Ranking & Stats

University of Liverpool has had one of the strongest ranking trajectories of any UK Russell Group university over the past four years, climbing more than 50 places in QS since 2023.

A few things worth knowing about these numbers:

• The climb is real and sustained, not a one-year blip. Liverpool has risen roughly 50 places in QS and 33 places in THE since 2023 the steepest four-year improvement of any Russell Group institution over that window.
  
  
• QS and THE agree closely. A four-position gap between Liverpool's QS rank (#139) and THE rank (#143) signals balanced strength across both reputation-heavy and research-heavy ranking methodologies, rather than one metric propping up the overall score.
  
  
• Subject strength is a genuine differentiator. Veterinary Science is ranked in the world's top 50 by QS, and Management is ranked in the world's top 50 by the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU)  both stronger than the university's overall world position, which is useful context for applicants choosing a specific course over a general "best university" search.
  
  
• UK-specific guides rank Liverpool inside the top 25–30, including the Complete University Guide and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, where it recently achieved its highest position in more than a decade.
  
  

Because ranking tables update annually and weight research, teaching, employability, and internationalisation differently, always check the current QS and THE editions directly before quoting a specific number in an application or visa interview.

Ranking & Stats

University of Liverpool has had one of the strongest ranking trajectories of any UK Russell Group university over the past four years, climbing more than 50 places in QS since 2023.

A few things worth knowing about these numbers:

• The climb is real and sustained, not a one-year blip. Liverpool has risen roughly 50 places in QS and 33 places in THE since 2023 the steepest four-year improvement of any Russell Group institution over that window.
  
• QS and THE agree closely. A four-position gap between Liverpool's QS rank (#139) and THE rank (#143) signals balanced strength across both reputation-heavy and research-heavy ranking methodologies, rather than one metric propping up the overall score.
  
• Subject strength is a genuine differentiator. Veterinary Science is ranked in the world's top 50 by QS, and Management is ranked in the world's top 50 by the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) — both stronger than the university's overall world position, which is useful context for applicants choosing a specific course over a general "best university" search.
  
• UK-specific guides rank Liverpool inside the top 25–30, including the Complete University Guide and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, where it recently achieved its highest position in more than a decade.
  
  

Because ranking tables update annually and weight research, teaching, employability, and internationalisation differently, always check the current QS and THE editions directly before quoting a specific number in an application or visa interview.

Admission

Liverpool runs undergraduate admissions through UCAS and postgraduate admissions through its own online application portal, with the main intake in September.

Undergraduate applicants, typical requirements:

• A-levels, BTEC, IB, or an equivalent international qualification — entry grades vary widely by course, from AAB-equivalent for competitive subjects to more accessible offers for other programmes.
  
  
• English language proficiency: usually IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL or PTE Academic), with a minimum in each component.
  
  
• Applicants who don't yet meet direct-entry requirements can join a foundation or pre-master's pathway through the University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC), which guarantees progression to a degree course on successful completion.
  
  

Postgraduate applicants, typical requirements:

• A relevant bachelor's degree, usually a 2:1 (upper second-class) or equivalent GPA/percentage for most taught master's courses; some competitive programmes ask for a First-Class equivalent.
  
  
• IELTS 6.5 overall (commonly with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) for most taught postgraduate courses.
  
  
• A CV, personal statement or research proposal (for research degrees), and academic references  requirements vary by department.
  
  

Application steps at a glance:

1. Check subject-specific entry requirements on your chosen course page.
2. Apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or the Liverpool applicant portal (postgraduate).
3. Submit transcripts, English test scores, and references.
4. Receive a conditional or unconditional offer.
5. Accept your offer and pay the tuition fee deposit where applicable (£2,000 for most master's courses).
6. Apply for your UK Student visa once you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
   
   

UCAS undergraduate applications typically close in January for equal consideration, with Clearing available later in the year for remaining places. Postgraduate applications are generally accepted on a rolling basis until courses are full, so applying early improves both your offer chances and scholarship eligibility.

Scholarship

Liverpool runs one of the more structured international scholarship programmes among UK Russell Group universities, with several awards applied automatically rather than through a separate competitive process.

Liverpool Excellence Scholarship (undergraduate) — a tuition fee discount of up to £7,500 for high-achieving self-funded international undergraduate students (for example, AAA at A level or equivalent), awarded automatically to eligible applicants.

Liverpool Excellence Scholarship (postgraduate) — a tuition fee discount of up to £7,000 for new international postgraduate students with a First-Class or equivalent undergraduate degree.

UoLIC Excellence Scholarship — a £5,000 first-year tuition reduction for students progressing from University of Liverpool International College foundation or pre-master's programmes with 75% or above, awarded automatically with no separate application.

Country- and subject-specific awards — including a £2,000 discount for eligible postgraduate students from India and department-level scholarships in subjects like Chemistry (up to £10,000 toward a master's).

Humanitarian Scholarships — full tuition waiver, accommodation, and a stipend of up to roughly £18,688 for a small number of postgraduate students who have sought international protection outside the UK.

External funding routes — Liverpool students can also apply for Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, all separate from the university's own awards.

Most Liverpool-run scholarships require no separate application  eligibility is checked automatically against your offer  but amounts, deadlines, and eligible subjects change year to year, so confirm current terms on the scholarships and bursaries page for your specific course and nationality before relying on a figure.

Finances

Planning a realistic budget for Liverpool means looking at the full cost of living in one of the UK's more affordable student cities.

Typical monthly costs (single student):

Funding your studies:

UK/Home students can apply for Student Finance England (or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland) for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans, both of which rise slightly each year in line with government policy.

International students typically self-fund tuition and living costs, drawing on scholarships, education loans, or sponsor funding — UK Student visa rules require proof of funds before a CAS is issued.

Part-time work — students on a UK Student visa can generally work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during official holidays, which the university's careers service can help arrange.

Payment flexibility — undergraduate and master's tuition can be split 60%/40% across two instalments rather than paid as a single lump sum, easing cash-flow pressure during the year.

Because visa financial-proof requirements, loan amounts, and fee-instalment terms are set or adjusted by the UK government and the university respectively, confirm current figures with Liverpool's Student Services finance team or official UK government visa guidance before finalising your budget.

Accommodation

Liverpool guarantees an offer of accommodation to all first-year international undergraduate and postgraduate students who apply by the specified deadline, with over 4,400 student rooms across university-managed halls.

University halls and student villages:

• The Greenbank Student Village and several city-campus residences make up the university's main accommodation stock, described as award-winning by the university's own student services.
• Rooms range from standard shared-bathroom options to en-suite and studio-style accommodation, with prices varying by room type and contract length.
• As a rough guide, past-student cost reporting puts a full year of university accommodation at around £8,000–£9,000, though this varies by hall and should be checked against current listings.
  
  

Private accommodation:

• Liverpool's private rental market is considerably cheaper than London or Manchester equivalents, making off-campus shared housing a realistic option from second year onward.
• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operators near campus offer studios and en-suite rooms as an alternative to university halls, generally at a premium over standard halls but still below London PBSA pricing.

Because Liverpool's guarantee is deadline-based rather than first-come-first-served across all halls, applying for accommodation as soon as you accept your offer is the most reliable way to secure your preferred hall and room type.