Are you wondering what the best universities in London are? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

London: The UK capital city. Home to the Queen, red telephone boxes, and lots AND LOTS of universities. You may have stumbled across this article as you are deciding (or have already decided-eek!) to study in London. It’s a bold and potentially scary step to move to the big smoke. However, scarier still can be choosing which university to study with- there are almost too many options when it comes to London!

Enter the Complete University Guide! Universities are ranked by factors including student satisfaction, facilities, and graduate prospects. These league tables are a great place to start the university search.

To make things even easier, we have compiled the best unis in London in 2026 according to the Complete University Guide, counting down from 10….

Best universities in London

1. University of West London
2. St Mary’s University, Twickenham
3. Brunel University London
4. SOAS University of London
5. Queen Mary University of London
6. University of the Arts London
7. Kings College London
8. UCL
9. Imperial College London
10. LSE

10. University of West London

One of the major ranking factors for the University of West London is its student satisfaction, which stands at 80% for 2026. Graduate prospects are also 69%, which suggests that students not only have a great time, most go on to find graduate jobs afterwards. No wonder it makes the list of the ten best universities in London for 2026.

9. St Mary’s, University Twickenham

Next on our list of best universities in London is St Mary’s University, Twickenham. It ranks even higher for student satisfaction than the University of West London (although that is only be 1%!).  

However, its graduate prospects comes in at 78%, which is considerably more and makes it a great choice for any student studying in London concerned about making money after uni.

8. Brunel University London

The eighth best university in London is Brunel,  a leading technology university, based on a stunning leafy campus. It’s an extremely multicultural uni, with 24% of international students from 150 nationalities studying here.

In terms of rankings, it is 67th overall in all UK universities, mainly due to its research intensity. Essentially, this means the university is constantly innovating its ideas and knowledge.

So, with 10,000-15,000 students all buzzing around campus, I’m sure you’ll find a place here.

7. SOAS University of London

With 5,000-10,000 students, SOAS embraces diversity.

Additionally, SOAS is rated as 62nd in the UK overall, known for its for academic services which expresses just how good the educational teaching and resources will be! 

6. Queen Mary University of London

Following on, this stunning campus-based uni, Queen Mary University of London boasts innovation and has a strong centrality on research.

In fact, graduate prospects are at a high 77%. Queen Mary ranks in the top ten UK unis to study Medicine, Dentistry, and Law. So, if you’re considering any of these courses, this uni is a great choice for teaching quality and further into the future, a graduate job.

5. University of the Arts London

This uni is HUGE with 18,000 students! But this will not mean you’ll get lost in the crowd as this university specialises in performing arts, fashion, and art and design. So, if you consider yourself a confident and unique person, then University of the Arts London may be your calling!

In terms of facilities, UAL has six libraries and three learning zones- all with specialist services and library collections- what a great academic environment to be engaged in.

4.Kings College London, University of London

Following on, Kings college London is not only another large university (25,000 students!) but one of the UK’s oldest unis.

In fact, the staff-student ratio is rated at 6th overall in the UK. This means you’ll get the focus and attention you need from lecturers to perform at your best academically. Plus, culturally and socially, you’d be based in the heart of the city. Living the dream!

3. UCL (University College London)

Did you know that UCL was the first English university to welcome students of any religion and social background as well as women? It’s unbelievable to think now as females actually make up the majority of the student population at 61%!

In fact, it ranks as the 3rd in best universities in London, and 13th best in the UK. If this hasn’t already drawn you in, then maybe the vast array of facilities and the balanced student life will! Just check out their website or The Complete University Guide for more.

2. Imperial College London

Next up is Imperial. In fact, this uni is rated as the UK’s first university in… (large breath in) graduate prospects, research quality, AND academic services spent.

Not only is it one of the best universities in London; it’s the best UK university for several courses including Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, and Medical Technology and Bioengineering. WOW. Just wow. And it’s the 6th best overall in the UK!

1. London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Last but definitely not least… London School of Economics and Political Science.

LSE is the only UK uni focused on the study of social sciences and it’s the 3rd best uni in the UK!

With just over 10,000 students, you’re sure to get all-star academic teaching here. Also, over 75% of students are international so you’ll meet people from across the globe and learn so much from people’s rich and varied cultural experiences.

There’s your run-down of the best universities in London! The capital city is home to so many though, so make sure you consider these other unis in London:

List of London universities

• LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science)
• Imperial College London
• UCL (University College London)
• King’s College London
• Royal Holloway
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of the Arts London
• SOAS University of London
• City, University of London
• St George’s, University of London
• Brunel University London
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• University of Roehampton
• Kingston University
• University of Greenwich
• University of West London
• Middlesex University
• London South Bank University
• St Mary’s University, Twickenham
• University of Westminster, London
• London Metropolitan University
• University of East London
• Ravenbourne University London

It is important to note, however, that although some value rankings such the ones we’ve just  presented, it should be remembered that each university specialises in specific subject areas. It’s vital that you do your research when planning where you want to head off to, as the highest overall London ranked university may not even do your desired course!

We have also provided the university’s undergraduate acceptance rate below, from lowest to highest, just for some extra information on which ones are harder to get into than others.

• UCL (University College London) – 7%
• Imperial College London – 8.42%
• LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) – 8.9%
• City, University of London – 11.26%
• King’s College London – 12.2%
• University of Greenwich – 15.89%
• Goldsmiths, University of London – 16.23%
• Royal Holloway – 16.98%
• London South Bank University – 17%
• University of Westminster, London – 17.24%
• Kingston University – 17.72%
• University of the Arts London – 22%
• University of West London – 29%
• Ravenbourne University London – 31%
• St George’s, University of London – 39%
• University of Roehampton – 42%
• Queen Mary, University of London – 44%
• University of East London – 55%
• Middlesex University – 57%
• SOAS University of London – 63%
• Brunel University London – 65%
• St Mary’s University, Twickenham – 74%
• London Metropolitan University – 84%

And before you go, a few final tips:

Firstly, we’d really recommend visiting London to get a feel for the city before choosing to study here.  Also, check out more info on university websites and on The Complete University Guide for specific courses and more ratings.

The search for a university can be daunting, but ultimately, it’s an exciting experience. Once you’ve chosen your university, you’re one step closer to freedom, fun, and friends for life.

So, to all university seekers, I wish you luck!

Have you already been accepted into uni and know you’re looking for student accommodation in London? Check out our picks of the best student halls here.