Over 732,000 international students study at universities in the UK every year. Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge accept only a small number of students. Many students choose universities in the UK with higher acceptance rates because it is easier to get admission and start their studies.
Aberystwyth University, Bishop Grosseteste, and the University of Exeter are among the UK universities with the highest acceptance rates.
High acceptance rate universities in the UK combine accessible entry requirements with strong TEF Gold-rated programs and good global rankings.
What is the Acceptance Rate in the UK?
The overall acceptance rate in the UK is around 72% to 75%, based on recent UCAS admission data. This indicates that a majority of applicants secure university places.
Here is an overview of recent acceptance rate trends across UK universities:
- Average Undergraduate UK Acceptance Rate: Around 75% of applicants were accepted in the recent UCAS cycle, with 565,000 students admitted from 758,000 applications.
- Highly Competitive UK Universities: University College London (UCL): 8.9%, London School of Economics (LSE): 6.5%-9%, University of Oxford & University of Cambridge: 15%-20%
- UK Universities with High Acceptance Rates: Aberystwyth University, Bishop Grosseteste University, and the University of Exeter.
- UK 18-Year-Old Entry Rate: About 32% of UK students aged 18 entered higher education in 2025.
- International Students in the UK: The number of international undergraduates is increasing. For example, China’s student intake grew by 13% to 12,380 placements in UCAS.
- Course Popularity: Some courses, such as Engineering, Law, and Business, are more competitive, even at universities with high acceptance rates.
Why Choose High Acceptance Rate Universities in the UK?
Choosing the easiest universities in the UK is a smart choice for students looking for quality UK education with realistic admission chances, faster degrees, and lower living costs.
Here is why the highest acceptance UK universities can be a smart choice:
- Better Chance of Admission: Many of these universities accept 70-95% of applicants, reducing stress and improving the likelihood of getting an offer.
- Strong Education Standards: High acceptance does not mean low quality. Several of these universities have solid rankings, experienced faculty, and programs focused on practical skills and employability.
- Shorter Degree Duration: UK undergraduate programs usually take 3 years, and most master’s degrees are just 1 year, helping students enter the workforce faster.
- Affordable Living Options: Cities like Aberystwyth, Liverpool, and Portsmouth cost around £800-£1,100/month (₹99K-₹1,36,000) for living, making them cheaper than London and easier on the budget.
List of High Acceptance Rate Universities in the UK?
Universities like Aberystwyth University (96%) and Bishop Grosseteste University (95%) are among the UK universities with the highest acceptance rates.
This list includes the top 10 UK universities with high acceptance rates:
|
University Name |
Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
Aberystwyth University |
96% |
|
Bishop Grosseteste University |
95% |
|
University of Exeter |
87% |
|
York St John University |
85% |
|
University of Kent |
85% |
|
Liverpool Hope University |
85% |
|
University of Roehampton |
72% |
|
University of Leicester |
72% |
|
Newman University, Birmingham |
70% |
|
University of Portsmouth |
69% |
Let’s read about every university in detail:
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University was established in 1872 and is one of the oldest universities in Wales. It has a student population of around 10,000, with about 6,615 undergraduates and 1,705 postgraduates. The university is ranked top in Wales and 3rd in the UK for teaching quality.
- QS Rank 2026: 741-750
- Tuition Fee: UG: £14,700 per year (₹18.17 lakhs) | PG: £15,700 per year (₹19.42 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: International Politics, Computer Science, Agriculture & Environmental Science, Psychology
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Good
Bishop Grosseteste University
Bishop Grosseteste University is a public institution founded in 1862, originally established as a teacher training college. It has a student body of around 2,700 students. The university ranks 3rd in the UK for graduate employability outcomes.
- QS Rank 2026: N/A
- Tuition Fee: UG: £14,000 per year (₹17.30 lakhs) | PG: £15,000 per year (₹18.54 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Education, Psychology, Business, Health & Social Care, English
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Good
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is a research-intensive Russell Group university known for strong academic quality and teaching standards. It holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is recognised globally, with several subjects ranked in the UK top 10 for research impact.
- QS Rank 2026: 155
- Tuition Fee: UG: £24,700 per year (₹30.53 lakhs) | PG: £25,300 per year (₹31.28 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Business & Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Psychology
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.5 overall; TOEFL iBT: 90
- Visa Safety: Good
York St John University
York St John University is a public institution founded in 1841 with a student population of around 8,300. It boasts a 92% graduate employability rate and has earned a Gold award for Student Experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
- QS Rank 2026: N/A
- Tuition Fee: UG: £14,500 per year (₹17.92 lakhs) | PG: £15,500 per year (₹19.16 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Business & Management, Psychology, Education, Computing, Sports Science
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Good
University of Kent
The University of Kent is a public research university with over 19,000 students supported by around 3,000 staff. It has received two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes and has centres in Paris, Brussels, Athens, and Rome.
- QS Rank 2026: 397
- Tuition Fee: UG: £18,600 per year (₹23.01 lakhs) | PG: £19,800 per year (₹24.49 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Business & Management, Law, Psychology, Computer Science, International Relations
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.5 overall; TOEFL iBT: 80-90
- Visa Safety: Good
Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope University was established in 1844 and has a close-knit student community of around 5,000-6,000 students. It is known for strong outcomes, with 98.1% of graduates in employment, and entry requirements of around 118 UCAS points, making it accessible for many international students.
- QS Rank 2026: N/A
- Tuition Fee: UG: £12,500-£13,500 per year (₹15.45-₹16.69 lakhs) | PG: £13,500-£14,500 per year (₹16.69-₹17.92 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Education, Psychology, Business Management, Computer Science, Media & Communication
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Good
University of Roehampton
The University of Roehampton has a student population of around 12,050 and is ranked among the top 15% of young universities globally in the THE Young University Rankings. It also records 85% student satisfaction and 78% graduate prospects, making it a steady choice for international students.
- QS Rank 2026: N/A
- Tuition Fee: UG: £15,000-£16,500 per year (₹18.54-₹20.39 lakhs) | PG: £16,000-£18,000 per year (₹19.78-₹22.25 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Business Management, Psychology, Education, Computer Science, Media Studies
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Good
University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is a top-30 UK research institution with a student community of over 18,000. It has global subject recognition in Archaeology (Top 40) and a strong 60+ years legacy in space research.
- QS Rank 2026: 326
- Tuition Fee: UG: £19,350 per year (₹23.92 lakhs) | PG: £20,500 per year (₹25.33 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Archaeology, Space Science, Engineering, Business Management, Psychology
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.5 overall; TOEFL iBT: 80
- Visa Safety: Good
Newman University, Birmingham
Newman University, Birmingham, was established in 1968 and has a student population of around 4,080. It is ranked 124th in the Complete University Guide 2026 and offers 97 full-time courses across a wide range of subjects.
- QS Rank 2026: N/A
- Tuition Fee: UG: £13,800 per year (₹17.05 lakhs) | PG: £14,500 per year (₹17.92 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Education, Psychology, Business, Sports Science, Media & Communication
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Moderate to Good
University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth has over 29,000 students, with around 23% from outside the UK, and a staff strength of roughly 3,500. It ranks 3rd among all modern post-92 universities in the UK and is placed in the Top 35 for student satisfaction.
- QS Rank 2026: 635
- Tuition Fee: UG: £16,500 per year (₹20.40 lakhs) | PG: £17,800 per year (₹22.02 lakhs)
- Popular Programs: Business & Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Health Sciences
- Test Scores: IELTS: 6.0 overall; TOEFL iBT: 79
- Visa Safety: Good
List of UK Universities with 100% Acceptance Rate
The easiest universities to get into in the UK, such as Liverpool Hope and Exeter, offer accessible entry requirements of 118 UCAS points and high-quality TEF Gold-rated teaching.
Here’s why these easiest UK universities stand out for students
|
University Name |
Reasons to Choose (Specific + Backed by Data) |
|---|---|
|
Aberystwyth University |
Ranked top in Wales and 3rd in the UK for teaching quality |
|
Bishop Grosseteste University |
3rd in the UK for graduate employability outcomes |
|
University of Exeter |
Russell Group research university; several subjects ranked in UK top 10 for research impact; TEF Gold for teaching |
|
York St John University |
92% graduate employability; TEF Gold award for Student Experience, fostering strong student support |
|
University of Kent |
Over 19,000 students and two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes |
|
Liverpool Hope University |
Entry requirements of around 118 UCAS points make it accessible for international students |
|
University of Roehampton |
85% student satisfaction and 78% graduate prospects |
|
University of Leicester |
Globally recognised in Archaeology (Top 40) and a top-30 UK research institution |
|
Newman University, Birmingham |
124th in Complete University Guide 2026 and 97 full-time courses |
|
University of Portsmouth |
Over 29,000 students, Top 35 for student satisfaction |
Impact of High Acceptance Rates on UK Student Visa Approval
High acceptance rate universities in the UK make it easier for students to secure an offer, but visa approval depends on clear academic intent and credible plans.
Here is how high acceptance rates can influence UK student visas:
- Easier offer, not guaranteed visa: Being admitted to a high acceptance university helps get the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), but the visa still requires proof of finances and genuine study intent.
- Clear profile alignment matters: When your academic record and test scores match the university’s requirements, visa officers are more confident in your application.
- Explain your choice: Students should clearly justify why they selected the university and course, showing relevance to career or further study goals.
- High acceptance can raise questions: Universities with very high or near‑100% acceptance may trigger additional scrutiny about study plans during the visa interview.
- Visa approval depends on multiple factors: Financial stability, course relevance, and ties to your home country carry more weight than the university’s acceptance rate alone.
From the Desk of Yocket
Applying to universities in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially when you are juggling requirements, deadlines, and visa preparations. Many students worry about whether their profile will match the university criteria or if they will be able to secure admission at their dream institution. One tip is to focus on universities that fit your academic record and career goals, rather than only chasing brand names.
Yocket Premium can make this process much smoother. With tools to track applications, compare universities, and get personalised insights on admission chances, you can plan better and reduce stress.






