815 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.9% 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 2022 there were 2,305 applicants to Harper Adams University. 675 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.46% applicant acceptance rate.
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Ravensbourne
"I love my university! I have made so many friends there and I always enjoy going in. My teachers are always helpful to me and give good feedback…"
In June 2022 there were 3,375 applicants to Ravensbourne. 775 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.41% 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 2022 there were 7,500 applicants to University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru). 1,880 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.38% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Worcester
“Great uni, can tell they actually care about the students.”
In June 2022 there were 7,745 applicants to University of Worcester. 1,825 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.37% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Hull
"Having finished 4 years I can’t knock the universities facilities, funding or culture."
In June 2022 there were 9,520 applicants to University of Hull. 2,315 students accepted their offer which results in a 21.14% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Portsmouth
“It is an exceptional accommodation, not because of the facilities, but because of the staff, their dedication, warmth, and readiness to assist has always left a sense of calm.”
In June 2022 there were 17,275 applicants to University of Portsmouth. 3,785 students accepted their offer which results in a 20.44% 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 2022 there were 6,820 applicants to Robert Gordon University (RGU). 1,775 students accepted their offer which results in a 20.38% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Sussex
“I have really enjoyed my time at Sussex!!”
In June 2022 there were 15,035 applicants to University of Sussex. 3,225 students accepted their offer which results in a 20.09% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Gloucestershire
“A good university with interesting courses and many opportunities for future career.”
In June 2022 there were 7,290 applicants to University of Gloucestershire. 1,575 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.96% applicant acceptance rate.
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York St John University
“The small campus has a really nice community aspect to it, perfect for students who feel overwhelmed with crowds/large places. There's a range of sport clubs and societies however I would prefer if there was a wider range such as a walking society.”
In June 2022 there were 9,040 applicants to York St John University. 1,955 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.96% applicant acceptance rate.
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Bangor University
“Nice environment and good research university.”
In June 2022 there were 7,370 applicants to Bangor University. 1,730 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.95% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Cumbria
"The uni campus is nice, the bar is a good place to sit and get some food between lectures and the learning gateway is open in late hours to study"
In June 2022 there were 3,850 applicants to University of Cumbria. 850 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.86% applicant acceptance rate.
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Aberystwyth University
“Aberystwyth University have amazing course options and excellent online resources”
In June 2022 there were 7,680 applicants to Aberystwyth University. 1,685 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.8% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Suffolk
“Lovely and modern university. All necessary equipment is available for students, any problems are resolved quickly, and tutors are as helpful as possible.”
In June 2022 there were 3,565 applicants to University of Suffolk. 795 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.65% applicant acceptance rate.
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De Montfort University (DMU)
“Nice university and everythings safe around here! Not super crowded so perfect space for studying. Canteen is also nice and clean and staff are very nice.”
In June 2022 there were 16,515 applicants to De Montfort University (DMU). 3,550 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.6% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Salford
“Really great here, fantastic facilities, loads of green space and top notch accommodation.”
In June 2022 there were 22,370 applicants to University of Salford. 5,015 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.59% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Northampton
“The environment is lovely and is a good university for people wanting a good education and welcoming environment.”
In June 2022 there were 11,960 applicants to University of Northampton. 2,535 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.58% applicant acceptance rate.
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Lancaster University
“One of the best universities in the UK. Has amazing teaching staff and a vast campus with a lot of great resources.”
In June 2022 there were 14,125 applicants to Lancaster University. 2,885 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.49% applicant acceptance rate.
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Edge Hill University
“Fantastic university, the facilities and SU seem great”
In June 2022 there were 14,600 applicants to Edge Hill University. 3,275 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.37% applicant acceptance rate.
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Swansea University
“Excellent teaching. Good location. Good support when needed”
In June 2022 there were 15,390 applicants to Swansea University. 3,285 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.27% applicant acceptance rate.
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Sheffield Hallam University
“The staff are very friendly, the location is good, and there are shops nearby, so it's very convenient to buy food”
In June 2022 there were 23,405 applicants to Sheffield Hallam University. 5,200 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.07% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Westminster
“I am excited to be returning to University of Westminster for my second year as a student. My first year experience was great, the professors were knowledgeable and helpful, the campus was beautiful and well-maintained…”
In June 2022 there were 18,060 applicants to University of Westminster. 3,630 students accepted their offer which results in a 19.06% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
“Speaking from personal experience, extremely helpful and supportive staff looking after and requirements of students however they can.”
In June 2022 there were 12,130 applicants to University of the West of Scotland (UWS). 2,995 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.97% 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 2022 there were 7,105 applicants to Buckinghamshire New University. 1,440 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.87% applicant acceptance rate.
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Oxford Brookes University
“I have been at Oxford Brookes for 2 years, going into my 3rd year in September and I love it! Majority of the staff are friendly and teach engaging lectures. They are always happy to help you achieve the best grade.”
In June 2022 there were 14,765 applicants to Oxford Brookes University. 2,985 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.87% applicant acceptance rate.
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Newcastle University
“So far my experience at newcastle university has been great. The campus is so nice and the lecturers are extremely helpful”
In June 2022 there were 25,045 applicants to Newcastle University. 5,105 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.87% applicant acceptance rate.
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UWE Bristol
“Great social experience !! Great lecturers and courses!”
In June 2022 there were 28,040 applicants to UWE Bristol. 5,915 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.71% 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 2022 there were 14,535 applicants to Glasgow Caledonian University. 3,460 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.51% applicant acceptance rate.
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Abertay University
“Overall a great university, well managed even in difficult times with covid.”
In June 2022 there were 3,920 applicants to Abertay University (Dundee). 920 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.46% applicant acceptance rate.
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St Mary's University, Twickenham
“St Mary’s is a good university which allow good facilities for student , the teaching quality is also really good.”
In June 2022 there were 4,265 applicants to St Mary's University, Twickenham. 840 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.4% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Cambridge
"Cambridge is an excellent place for learning, studying, training and socialising. The university provides students with a top of the world-class academic and social environment which I highly recommend."
In June 2022 there were 14,735 applicants to University of Cambridge. 2,685 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.19% applicant acceptance rate.
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Solent University
“Very good university, lecturers are fantastic and hoping to return to campus soon”
In June 2022 there were 7,170 applicants to Solent University, Southampton. 1,450 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.14% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of East Anglia (UEA)
“I love my school. I encourage others to come study here.”
In June 2022 there were 14,655 applicants to University of East Anglia (UEA). 2,915 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.14% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Winchester
“I loved my time at Winchester uni!! The tutors for my course were amazing and really believe in you. You get treated like an adult and respected like an individual. Would highly recommend!!!!”
In June 2022 there were 9,305 applicants to University of Winchester. 1,835 students accepted their offer which results in a 18.1% applicant acceptance rate.
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Nottingham Trent University
“I have had the best time at Nottingham Trent, the feel of community is immense and I wish I could stay as a student here forever”
In June 2022 there were 36,820 applicants to Nottingham Trent University (NTU). 7,270 students accepted their offer which results in a 17.91% applicant acceptance rate.
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University of Kent
“The campus is very pretty and very easy to get to from my accommodation.”
In June 2022 there were 15,175 applicants to University of Kent. 2,880 students accepted their offer which results in a 17.77% applicant acceptance rate.
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