Is UCL hard to get into? A guide to UCL tuition fees and full scholarship academic requirements.

University College London (UCL), established in 1826, is a renowned research university in the UK and a member of the prestigious Russell Group. It is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and global influence. UCL is committed to promoting inclusivity, social responsibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration, maintaining a leading position across fields such as science, the humanities, engineering, and social sciences. Currently, UCL has approximately 50,000 students from over 150 countries. The university emphasises the application of knowledge and innovation, continuing to exert significant influence in higher education both in the UK and globally. [1]

UCL's entry standards are relatively stringent, as applicants are required to have a certain level of academic ability and achievement. Consequently, it is a common perception that UCL is challenging to gain admission to. If you are interested in attending this prestigious university and are considering applying for UCL scholarships, it is advisable to first familiarise yourself with information regarding UCL tuition fees and the requirements for applying for full scholarships.

Source: UCL

As a top-ten global comprehensive university, University College London (UCL) offers a wide and complete range of programmes, demonstrating exceptional performance across various disciplines. Many of its subjects consistently rank in the top ten of the QS World University Rankings. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UCL stands out with an impressive overall ranking of 9th in the world. [2]

Among its distinguished faculties, UCL's Institute of Education is the largest education institution in the UK and one of the earliest organisations established for teacher training. It conducts in-depth research across various educational contexts, catering to different age groups and special needs. It has consistently held the top position in the QS World University Rankings for Education. The Bartlett School of Architecture also ranks among the global top three in the QS Architecture category, regarded as the best architecture school in Europe. As a prestigious UK university, UCL is not overly difficult to gain admission to, provided that applicants strategically select their subjects and prepare diligently. [3]

University College London (UCL) currently offers over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across a wide range of disciplines. According to the 2024 application statistics, the five most popular programmes at UCL are Medicine, Psychology, Architecture, Computer Science, and Business Management, followed by Law, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities. These programmes attract students from around the globe, highlighting UCL's outstanding reputation in higher education. [4]

UCL's tuition fees vary depending on the programme and the student's status (UK/EU students or international students). For undergraduate students enrolling in 2026, the tuition fees for UK and EU students are typically £9,535 per year, although some specific programmes may incur higher costs. For non-EU international students, tuition fees range from approximately £29,800 to £39,800 per year, with certain courses (such as Medicine and Engineering) potentially costing more. For students in need, the university offers full UCL scholarships to some outstanding applicants to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. [5]

Source: Freepik

UCL offers a variety of scholarships to support students with outstanding academic achievements and potential [6]. UCL full scholarships are typically highly competitive, requiring applicants to showcase exceptional academic abilities. Generally, full scholarship applicants need to exhibit outstanding academic performance or demonstrate financial need. Furthermore, recommendation letters, personal statements, and other supporting documents play a crucial role in the scholarship application process.

For international students with excellent grades or financial difficulties, consider applying for the following scholarships:

Applicants who have received a bachelor's offer or are current undergraduate students need to submit a personal statement explaining why they are suitable for a UCL full scholarship. Additionally, applicants must provide recommendation letters and other supporting materials to showcase their academic and professional achievements, as well as their commitment and plans for future career development and contributions.

Moreover, UCL offers dedicated scholarships for different categories such as undergraduates, postgraduates, students in teacher training and education programs, and those pursuing preparatory courses. There are also scholarships specific to fields like architecture and medical studies.

Therefore, the fact that UCL is difficult to get into is undeniable, especially considering the high UCL tuition fees and the intense competition for UCL full scholarships. Aspiring applicants should possess excellent academic records and outstanding achievements, carefully think about how to present their future academic plans during the preparation phase and strategize on how to capture the attention of the selection committee.

If you wish to apply to University College London (UCL), it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the entry requirements and application process for each programme well in advance. UCL uses the UCAS online application system, which may require supplementary documentation, participation in entrance exams, and interviews. Prospective applicants to UCL are encouraged to prepare methodically by following these steps [7]:

By following the above steps, students can prepare their UCL applications in a more structured manner.

source: UCL

University College London (UCL) has stringent entry requirements, and the application criteria may vary across different programmes. Establishing clear goals is essential when planning your educational path, as this will help you effectively address the specific needs of each discipline. 

If you wish to gain deeper insights into the programmes offered by UCL, understand tuition arrangements, or develop a specific plan regarding UCL's admission requirements, please feel free to contact Grove Education. Our professional advisory team will tailor guidance and application support based on your academic background and career ambitions, assisting you on your journey to success at a world-class institution.