【英國名牌大學】Top 10 Prestigious Universities: Comprehensive Overview of 2025 Application Requirements and Tuition Fees

With the rapid development of global education standards, numerous prestigious universities in the UK continue to attract a large number of international students with their outstanding academic reputation and diverse campus life.

If you are considering studying in the UK in 2025, don’t miss this introduction. Ascent Prep will provide you with essential information on the top 10 prestigious universities in the UK (including members of the Russell Group and G5), covering application requirements, tuition fees, and more, to help you create a more comprehensive study abroad plan.

First, let's take a look at the QS University Rankings for the UK in 2025:

Many are likely already familiar with prestigious universities in the UK, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (collectively known as Oxbridge).

These two universities are renowned not only for their long history and outstanding academic reputation but also as ideal institutions for students around the world.

However, in addition to these two famous higher education institutions, the UK is home to several other strong and promising universities.

Whether in the fields of science, business, literature, or social sciences, these universities stand out for their excellent teaching and research.

Next will introduce these prestigious UK universities one by one, helping you find the most suitable place to unleash personal potential among the many options available!

1. Imperial College London

Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, UK, and is a member of the elite G5 group of universities.

It is composed of four main faculties: the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and the Business School.

The university fosters collaboration among different disciplines by integrating business courses into the sciences and providing scientific education for business students, continually evolving, progressing, and innovating.

Application Requirements
The academic requirements for admission to Imperial College London vary by subject, and specific standards are typically based on the chosen program.

Generally, HKDSE candidates need to achieve grades of 5 to 5*, while A-Level candidates are required to obtain grades of AAA - A*A*A. Certain competitive programs, such as Medicine and Engineering, may demand higher academic standards.

For more details by subject, please refer to https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/.

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees at Imperial College London differ for various programs, with specific amounts depending on the selected subject and discipline.

Particularly in popular fields such as Medicine, Business, and Engineering, the tuition fees can be quite high, so it's important to pay close attention when planning your budget.

Details about tuition fees for each program can be found at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition-fees/2024-25/.

For a more detailed introduction, please click here - Introduction to Imperial College: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

2. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is a research university that has been teaching since 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest continuously operating university in the world.

The university currently offers around 250 undergraduate courses and over 300 postgraduate courses, attracting more than 202,000 students, with approximately 40% coming from around the globe.

Application Requirements

• HKDSE: Mathematics must be at level 4; English must be at level 5; three elective subjects must achieve grades of 555 or higher (depending on the chosen discipline). M1 or M2 can be counted as one of the elective subjects.
• OR IB: 38 to 40 points.
• OR A-Level: AAA - A*A*A.
• IELTS: A score of 7.0 or above, with no individual component below 6.5.

Most programs require additional entrance tests such as AHCAAT, BMSAT, CAT, HAT, MAT, MLAT, PAT, PhilAT, TSA, LNAT, or UCAT.

Tuition Fees
The average estimated annual tuition fees for courses at Oxford range from £26,770 to £46,730.

In addition to tuition fees, students also need to consider living expenses, accommodation fees, and other miscellaneous costs.

It is beneficial for students and their families to be aware of these expenses in advance to facilitate informed financial planning and targeted preparation.

For a more detailed introduction, please click here - Introduction to Oxford University: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

3. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, England, founded in 1209. It is the third oldest university in continuous operation in the world.

As one of the most prestigious elite universities, Cambridge often ranks alongside the University of Oxford in various global rankings, collectively referred to as "Oxbridge," and leads other universities in the UK.

Application Requirements

• HKDSE: Students need to achieve a minimum of 5 in core subjects, with one or two elective subjects requiring a score of 5*.
• OR IB: 40 to 42 points.
• OR A-Level: A*AA or above.
• IELTS: A score of 7.5 or above, with no individual component below 7.0.

Most programs require additional entrance tests such as ESAT, CSAT, TMUA, LNAT, or UCAT.

Tuition Fees
For international students, tuition fees at the University of Cambridge range from approximately £25,734 to £67,194 per year, depending on the chosen subject.

When selecting a university and program, students should not only consider the tuition costs but also evaluate other expenses such as materials, accommodation, and daily living costs.

For more detailed information, please click here - Introduction to University of Cambridge: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

Thinking of starting to prepare for your university application only when submitting it? That's too late! Laying a solid academic foundation in advance can help students stand out in their A-Level studies.

The A-Level tutoring courses offered by Ascent Prep can help students master key subject areas, with tutors hailing from world-renowned institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge, which are part of the G5 universities.

They can accurately assess students' knowledge gaps and impart the most valuable knowledge and study tips.

If your goal is to get into one of the prestigious Oxbridge universities, it's crucial not to miss the Oxbridge entrance exam preparation courses, as most subjects require additional entrance tests and interviews.

The tutors will conduct diagnostic tests to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, thereby customizing the learning plan that best suits them.

By practicing past exam papers, students will become familiar with the format, question types, and difficulty levels, enabling them to encounter a variety of question types and enhance their performance in the entrance exams.

4. UCL

University College London (UCL) is a public research university and a member of the federal public research university system, ranking second in the G5 university alliance.

It is the second largest university in the UK by total enrollment and has the highest number of postgraduate enrollments.

UCL's main campus is located in Bloomsbury, central London, with several research institutes and teaching hospitals situated throughout the city, as well as a second campus—UCL East—located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London.

Admission Requirements

When students prepare to enter university, academic performance is exceptionally important. UCL has very high standards for applicants, requiring A-Level results to be between ABB and AAA, with specific requirements varying depending on the subject.

This not only tests academic ability but also reflects the student’s preparation in various areas, including their understanding of the chosen subject, concentration, and self-management skills.

For detailed academic requirements, students can refer to UCL's official admissions website: UCL Undergraduate Courses for comprehensive information on entry requirements and academic standards.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for international students at UCL vary by program, with some subjects outlined in the table below:

For details on tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, you can click on this link and select your desired subject to view the relevant costs.

For a more comprehensive introduction, please click here - Introduction to UCL: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

5. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is one of the four ancient universities in Scotland and the sixth oldest university still in operation in the English-speaking world.

Edinburgh is the eighth largest university in the UK by enrollment, receiving over 69,000 undergraduate applications each year. The three major global university rankings (CUG, THE, and QS) consistently place the University of Edinburgh within the top 30.

In the Complete University Guide 2025, the university has successfully ranked in the top ten in 30 disciplines, renowned for its programs in Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Veterinary Medicine, and Medicine.

As a university with rigorous entry requirements, it has produced numerous influential figures across various fields, including James Gregory, who designed the first practical reflecting telescope; Peter D. Mitchell, who discovered the chemical mechanism of ATP synthesis; Ami Boué, who created the world's first geological map; and Doug Gurr, former global vice president at Amazon.

Admission Requirements

Except for Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, HKDSE candidates must achieve a score of 3 or above in four core subjects, or obtain a score of 3 or above in three core subjects along with a "pass" in the Citizenship and Social Development subject.

Additionally, candidates must achieve a score of 5 or above in three elective subjects to meet the university's academic requirements.

Tuition Fees

Overseas students planning to study a full year of courses will receive a £500 discount, making the 2025/26 annual tuition fee £24,000 after the reduction.

6. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a public research university renowned internationally for its groundbreaking research and innovation.

Its main campus is located south of the city center on Oxford Road. The university is the third largest in the UK by total enrollment, receiving over 92,000 undergraduate applications each year, making it one of the most popular universities in the UK.

It is a member of the Russell Group, the N8 Group, and the Association of American Universities.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Manchester is ranked 34th in the world and 6th in the UK.

Manchester is now the largest single-campus university in the UK and has strong capabilities in various fields including humanities, sciences, engineering, biology, medicine, and health, with 44 disciplines ranked in the top ten in the UK.

Additionally, the University of Manchester has consistently been one of the top choices among UK employers (as reported by High Fliers Research) and is placed within the top 50 globally for employability (QS Ranking), enjoying a strong reputation in this area.

The university boasts a total of 26 Nobel Prize winners among its past and present students and staff, ranking fourth among UK universities.

Notable alumni include John Dalton, who formulated modern atomic theory; Alan Turing, a founder of computer science and artificial intelligence; and Ludwig Wittgenstein, considered one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century.

The university is also known for its alumnus Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed Doctor Strange in the famous Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Admission Requirements

Different programs at the university have varying requirements for international students. Specific entry requirements can be found on the University of Manchester's official website.

IELTS scores also vary by program, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. In addition to IELTS, the university also accepts IB Standard Level and IGCSE as English proficiency proof.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the program. You can refer to the university's course overview page or use the tuition fee search page for more information.

Additionally, the table below can be consulted for reference:

7. King's College London

King's College London (KCL) is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. Established in 1829 by royal charter, KCL is a member of various academic organizations, including the Commonwealth Universities Association, the European University Association, and the Russell Group.

In terms of student numbers, KCL is the largest center for postgraduate medical education and biomedical research in Europe.

Ranked 40th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, KCL is renowned for its world-class teaching and cutting-edge research.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), KCL ranked ninth in the UK, which demonstrates the quantity and quality assurance of the university's research activities, thus attracting many overseas students.

KCL is particularly esteemed in the fields of humanities, law, sciences (including psychiatry, medicine, nursing, and dentistry, among various health domains), and social sciences (including international affairs).

The university has made significant contributions to many advancements that shape modern life, such as the exploration of DNA structure and research related to broadcasting, television, mobile phones, and radar.

Notable alumni from KCL include Nobel Prize winners Peter Higgs (Physics), Michael Houghton (Medicine), and Michael Levitt (Chemistry).

Other distinguished alumni include John Milne, who invented the seismograph; Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate; and former Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth, Jonathan Sacks.

In the political realm, as of the current parliament, there are 18 KCL graduates in the House of Commons and 17 in the House of Lords.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program, and students can search for their desired subjects using this link.

Generally, students need to achieve scores of 554 - 555 in HKDSE, or 35 points in IB, or AAB - AAA in A-levels to meet the university's academic criteria.

Tuition Fees

Similarly, tuition fees vary by program. Students can search for their desired subjects using this link and then scroll down on the course description page and click on "Fees & Funding" to find out the annual tuition fees for their chosen subject.

The table below can also be consulted for reference:

8. LSE

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university located in London, UK, and is a member of the Russell Group, the Commonwealth Universities Association, and the European University Association.

Despite having "Economics" in its name, LSE is actually composed of 25 academic departments and research institutes covering a diverse range of subjects, and it is renowned for its focus on social sciences.

Additionally, the university's programs in law, politics, and economics are very popular among students.

What makes LSE's social sciences so appealing?

All teaching and research at LSE are approached from a social science perspective, meaning that students engage with new knowledge in unique ways while studying other common fields.

Furthermore, LSE's professors and scholars are at the forefront of social science development, and their expertise is sought after by governments, businesses, and media worldwide, leading students to learn in innovative ways.

LSE has produced many notable figures across various fields. Among the nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England, three are LSE alumni.

In the political arena, notable alumni include former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, the current President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (the first female president), and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

In the business sector, prominent alumni include Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia; Michael S. Jeffries, CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch; and Maurice Saatchi, founder of the advertising agency Saatchi.

Admission Requirements

LSE has high expectations regarding applicants' academic backgrounds to ensure that its students possess a solid academic foundation and exceptional learning abilities.

These requirements not only reflect the quality of LSE's education but also lay the groundwork for students' future academic and professional development.

Students can refer to the following grade comparison:

Admission requirements vary by program. For the latest international student grade requirements for each undergraduate degree program, please refer to the following link: LSE Undergraduate Programs.

Tuition Fees
Understanding the tuition fee structure is crucial for students planning to apply. For the academic year 2025/2026, the first-year tuition fees for international students at LSE range from £27,500 to £34,000.

In addition to tuition fees, students should also consider living expenses and other related costs. Detailed information on tuition fees for each program can be found here: LSE Tuition Fees.

For a more detailed introduction, please click here - Introduction to LSE: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

9. University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is a red brick, Russell Group research university, primarily divided into six academic groups and composed of multiple faculties and departments, offering over 200 undergraduate courses.

According to the latest Research Excellence Framework assessment, the University of Bristol ranks fifth in the UK for research quality.

Additionally, in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it is placed at 16th, making it one of the universities many students aspire to attend.

The University of Bristol offers a range of undergraduate programs in the arts, law, social sciences, health and life sciences, as well as science and engineering.

Among these, popular fields include aerospace engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, philosophy, pharmacology, law, and business management, all of which attract many students eager to gain admission.

The University of Bristol is considered a "cradle of elites," with notable alumni including one of the most important physicists of the 20th century, Paul Dirac, Prince Albert II of Monaco, BBC News Chief Political Correspondent James Landale (founder of the university's independent newspaper, Epigram), former Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Öpik, and acclaimed film director Mick Jackson, among others.

Application Requirements
The entry requirements vary for each course, so please check the course listings for specific information.

Generally, the university requires students to achieve scores of 444 - 555* in the HKDSE, or 31 - 38 points in the IB, or ABB - A*AA in A-Levels.

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees differ for each course. Please refer to the course listings for the costs of your desired programs, or you can refer to the table below:

10. University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is a public research university that is not only a member of the Russell Group but also the sole European member of the Center for Urban Science and Progress in collaboration with New York University.

The university is divided into three academic divisions: the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the Warwick Medical School, comprising a total of 32 departments.

In the Complete University Guide 2025, Warwick ranks 10th in the UK, with 17 subjects making it into the top 10 of their respective rankings.

Furthermore, it has received a Gold rating in all categories of the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Popular subjects among students include English Literature and Creative Writing,

Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development, Accounting and Finance, Business and Management Studies, Computer Science, History of Art, and Mathematics.

Notable alumni active in politics include Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Vice President of the World Bank Group; George Chouliarakis, Deputy Minister of Finance of Greece; and Gus O'Donnell, former Cabinet Minister and Head of the UK Civil Service.

In academia, there are distinguished figures such as Fields Medalist Martin Hairer, neurologist Oliver Sacks, Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate John Cornforth, and computer scientists Mike Cowlishaw and Leslie Valiant.

Application Requirements
Candidates applying to the University of Warwick from HKDSE need to achieve at least 5, 5, 4 in three elective subjects, as well as scores of 3, 3 in two additional subjects excluding Chinese and Citizenship and Social Development.

For the IB, a score of 36 - 38 is required, while A-Level results should be in the range of AAB - A*AA.

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary for each course. Please refer to the course listings for the costs of your desired programs, or you can consult the table below:

Extended Readings

Get Ready for the UCAT 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide to Registration and Exam Schedule in Hong Kong

Introduction to UCL: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects

Introduction to Imperial College: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects