University College London (UCL)

Overview

University College London (UCL), founded in 1826, is the oldest and largest college of the University of London. Known as ‘London’s Global University,’ it ranks 9th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is 2nd in the UK for research power (2021 Research Excellence Framework). UCL was the first university in England to admit students regardless of their religion or background and remains committed to providing education on a global scale.

With a diverse student population of over 40,000, UCL’s international ethos is evident, as 53% of its students come from outside the UK, representing more than 150 countries. UCL is part of the elite Russell Group of UK universities and a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), a consortium of Europe’s leading research universities. The university also has a stellar track record of producing world-class scholars, with 30 Nobel Prize winners having been staff or students at UCL.

UCL employs over 840 professors and 7,000 academic staff across 11 faculties, conducting groundbreaking research and teaching in fields such as science, engineering, law, and the humanities. Its students benefit from close ties with London’s major teaching hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital, providing students with excellent opportunities for research and professional experience in the medical field.

There are over 650 master’s programmes and nearly 500 undergraduate degrees available at UCL, making it one of the most comprehensive universities in the UK. UCL’s acceptance rate varies depending on the course but generally stands around 63%, meaning admission is competitive but achievable for those with strong academic credentials.

UCL is deeply committed to the idea of education for global citizenship, encouraging students to explore different cultural perspectives while engaging with pressing international challenges through research and collaboration.

Services for International Students

UCL’s International Office provides a comprehensive orientation programme for new overseas students before the start of term, helping them acclimatise to life in London and at UCL. This orientation covers a range of topics, from finding accommodation to understanding the UK’s healthcare system, ensuring students feel well-prepared from day one.

Each undergraduate student is assigned a personal tutor, while departmental and faculty tutors are also available to offer academic guidance. The role of personal tutors includes:

• Helping students settle into life at UCL with practical support and encouragement.
• Offering opportunities to discuss academic progress and develop independent learning skills.
• Providing support during challenging times, including advice on maintaining academic standards and finding specialist help if needed.
• Assisting students in enhancing their academic studies and building their CVs.
• Acting as a reliable point of contact throughout their university journey.

UCL’s Student Union is one of the largest in the UK, offering over 250 clubs and societies. From cultural and sports groups to academic and interest-based societies, there are numerous opportunities for students to socialise and engage with the wider UCL community.

Ranking

• 7th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 9th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 22nd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
• 17th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023

University College London was ranked the second-best university in the UK for research power, with 93 per cent of the research graded 4* ‘world-leading’ and 3* ‘internationally excellent’. UCL's research received a 'grade point average' of 3.50 (out of 4) – an improvement from 3.22 in 2014.

The UCL Institute of Education has been ranked as the best university in the world for the study of Education for the last nine years (QS World University Rankings by Subject) and also received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, a celebration of excellence, innovation and public benefit in work carried out by UK colleges and universities, in 2015.

In addition to the number one position for education, eight other subject areas from UCL are ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject global top 10:

• Archaeology (3rd)
• Architecture and the Built Environment (3rd),
• Anthropology (4th)
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology (4th)
• Anatomy and Physiology (6th)
• Medicine (7th)
• Psychology (7th)
• Geography (9th)

Accommodation

UCL guarantees accommodation for all first-year international undergraduate and postgraduate students, provided they apply by the relevant deadlines. The university offers a range of housing options, including:

• Catered Halls of Residence
• Self-catered student housing
• Catered intercollegiate halls (shared with other University of London colleges)
• Privately rented accommodation, organised through partner organisations

Most UCL accommodation is located in central London, within close proximity to the university’s main campus in Bloomsbury. The university’s accommodation services also provide support in finding private sector housing for students who do not wish to live in university-managed residences.

Location

UCL’s main campus is located in the historic and vibrant district of Bloomsbury, in central London. This location places students within walking distance of a wealth of academic, cultural, and professional resources, including world-class museums, libraries, professional bodies, and teaching hospitals. Nearby attractions include the British Museum, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and the Wellcome Collection, providing students with an enriched educational environment.

In addition, UCL is expanding with the opening of UCL East, a state-of-the-art campus adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. UCL East houses eight UCL faculties and provides space for 4,000 students and 260 academic staff, further broadening the university’s teaching and research capabilities.

Alumni

• Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor of the telephone)
• Christopher Nolan (Director)
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Junichiro Koizumi (Japanese Prime Minister, 2001-2006)
• Chris Martin (Coldplay singer)
• Ricky Gervais (Comedian)