Key takeaways

  • Universities may still accept applicants with low attendance
  • Strong grades and personal statements can compensate
  • Attendance records may be considered for competitive courses

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? 

How can a low attendance rate impact your uni application? 
Source: Canva

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?

Do universities look at your attendance rate?
Source: Canva

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!

Author
Connor Steele
Content Editor
Updated:
i
Last updated: 16 May 2025
Change: Reviewed guide for accuracy and added Key takeaways to enhance user experience

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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