University of Liverpool

Overview

With a rich heritage stretching back to 1881, the University of Liverpool is the original ‘redbrick’ university. A founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, the top 24 research-led institutions in the UK, we are associated with nine Nobel Laureates. We are a global university with pioneering partnerships all over the world. Our research power is ranked 19th in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), with nine subjects ranked in the top 10 in the UK for their outstanding impact and 91% of our research classed as world-leading and internationally excellent. What this means for students is that teaching at the University of Liverpool is informed and delivered by inspirational experts who are at the forefront of developments in their field. Our Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ’triple crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

The University of Liverpool is also at the forefront of delivering authentic international experiences to motivated students through its varied study abroad opportunities, including summer schools and research, semester, and year abroad programmes.

Located at the heart of the world-famous city of Liverpool, the University of Liverpool will provide you with an amazing, life-changing, student experience in a diverse international community. Our excellence in teaching, learning and research, first-class facilities and outstanding support place us in the top 165 universities in the world. In the most recent Times Good University Guide, the University of Liverpool was also nominated for its 'University of the Year 2024’ accolade.

With more than 83% of our graduates achieving a First or a 2:1, it is no surprise that we are one of the top 20 universities in the UK targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers 2024). We also offer supported entrance into the UK and dedicated Careers & Employability advisors for international students, to enhance student success. Liverpool’s award-winning careers and employability service provides the tools, advice and support you need to take control of your career. Experienced career coaches and peers will help you explore career options, connect with graduate employers, and apply for roles. Embedded employability skills within your curriculum, internships, year in industry options, and the latest digital technologies will ensure you have the skills, opportunities and experience to stand out in the global graduate job market. 

Of our 30,000 students on campus, almost 8,000 are international and EU students from over 135 countries. We offer a huge range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across our three faculties. Many of our undergraduate programmes include a year in industry, and the School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Computer Science offers a number of two-year master’s programmes, which include an invaluable year-long industrial placement.

Life at the University of Liverpool isn’t just about academic excellence. As a campus university in the heart of a vibrant city, this University really does have it all. Award-winning student accommodation with everything you need right on campus. Our Guild of Students hosts more than 200 societies and numerous volunteering opportunities to ensure our students develop both personally and professionally. Sport Liverpool has 53 competitive sports clubs, internal leagues, and excellent indoor and outdoor facilities. 

The University of Liverpool also offers a range of scholarships for self-financing international students.

Fees and Finance

Students from outside of the UK pay international fees, but many programmes are competitively priced and include a year in industry. Undergraduate fees range from £21,000- £26,000 (excluding clinical degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science), whilst postgraduate fees range from £19,000-£33,000.

Services for International Students

The University offers a comprehensive range of support services for international students, starting with a friendly welcome as you arrive in the UK via our Meet and Greet service at Manchester airport. All new international students are also invited to attend an exciting programme of orientation and welcome events to help you adjust to life in Liverpool as effortlessly as possible.

The University’s International Advice and Guidance team offers a central point of contact for international students throughout your time in Liverpool, providing advice on issues such as immigration, visas, finance, accommodation and any personal issues you might have. You can also take advantage of a range of free In-sessional English language support throughout your studies provided by the campus-based English Language Centre.

Ranking

The University of Liverpool is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group and is a leading research-intensive university, making it one of the top public institutions in the UK. It’s among the top 200 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is ranked in the top 20 UK universities according to the Complete University Guide.

• 23rd in the Times University Guide 2025
• 27th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 165th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 160th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• 101st-150th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024

The University of Liverpool has a worldwide reputation for ground-breaking teaching and research by leading academics that address some of the world’s toughest challenges.

91% of the University’s research is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent as part of the REF 2021. Nine Liverpool research units achieved a top ten ranking for their outstanding impact, and 94% of the University’s research impact is now considered ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’.

Accommodation

The University provides a home from home for students in a diverse range of award-winning, exceptional student accommodation – Best University Halls (National Student Housing Awards 2021). With over 4,500 single occupancy rooms, students can choose from catered or self-catered options in either of the city campus residences, where libraries, the sports centre and Guild of Students are located. The heart of the city centre is just a 10-minute walk away, and the Greenbank student village is set within beautiful parkland about 3 miles from the University campus.

The University’s accommodation provides a ready-made community where you will make friends in a supported, safe, welcoming environment.

Living Costs

Home to over 60,000 students, Liverpool is one of the most cost-effective student cities in the UK. However, living costs can vary considerably depending on lifestyle and choice of accommodation, but usually range from £900-£1400 a month (this covers accommodation, food, study costs, phone, travel, and social activities).

Location

Home of The Beatles and Liverpool and Everton Football clubs, with more museums, theatres and galleries than any other city in the UK outside of London, Liverpool has a global reputation for sport, music, architecture and culture to explore. It also has an incredible range of shops and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets and over 250 bars and clubs.

Liverpool is located in the North of England with excellent transport links to the rest of the UK (it takes two hours by train to get to London). Having two international airports so close to the University, Liverpool John Lennon Airport (20 mins from campus and Manchester Airport (approximately one hour from campus) provides great access and daily flights to many European countries, key international hubs and worldwide destinations.

Alumni

The University has a global alumni community of more than 280,000 graduates located all over the world, including 35 professional academic and social networks. Associated with nine Noble Laureates, the University of Liverpool also has many notable alumni, including:

• Tung Chee-Hwa, the first Chief-Executive of Hong Kong
• Dame Stella Rimmington the first woman Director of MI5
• Dr Ong Teng Cheong GCMG, the fifth President of Singapore
• Rose Heilbron QC, the first female judge to sit at the Old Bailey
• Professor Har Gobind Khorana, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology & Medicine
• James Quincey, the Chief Executive of Coca-Cola

FAQs

What is the University of Liverpool acceptance rate?

The admissions process at the University of Liverpool is highly competitive, as it has an acceptance rate of about 14%. In general, Liverpool looks for applicants with good prior education, an internationally recognised English language qualification (from students whose first language isn’t English), a well-written personal statement, and excellent references. 

Is the University of Liverpool worth studying at?

The University of Liverpool is highly ranked in multiple league tables, including the Complete University Guide and the QS World Rankings. Additionally, it’s a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is well-known for excellence in teaching and research. It’s a diverse university with a rich history, accessible campuses, and a research-centred ethos to any level of study. Liverpool University also has great opportunities for study abroad and employability. 

What are the admission requirements for the University of Liverpool?

While individual programmes have different entry requirements, in general, Liverpool University requires prospective undergraduate students to have at least a C grade in English and Mathematics for GCSE or its international equivalent. If you’re applying for a master’s programme, you’ll generally need a 2:2 in your undergraduate degree. If you’re not from a majority English-speaking country, you must also demonstrate your English proficiency level – typically with an overall score of 6.0 for IELTS. 

Is there any application fee at the University of Liverpool?

If you’re a prospective undergraduate student, you’ll be required to pay the UCAS application fee which is about £23 for single-choice applications and £27 for multiple-choice ones. Postgraduate students can apply directly to the university and will not be charged an application fee.