How to Apply to UK Universities after the IB in 2025 and 2026 cycles.
Everything you need to know about UCAS, IB requirements for UK universities, admissions timeline and more
The UK university admissions process is unique and may feel a bit confusing. But by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll become UK university admissions experts ready to find the perfect path to your top-choice university in the land of Elton John, Hugh Grant and the royal corgies.
Written by Anzhelika Tauber
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the UK University Admissions System
- Is the IB Accepted in UK Universities?
- UCAS Application Process for IB students
- Stages of the UCAS Application Process and Deadlines for 2025 Cycle
- Deadlines for 2026 Cycle
- University Offers Explained
- Accepting a UK Unviersity Offer
- What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
- Can you get help with UK University Admissions? Nominated Access
- Example Scenarios for IB Students
- UK Application Timeline for IB Students for 2025 cycle
- IB Score Requirements for UK Universities
- Ten top universities in the UK in 2025 that accept IB diplomas and their IB score requirements.
- Maximising Your Chances of Acceptance
- Bibliography
Introduction to the UK University Admissions System
The UK warmly welcomes international students from all over the world, offering opportunities to study at some of the best universities globally. These institutions value diversity and have a fair system to ensure both local and international students have access to higher education.
The application process for prospective international student wanting to apply to a UK university is the same as it is for UK students – through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS streamlines the application process, allowing students to apply to multiple universities with one application.
UCAS lets students apply to a maximum of five courses in one year. And these five courses can either be in the same university or in five different universities.
However, for Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine/Science, you can only choose up to four courses. Additionally, if you’re aiming for top universities like Oxford or Cambridge, you’ll need to pick just one of them; you cannot apply to both in the same year.
The UK university system also allows for joint honours degrees, where you can study two subjects as part of a single qualification. This is perfect for students who excel in one subject but want to explore a new area of interest. For example, you might pair History and Spanish or Economics and Sociology. This flexibility lets you tailor your degree to suit your passions and future career goals.
Free University Admissions Consultation
Ready to go from IB into a University? Book a free 20 min consultation with our IB-specialised University Admissions Counsellors. During this time, you’ll have the chance to ask our counsellors any questions about the application process in different countries, discuss your goals and explore various destinations.
Is the IB Accepted in UK Universities?
The short answer is a resounding yes—UK universities absolutely accept the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Admissions officers across the UK view the IB Diploma as equal to A-levels when considering applicants for university entry.
As a matter of fact, the IB isn’t just accepted—it’s often preferred! Research by the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows that IB graduates have a 57% greater likelihood of gaining admission to one of the top 20 UK universities compared to their A-level counterparts. What’s more, IB students are also more likely to graduate with first-class honours (23% versus 19% for A-level students).
A recent survey of 80 UK university admissions officers revealed that most believe the IB Diploma offers better preparation for both university and the workforce. They recognise that the IB fosters critical thinking, independent research skills, a global perspective, and, of course, the knowledge of how to cite scientific work correctly, giving students a head start in their academic journey and beyond.
UCAS Application Process for IB students
The UCAS application process is straightforward, but it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure the best results. Rushing through it can lead to missed opportunities, so students should dedicate sufficient time to crafting a strong application.
The process begins by creating an account on the UCAS Hub and completing the registration questions. This includes selecting the year you wish to start your studies and confirming that you’re applying for undergraduate courses.
With a single set of login credentials, you can manage your entire application, track decisions, and respond to offers in one place. Once all sections of the application are complete, you’ll need to pay the application fee (£27.50 for 2024 entry).
Stages of the UCAS Application Process and Deadlines for 2025 Cycle
- Early UCAS
- Opens in May, allowing students to start setting up their accounts and preparing applications.
- Equal Consideration UCAS
- Submissions open in September, with key deadlines:
- 15 October: For applications to Oxford, Cambridge, and most Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science courses.
- 29 January: For most other undergraduate courses.
- Submissions open in September, with key deadlines:
- UCAS Extra
- UCAS Extra is a part of the UK university application system designed to give students an additional chance to apply to universities if they haven’t received an offer from their initial choices. UCAS Extra allows you to apply for one course at a time, instead of applying to multiple courses at once as in the initial application.
- It starts on 26 February and runs until 4 July for the 2025 application cycle.
- Universities have up to 21 days to consider an application from UCAS Extra and make a decision. If the university declines your application, or if you decide not to take the offer, you can select another course through Extra until you find one that suits you.
- UCAS Clearing and Adjustment
- Opens 5 July and runs until 20 October, helping students secure spots at universities with available places or adjust their initial choices.
Deadlines for 2026 Cycle
The UCAS deadlines for the 2026 admissions cycle will be as follows:
- The main equal consideration deadline falls on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
- UCAS will also bring back an advisory deadline at the end of March to encourage quicker decision-making.
- The “reject by default” date is set for 13 May.
These adjustments mark a return to pre-pandemic schedules, with midweek deadlines maintained to avoid weekend complications.
University Offers Explained
Once your application is reviewed, universities will respond with an offer. Depending on the offer you got, you are either guaranteed university acceptance or not.
Typically, universities aim to make an offer on or before the following dates for 2025 cycle:
- 14th May: If your application was made by the 29st January 2025 deadline.
- 25th July: If your application is made on or before 4th July 2025.
Four offer types include:
- Conditional Offer
- A conditional offer means you’ve been offered a place but need to meet specific requirements, usually related to exam results.
- Example: A university may require 36 IB points, including a 6 in HL Chemistry and Biology, to secure a place.
- Unconditional Offer
- An unconditional offer guarantees your place regardless of future exam results. However, you may still need to fulfil non-academic requirements like providing documentation or completing a medical check.
- By accepting an unconditional offer, you commit to attending that university, so you cannot select an insurance choice.
- Contextual Offer
- Some universities adjust entry requirements for students from underrepresented backgrounds or schools with limited resources. For instance, a standard offer of 39 IB points might be reduced to 36 for eligible applicants.
- Unsuccessful Application
If your application is unsuccessful, the admissions team may provide feedback. Even without offers, you can use UCAS Extra or explore opportunities through Clearing.
Book a free consultation today to discuss your goals and needs!
At U4Success, our expert university admission counsellors understand the nuances of every IB student’s journey to applying to UK universities. Let us guide you to success in the competitive UK admissions process!
IB Score Requirements for UK Universities
Let’s dive into the IB score requirements for some of the top universities in the UK. Keep in mind that each university has not only overall score expectations but also subject-specific requirements depending on the course you plan to study.
For example, if you’re applying for an engineering degree at Cambridge, you’ll need to take Mathematics (specifically Analysis and Approaches) and Physics at the Higher Level. These detailed requirements can help you identify the score you need to aim for, but it’s always a good idea to check the specific admissions page for your chosen course to ensure accuracy.
General Requirements
To gain admission to a UK university, you typically need to have completed the IB Diploma. While universities rarely set specific requirements for elements like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), or CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), the focus will be on your overall IB score and individual subject grades. However admission in foundation courses is also possible with IB Certificates.
The required score often varies by university and program. Some universities set a minimum overall score, while others may specify both overall and subject-specific grades. For instance, a program may ask for a minimum score of 38 points, with 6s and 7s at Higher Level subjects like Biology or Chemistry for Medicine.
Additional Admissions Tests for UK Universities
Some UK university courses require applicants to take additional admissions tests as part of their application process. These tests assess specific skills or knowledge relevant to the subject.
1. PAT (Physics Aptitude Test)
- Purpose: Used by the University of Oxford for courses such as physics, engineering, and materials science.
- Content: A mix of mathematics and physics questions, designed to assess problem-solving skills and understanding of key principles.
- Format: A 2-hour written paper with multiple-choice, short-answer, and longer problem-solving questions.
- Timing: Typically taken in October or November of the application year.
- Preparation Tips: Revise A-level (or equivalent) physics and maths, practice past papers, and focus on applying concepts to unfamiliar problems.
2. LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test)
- Purpose: Required for law applicants at some universities, including Oxford, UCL, and King’s College London.
- Content: Tests critical thinking, comprehension, and essay-writing skills.
- Format:
- Part 1: Multiple-choice questions based on reading comprehension (95 minutes).
- Part 2: An essay-writing task (40 minutes) to evaluate the ability to construct a logical argument.
- Timing: Testing starts in September, and the test should be completed by specific deadlines depending on the university.
- Preparation Tips: Read challenging legal or argumentative texts, practise essay writing, and complete sample questions available on the LNAT website.
3. BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test)
- Purpose: Used by medical, veterinary, and biomedical sciences programs at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial.
- Content: Assesses scientific knowledge, problem-solving, and writing skills.
- Format:
- Section 1: Thinking skills (60 minutes).
- Section 2: Scientific knowledge and applications (30 minutes).
- Section 3: A short essay (30 minutes).
- Timing: Typically taken in October or November of the application year.
- Preparation Tips: Review GCSE-level science and maths, practise past papers, and improve written communication skills.
4. UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
- Purpose: Required for most UK medical and dental schools to assess cognitive and non-cognitive abilities.
- Content: Tests decision-making, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgment.
- Format: A 2-hour computer-based test with timed subtests.
- Timing: Taken between July and September before applying.
- Preparation Tips: Use online question banks, focus on timing, and practice regularly to become familiar with the format.
5. TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)
- Purpose: Required for courses like economics, philosophy, and politics at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
- Content: Tests problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.
- Format:
- Section 1: Multiple-choice questions on problem-solving and critical thinking (90 minutes).
- Section 2: An optional essay component (only for certain courses, e.g., Philosophy and Theology at Oxford).
- Timing: Typically taken in October or November.
- Preparation Tips: Work through past papers, improve logical reasoning skills, and practice written arguments.
6. MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
- Purpose: Used by Oxford and other universities for courses in mathematics, computer science, and related fields.
- Content: Advanced mathematics problems to assess problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Format: A 2.5-hour written paper with multiple-choice and long-answer questions.
- Timing: Typically taken in October or November.
- Preparation Tips: Revise A-level maths, practise solving non-routine problems, and review past exam papers.
7. HAT (History Aptitude Test)
- Purpose: Required for history applicants at Oxford.
- Content: Tests the ability to analyse historical sources and construct arguments.
- Format: A 1-hour written exam involving the analysis of a primary source and answering questions based on it.
- Timing: Typically taken in October or November.
- Preparation Tips: Practise analysing historical sources critically and writing structured responses under time constraints.
What is a Good IB Score for UK Universities?
Generally, most UK universities require an IB score in the range of 34 to 36 points for undergraduate programs. More competitive programs and institutions may have higher requirements, such as 38 to 40 points, while others might accept slightly lower scores depending on factors like the applicant pool.
Oxford and Cambridge IB Score Requirements
If you’re considering applying to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, it’s important to know that you can only apply to one of these prestigious institutions in the same UCAS cycle. Deciding between them requires careful thought about what you value most, such as campus life, teaching style, and course offerings.
University of Oxford
Oxford accepts students with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and requires a total score of 38, 39, or 40 points, depending on the course. This includes core points, with 6s and 7s at Higher Level (HL) subjects. Specific course requirements, such as needing HL Mathematics for Engineering, vary, so it’s crucial to check the admissions page for your chosen course for precise details.
University of Cambridge
Cambridge is a collegiate university, meaning admissions decisions are made by individual colleges. The minimum IB offer level is typically 41-42 points out of 45, with a 7-7-6 at Higher Level (HL). However, some colleges, such as Churchill, Corpus Christi, and Selwyn, may require higher scores, including 777 at HL or an overall total beyond the standard minimum.
Additionally, you may need to achieve a 7 in specific HL subjects depending on the course. For example, HL Mathematics is essential for degrees like Engineering or Computer Science.P
Both universities place significant weight on interviews and any required admissions tests, such as the PAT for Physics or BMAT for Medicine. While predicted IB scores and your UCAS application are important for gaining an interview invitation, the actual offer you receive will depend on your performance in the interview and any additional assessments.
Do Your Extracurriculars, CAS and other After-School Activities Matter for UK Universities?
UK universities and US universities differ significantly in how they evaluate applications. While US universities often use a holistic admissions process, which includes considering extracurricular activities, personal interests, leadership roles, and community involvement, UK universities tend to focus more narrowly on academic performance and suitability for the chosen course of study.
In the UK, the emphasis is placed on academic achievement and subject-specific aptitude. Admissions teams primarily assess:
- Your IB scores (predicted and final).
- Subject requirements for your chosen course.
- Personal statement, which explains why you are interested in the course and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the subject.
- References, usually from a teacher or school advisor, highlighting your academic strengths and potential.
Although, your extracurricular activities and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) are not weighted as heavily in UK admissions, they can still play a supportive role:
- Relevance to Your Course: Extracurriculars that align with your field of study can enhance your personal statement. For example, volunteering at a hospital for Medicine, participating in coding competitions for Computer Science, or interning at a law firm for Law.
- Demonstrating Skills: Activities like CAS can highlight your time management, teamwork, and leadership abilities, which are valued qualities in university students.
While UK universities are less holistic than their US counterparts, showcasing your relevant extracurricular achievements, CAS experiences, and genuine passion for your chosen subject can still make your application stand out. Make sure to focus on strong academic results and a well-crafted personal statement that demonstrates how your experiences have prepared you for your course.
Ten top universities in the UK in 2025 that accept IB diplomas and their IB score requirements.
Notes:
- The number of IB students admitted is based on the Number of DP transcripts received from the IB in the last five years. In the UK the transcripts may not always be sent directly to the university, therefore this number does not fully reflect the number of students going to that institution. It should therefore not be used to compare with numbers found in other countries. However, it can still be useful to compare between universities within the same country.
- Specific requirements may vary by program; always consult the university’s official admissions page for updates.
Maximising Your Chances of Acceptance
Your IB Diploma Gives You an Edge
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is often referred to as a “university preparation programme” because it equips students with essential skills for higher education. Through components like the Extended Essay (EE), you’ll learn how to conduct independent research, write structured and cohesive essays, and work with different citation styles.
While many of your university peers may need time to adapt to these demands, your IB experience ensures you’ll feel confident from the start. Additionally, the EE and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components train you to think critically and consider diverse perspectives, which will be invaluable as you navigate the challenges of studying in a global academic community.
Smart University Choices
To maximise your chances of admission, it’s important to be strategic when selecting universities. Aim for a balanced mix of options:
- Match your predictions: Choose courses that align closely with your predicted IB scores.
- Safety options: Include one or two universities with slightly lower requirements as backups.
- Dream choices: Challenge yourself by applying to an aspirational course with slightly higher requirements than your predicted grades.
Legal Considerations for International Students
Most international students must demonstrate financial capability to cover their course fees and living expenses before being granted a UK student visa. Additionally, there are other legal requirements to fulfil. For more detailed guidance, visit the UK government’s Education Hub.
Pro Tips for Success
- Start Early: With so many components to manage, including extended projects, give yourself plenty of time to avoid last-minute stress.
- Consult Your Teachers: Engage with your teachers early on for advice and feedback. Building a strong relationship will also help when it’s time to ask for reference letters.
- Revise Regularly: Break down your revision into small, manageable sessions. Use our IB-specialised tutors to access IB-specific study materials, revise and practice or the final exams.
- Utilise Peer Support: Study groups can be a great way to review past papers, share insights, and keep your motivation high as exams approach.
By combining the unique skills you’ve gained through the IB with thoughtful preparation and planning, you can significantly boost your chances of securing a place at your dream university.
About the Author
Anzhelika is a co-founder and a marketing consultant at U4Success from Vienna, Austria. She leads our website and social media content strategy. To create this article Anzhelika interviewed our Counsellors to combine their expert knowledge in this comprehensive guide.
Bibliography
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- UK Independent Schools Directory. “Why Universities Prefer the IB Diploma Over A-Levels.” https://www.ukindependentschoolsdirectory.co.uk/why-universities-prefer-the-ib-diploma-over-a-levels-ics-london
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- UCAS. “Application Guide for Students.” https://www.ucas.com/file/15811/download?token=5w-j_HYr
- Crimson Education. “Benefits of the IB Diploma.” https://www.crimsoneducation.org/sg/blog/benefits-of-the-ib-diploma/
- Crimson Education. “Unlocking Pathways to Mathematics.” https://www.crimsoneducation.org/sg/blog/unlocking-pathways-to-mathematics/
- Crimson Education. “What Can You Do with a Physics Degree?” https://www.crimsoneducation.org/sg/blog/what-can-you-do-with-a-physics-degree/
- UK Government. “How Do International Students Access UK Universities?” https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/08/04/how-do-international-students-access-uk-universities/