Top 100 Universities in UK with Rankings in 2026
clickHere

Top 100 Universities in UK with Rankings in 2026

4 mins read11.1K Views Comment
Talk to Expert Icon BlueTalk to Expert
clickHere
Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jun 29, 2025 01:29 IST
One of the most popular study abroad destinations among international students, the UK is home to over 165 universities. Among these, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, UCL, etc., are the top picks. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, in 2022, the estimated number of Indian students studying in the UK is above 55,000. This article contains the list of the top 100 universities in the UK in 2025-26.
Top 100 Universities in the UK

When it comes to making a decision to study abroad, international students make their decisions based on various factors, one of them being the university ranking, especially the top-ranking universities in the country itself. Earlier, we discussed top 100 universities in the USA, the top 100 universities in the world for MS, and the top 100 universities in the world. In this article, we are going to inform you about the top 100 universities in the UK in 2025 and 2026.

Top 100 universities in UK 2025-26

Here is a list of the best 100 universities in the UK for the year 2025-26. The list has been derived from the top-ranking universities listed by the QS Top Universities and the Times Higher Education (THE). To understand more about the university in detail, you can visit each university listed below. Prospective students who are looking for professional study abroad counsellors can also reach out to us.

Top 100 Universities in the UK in 2025 and 2026

University

QS World University Rankings 2026

THE World University Rankings 2025

University of Oxford

4

1

University of Cambridge

6

5

Imperial College London

2

9

UCL

9

=22

King's College London

31

=36

University of Edinburgh

34

29

University of Manchester

35

=53

University of Bristol

51

78

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

56

=50

University of Warwick

74

106

University of Birmingham

76

=93

University of Glasgow

79

=87

University of Leeds

86

123

University of Southampton

87

115

University of Sheffield

92

=98

Durham University

=94

=172

University of Nottingham

97

=136

Queen Mary University of London

=110

=141

University of St Andrews

113

=185

University of Bath

=132

251-300

Newcastle University

137

=157

University of Liverpool

=147

=160

University of Exeter

=155

=172

Lancaster University

157

=168

University of York

169

=146

Cardiff University

181

201-250

University of Reading

=194

201-250

Queen's University Belfast

=199

201-250

Loughborough University

225

301-350

University of Strathclyde

=251

351-400

University of Aberdeen

=262

201-250

University of Surrey

=262

201-250

University of Sussex

278

201-250

Heriot-Watt University

=287

401-500

Swansea University

292

301-350

City St George’s, University of London

=310

301-350

University of Leicester

326

=191

Oxford Brookes University

374

601-800

University of East Anglia (UEA)

=381

251-300

Brunel University of London

=385

351-400

Birkbeck, University of London

=388

301-350

Aston University

 =395

351-400

University of Kent

=397

351-400

University of Dundee

=428

301-350

University of Essex

=456

351-400

Royal Holloway, University of London

=461

401-500

SOAS University of London

=511

401-500

University of Bradford

=511

501-600

University of Stirling

=517

401-500

University of Huddersfield

524

501-600

University of Hull

=526

401-500

Northumbria University

550

401-500

Coventry University

=558

601-800

Bangor University

=566

401-500

Nottingham Trent University

=609

601-800

Ulster University

=609

601-800

University of Plymouth

=613

501-600

University of Portsmouth

=635

401-500

Manchester Metropolitan University

=643

601-800

Kingston University, London

=660

801-1000

Goldsmiths, University of London

711-720

501-600

University of the West of England, (UWE Bristol)

721-730

601-800

Aberystwyth University

741-750

601-800

Bournemouth University

801-850

401-500

De Montford University

801-850

601-800

Keele University

801-850

501-600

Middlesex University

801-850

501-600

University of Brighton

801-850

601-800

University of Greenwich

801-850

501-600

University of Lincoln

801-850

601-800

University of Westminster

801-850 

801-1000

Edinburgh Napier University

851-900

501-600

Liverpool John Moores University

851-900

601-800

London South Bank University

901-950

601-800

University of Hertfordshire

901-950 

601-800

University of Salford

901-950 

801-1000

Robert Gordon University

951-1000

801-1000

Birmingham City University

1001-1200

801-1000

Glasgow Caledonian University

1001-1200 

801-1000

Leeds Beckett University

1001-1200

801-1000

London Metropolitan University

1001-1200

601-800

Sheffield Hallam University

1001-1200

801-1000

University of Central Lancashire

1001-1200

801-1000

University of East London

1001-1200

1001-1200

University of Wolverhampton

1001-1200

801-1000

Canterbury Christ Church University

1201-1400

1201-1500

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

1201-1400

Reporter

The University of Northampton

1201-1400

1201-1500

University of Derby

 1201-1400

601-800

Harper Adams University

1401+

Reporter

*Note:- The “City, University of London” and the “St. George’s, University of London” have merged on 01 Aug, 2024 to form “City St. George’s, University of London”. However, both the former universities are ranked differently in the THE World University Rankings 2025, as the rankings were released before the merger. The “City St. George’s, University of London”, however, is placed in position =310 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. 

Study abroad in the UK can be a memorable and lifetime experience. The English-speaking country is not only culturally diverse but also considered an immigrant-friendly nation. Higher education institutes in the UK have been consistently ranked amongst the best in the world. World-class education and state-of-the-art research facilities make it a perfect place to pursue your higher education.

Also Read:

This was all about the top 100 universities in the UK. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.

Q:   What is the passing criteria for UK 12th board exam?
A:

Students should secure a minimum ‘D’ grade to be declared pass in the UK 12th board exam. As per the rules of the UK Board 12th exams, those who obtain an 'E' grade in a subject will not be declared as pass in that subject. Those who could not clear the UK 12th exam can appear for the UK 12th supplementary exam. The UK 12th supplementary exam will be held in July. Through proper preparation and planning, students can easily clear the UK Board 12th exam.

Q:   Which is the cheapest city for Indian students in the UK?
A:

University of Leicester and Cardiff University are considered to be the cheapest cities in UK for international students. The average monthly costs of living in these cities are £ 350 to £ 850 respectively.

Q:   How many years is MDS in the UK?
A:

The Masters in dentistry in UK is a 12-month to 24-month Masters program offered by over 10 universities in the UK. There are around 10 destinations where students can study MDS program in the UK. The cost of studying Masters in the UK varies from INR 15 L to INR 62 L. MDS graduates can get an average salary for a master's in dentistry in UK £50,864 or INR 53 L (£ 1 = INR 103.99).

RecommendationView All

Explore MS colleges in UK

University of Manchester

Manchester, UKPublic

1 courses
30.58 L - 30.58 L
1 courses
38.49 L - 38.49 L
1 courses
36.45 L - 36.45 L
University of Bristol

Bristol, UKPublic

1 courses
34.77 L - 34.77 L
University of Bath

Bath, UKPublic

3 courses
27.02 L - 30.59 L
Durham University

Durham, UKPublic

1 courses
40.77 L - 40.77 L
University of Exeter

Exeter, UKPublic

1 courses
37.17 L - 37.17 L
University of Surrey

Guildford, UKPublic

1 courses
24.58 L - 24.58 L
University of Nottingham

Nottingham, UKPublic

1 courses
32.56 L - 32.56 L
University of East Anglia

Norwich, UKPublic

1 courses
23.74 L - 23.74 L
Is this recommendation relevant?
Which stage are you in your study abroad journey?

Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.

Research IconStarting research
Shortlist IconShortlisting colleges
Exam IconExam preparation
SopLor IconSOP/LOR writing
Scholarship IconScholarship & finance
Visa IconVisa application
About the Author
author-image
Written by
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Priya Garg is an experienced content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-dat Read Full Bio
author-image
Reviewed by
Neha
UK Expertise
Neha Nain Kuntal, a highly qualified professional, holds an MBA in International Business and Marketing, a Master’s in Commerce, a PG Diploma in International Business Operations, and a Bachelor’s in Education. With Read Full Bio
Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you