When you’re applying to university, you start to worry about literally everything. Are they going to turn you down because of that one practice paper that you flunked? Do universities accept your application if you have a low attendance rate? Will they know that you only took geography at A-level because history clashed? Or that you went home on your long break each Tuesday instead of hanging around college campus? If you’re worried about the minimum attendance rate for university in the UK, here’s what you need to know.
How can a low attendance rate impact your uni application?
Low attendance is not recommended at GCSE or A-Level, as it can negatively impact your academic performance. The less time you spend in lessons, the less information you are taught. This can lead to gaps in knowledge, and it can also exacerbate the stress already prevalent during exam times. Trying to teach yourself content can be really difficult at high levels. You might also miss important information about exams or revision tips which could benefit your grades. However, there’s no general minimum attendance rate for applying to universities in the UK.
Do universities look at your attendance rate?
Universities get a whole lot of information when you send your application in, and part of that is your academic transcript. This means they may well have access to your attendance rate, but it doesn’t mean that they’ll actually look at it. The majority of universities won’t look at your attendance rate, as your grades and dedication are much more important to their applications. For more info on what they might look at, check out UCAS. If you’re worried then these are The 30 easiest unis to get into in the UK.
Will your academic reference talk about your attendance?
When you apply to university, your college of the sixth form will write you an academic reference. This is unlikely to include much information about your attendance rate, especially if your attendance rate is low. The only time your academic reference is likely to mention your attendance is if it will benefit your application (i.e. if your attendance is very high). So if your attendance across school or college was lower than you’d perhaps like, you probably don’t need to worry about it!
FAQs on University Applications and Attendance
Most UK universities do not check your attendance rate directly. Admissions teams focus on grades, predicted results, your personal statement, and your reference. Attendance figures are not included in the UCAS form unless your school mentions them in your reference.
Yes. If your grades are strong and your application shows motivation and potential, low attendance will not usually block offers—especially for less competitive courses. However, poor attendance often leads to weaker grades, which can affect your chances with top universities.
Sometimes. Teachers usually focus on your academic ability and personal qualities, but they might mention attendance if it was exceptionally poor or if it explains gaps in your work or lower grades.
No. There is no set attendance requirement for UCAS applications. However, low attendance can harm predicted grades and references, which may reduce your chances of getting offers from competitive universities.
Yes. International students must follow UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) attendance rules to keep their visa. Universities monitor attendance closely and must report students who miss classes without an approved reason.
Yes. If you miss lessons, teachers may have less evidence of your abilities and could predict lower grades. Predicted grades are important for UCAS offers, so attendance can indirectly affect applications.
It is better to let your referee explain any long-term illness or personal circumstances affecting attendance. Personal statements should stay focused on motivation and academic interest.
Very rarely. Universities rely on your UCAS form and reference rather than requesting school attendance records. This could happen only in special cases such as teacher training or nursing courses with strict entry checks.
Yes. Universities track attendance to help students stay on track, and some courses require a minimum level for assessments or professional accreditation. For international students, it can also affect visa compliance.
No. Student Finance eligibility depends on your course and personal circumstances, not school attendance. However, if you drop out or fail to attend once enrolled, you may lose funding or have to repay some of it.
Got more questions? Check out our University application FAQ Hub for answers written by real students.