The hardest universities to get into & their admissions criteria in 2026

“Oftentimes, the most prestigious schools are also the hardest to get into. If you’re wondering which exactly are the hardest universities to get into, we got you covered. Here are some of the toughest universities to get into as of 2026, in UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Denmark, Germany, and Finland. Our sources: Government agencies such as the Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) University websites Platforms such as AdmissionReport and EduRank TL;DR? Here’s a summary: The hardest schools to get into are in the US, namely Harvard University and Stanford University. Most university admissions have an academic criteria, but some also look at applications holistically. For certain universities, admissions essays and interviews are also relevant. Hardest universities to get into in the UK: 1. University of Oxford As the best university in the UK, it is no surprise that the University of Oxford has the highest entry standards among all institutions in the country. The university is extremely selective with admissions, with a low acceptance rate of one in six for undergraduates, according to AdmissionReport . One of the university’s most competitive programmes is the BA/MMath Mathematics and Statistics , which only has a 3.5% acceptance rate. On the other hand, the BA Modern Languages programme is one of the least competitive ones, with an acceptance rate of 55% — a coin flip, really. The math programme will require you to have the A-level grades of A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken. You will also need to take the university’s Mathematics Admissions Test — a two hour and 30 minute-long test. In 2024, the test consisted of 27 questions, 25 of which were multiple-choice and two longer questions for which candidates will type responses. Meanwhile, the BA Modern Languages programme calls for the A-level grades of AAA, as well as one or more modern languages, depending on course choice. You need to undergo the Modern Languages Admissions Test , which comprises 10 sections. Each language section consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and 10 English translation questions. Two to three pieces of written work must also be submitted upon application. Learn more about admissions to Oxford here . For those who are using international qualifications, click here . View this post on Instagram A post shared by University of Cambridge (@cambridgeuniversity) 2. University of Cambridge Renowned as one of the world’s oldest universities and leading academic institutions, Cambridge has high standards for its applicants. This is no surprise for a university that has produced 90 Nobel Prize winners. According to AdmissionsReport , the undergraduate acceptance rate is one in five for the 2023-2024 academic year. The university’s most competitive undergraduate programme is the BA Computer Science , with only a 9.3% acceptance rate. The minimum requirement to enrol in the computer science programme are either A-level grades of A*A*A or International Baccalaureate (IB) results of 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level. You will need to have taken Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Cambridge notes that 87% of successful computer science applicants achieved at least A*A*A*, took Mathematics as a subject, and over 97% took Further Mathematics too. Cambridge’s admissions criteria are availabile online for local students as well as those using international qualifications . Barack Obama is one of the many successful people to graduate from Harvard University. Hardest universities to get into in the US: 1. Stanford University Stanford University id dubbed the hardest university in the US to get into for several years now. The prestigious name is the alma mater of more than 20 Nobel Laureates, 17 astronauts, and 30 billionaires. Meanwhile, its acceptance rate for the class of 2027 was a mere 3.9%. Beginning with the 2025–2026 application cycle, Stanford is reinstating its standardised testing requirement. ACT or SAT scores will be required for first-year and transfer students submitting Fall 2026 entry term applications. The university states on its applicant page that “there are no minimum test scores required to be admitted to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission.” It continues by saying that they review applications holistically, meaning every application component is valuable to us as they get to know each student. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harvard University (@harvard) 2. Harvard University No surprises here. Getting into Harvard is hard. For the class of 2028, Harvard received 54,008 applicants and only admitted 1,970 — approximately just 3.65%. 18% of that number are international students. Harvard accepts the SAT or ACT to meet the standardised testing requirement. Other methods to apply include using your AP exam results, IB Actual or Predicted Scores, GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results, or National Leaving Exams Results or Predictions. One important thing to note is that the university doesn’t just look at academics during admission . They also assess each student as a whole, considering their character and academic potential. Admissions officers rely heavily on letters of recommendation, college interviews, and extracurriculars to identify outstanding students. Former Justice of the High Court of Australia, Michael Kirby, earned his law degree from the University of Sydney. Hardest universities to get into in Australia: 1. University of Sydney The University of Sydney was established over 200 years ago and has since produced five Nobel Laureates and eight Australian Prime Ministers. However, getting into the University of Sydney is no walk in the park. Less than one in three applicants get accepted. The university’s best-ranked disciplines are subjects in the arts and humanities , according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Surprisingly, to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts programme here for the 2025 academic year, you’ll only need 26 on your IB Diploma or equivalent. You’ll need to prove your English proficiency, though, which will require a minimum score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. For those who are using international qualifications to apply, click here . View this post on Instagram A post shared by UNSW (@unsw) 2. University of New South Wales The University of New South Wales ranks #19 globally on the QS World University Rankings 2025 , and is the #3 best university in Australia . EduRank reports that the university has a 60% acceptance rate. Here, the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies is believed to be one of the most competitive business programmes in Australia and is the flagship entrance for the highest-achieving business students to enrol in. Admissions-wise, the lowest Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age, was 98.0 in 2024. Alternatively, you’ll want at least a 41 on your IB Diploma results to join the programme in 2024. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives a thumbs up as he arrives for New York University’s commencement ceremony at Yankee Stadium. Hardest universities to get into in Canada: 1. McMaster University McMaster University is one of the most prestigious universities in the country, placing fourth in the nation and ranking #116 in THE World University Rankings 2025. EduRank estimates that the acceptance rate here is 54%, based on admission statistics of closely ranked nearby universities with similar research profiles as the university does not provide the specific data themselves. Common international admissions requirements include: IB: Six subjects – three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level plus the theory of knowledge and extended essay. Minimum score required for consideration varies by programme. A-level: A minimum of five subjects – three distinct GCE Advanced Level(A2)/International A-level subjects and two GCSE/IGCSE/ O-level subjects. The specific Advanced Level (A2)/International A-level subjects required for your chosen programme. 2. University of Ottawa The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in Canada, ranks within the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 , and is also one of the hardest universities to gain entry to. EduRank estimates the acceptance rate here to be 50% based on admission statistics of closely ranked nearby universities with similar research profiles. While not much is known about the admission requisites for Ottawa, commenters on Reddit share that not only is getting admitted difficult, but staying in the university can be a challenge, too. “If your average falls below 65% at uOttawa, they will put you on probation and kick you out if the grades are still low,” one Redditor shares . Meanwhile, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern studied at the University of Waikato. Source: Wiki Commons Hardest universities to get into in New Zealand: 1. University of Auckland While getting into a university in New Zealand is not that difficult, the University of Auckland, the best university in the country, can be a little trickier. Below are a few of the guaranteed entry requirements for 2025 admission to specific undergraduate degree programmes for applicants with overseas secondary qualifications: Bachelor of Arts: 1150 SAT, or 7 AP Bachelor of Commerce: 1160 SAT, or 8 AP Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science: 1300 SAT, or 12 AP Bachelor of Engineering: 1300 SAT including Mathematics (requires Calculus) and Physics, or 12 AP 12 including Mathematics (requires calculus) and Physics. View this post on Instagram A post shared by University of Canterbury (@ucnz) 2. University of Canterbury EduRank estimates the acceptance rate of University of Canterbury to be at 72%. Entry requirements for those using the Cambridge International Examinations are: A or AS level entrance requirement: A rank score of at least 120 points and a minimum grade of D in each of at least three subjects equivalent to those on the approved list (similar to NCEA approved subjects). Literacy requirement: a pass in any of AS English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature or English General Paper. Numeracy requirement: either (i) a D grade or better in IGCSE or GCSE mathematics or (ii) any mathematics pass at AS level. For those using their IB Diplomas , any mathematics subject at IB meets the numeracy requirement, and t he literacy requirement for admission will be met if the IB diploma has been completed with English as the language in any of: Language A: literature (SL or HL) Language A: language and literature (SL or HL), or Language B: (HL) For those who are using other international qualifications to apply, click here . Anwar Ibrahim, the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, studied at the University of Malaya (UM), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Malay Studies (1967-1971). Source: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia Official Website Hardest universities to get into in Malaysia: 1. University of Malaya University of Malaya (or Universiti Malaya in the Malay language), established in 1905 as the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. As of 2026, University of Malaya got its highest ranking yet in QS World University Ranking, deemed the 58th best school out of 8,467 evaluated institutions. Different faculties have different requirements at Universiti Malaya, but the overall acceptance rate reported by EduRank is 34%. Their Faculty of Medicine are among the most challenging ones to apply to. If you’re applying with A Levels, you will be required to have: A minimum of A in Biology and Chemistry, as well as either Math or Physics GCSE O-Level or an equivalent high school/secondary school qualifications with the relevant system/board of respective countries with a minimum A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths or Additional Mathematics One of the following English Requirement scores: MUET: 4.0 IELTS score: 6.0 TOEFL iBT: 60 TOEFL Essentials: 8.5 Pearson Test of English (PTE): 59 Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests (B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency): 169 You’ll also need to pass the interview set by the university and have attained a high scores in the Medical Students Admission Test-Malaysia (MSAT-Malaysia), BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or any other equivalent qualifications approved by the Senate in current or previous year. 2. University of Putra Malaysia Touted as the third-best university in Malaysia, University of Putra Malaysia (UPM), or Universiti Putra Malaysia, is regarded as one of the hardest institutions in Malaysia to get into, with an estimated 40% acceptance rate . The university was originally founded as the School of Agriculture in 1931, offering just a three-year diploma programme or a one-year certificate course in Agriculture. It has since grown to offer a much wider range of programmes. It’s unclear what the admissions considerations are for the university. That said, Redditors have shared that popular courses at the UM and UKM are “near impossible to even get into for 4.0 STPM students,” referring to a Malaysian pre-university programme akin to A Levels. Hardest universities to get into in Singapore: 1. National University of Singapore (NUS) The National University of Singapore is one of Asia’s most selective universities, with an acceptance rate of around 5% to 10%. To be accepted, you will need strong academic results in A-levels, the IB, or other equivalent high school qualifications, along with strong SAT scores of around 1250-1520 . You will also need to provide proof of English proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for undergraduate programmes and 6.0 to 7.0 for postgraduate programmes. 2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) At Nanyang Technological University, the acceptance rate is roughly 30-40%, with stiffer competition in programmes like engineering and computing. International students will need to have high A-level or IB scores and English proficiency scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL, to be considered. As many apply each year, only those with strong academic performance and well-rounded profiles are usually accepted. Hardest universities to get into in China: 1. Tsinghua University Tsinghua University is considered one of the hardest universities to get into in the world. The acceptance rate is around 15% and about 5% for undergraduate students. In 2023, only 380 students were admitted out of about 2,836 applicants . For domestic Chinese students, admission is even harder due to the Gaokao system, which admits only a tiny fraction of top scorers. As an international student, you will need to present: GPA score above 3.5 Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT/IB/AP) English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for English programmes HSK level 5+ for Chinese-taught programmes 2. Peking University Peking University is known for its competitive admissions, with the admission rate as low as 1% for domestic students and around 15% for international students. With such high acceptance rates, you will need to stand out with strong results in standardised tests such as SAT, A-levels or IB, along with personal statements or recommendation letters. Many programmes are also taught in Mandarin, so you will need to show proficiency in the language: HSK Level 6 with a total score of 210 or higher. Hardest universities to get into in Hong Kong: 1. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) The University of Hong Kong is known as one of the most competitive universities in Hong Kong and among the top institutions in Asia. Here, the acceptance rate for international students is only around 8-12%, and sometimes lower. To increase your chances, you will need high results, such as IB scores of 40+ or A-level grades of A*A*A or higher. 2. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) The Chinese University of Hong Kong is another difficult university in Hong Kong to get into. The acceptance rate here is as low as 10%, depending on the programme you choose. Courses in business, medicine, and engineering tend to be more competitive than others. Aside from high academic results, many programmes also require English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Hardest universities to get into in Denmark: 1. University of Copenhagen In Denmark, the University of Copenhagen holds the title of the highest-ranked and one of the hardest universities to get into for international students. While acceptance rates are at 37%, only 10% of their student population are international students. International students will need to hold an upper-secondary school diploma equivalent to a Danish exam, with a minimum GPA of 6.0. An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or a TOEFL score of 83 or higher, is also required. 2. Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Technical University of Denmark is one of Europe’s top engineering universities, which means thousands of international students apply every year despite the limited number of seats. To be considered, international students need: A relevant bachelor’s degree (for MSc) or equivalent upper-secondary education (for BSc) High English proficiency of IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 88 (test results must be less than two years old) Hardest universities to get into in Germany: 1. Technical University of Munich (TUM) Technical University of Munich is one of Europe’s most well-known STEM universities. Some of their top programmes, such as computer science, engineering, and robotics, have acceptance rates of 8% to 20%. Depending on the course, you will need to show English or German proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF 2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is one of Germany’s most prestigious universities and hardest universities to get into. Some programmes use the “numerus clausus” system, which limits the number of seats and makes acceptance competitive. In high-demand courses like medicine, psychology, and business, acceptance rates fall to around 20%. To qualify, you must have excellent academic grades and recognised secondary school qualifications. Many programmes also require proficiency in German. Hardest universities to get into in Finland: 1. University of Helsinki University of Helsinki is Finland’s top university and a popular choice for many. However, getting in isn’t always easy. In fact, some programmes have acceptance rates between 10% and 20%. You will need excellent academic transcripts and recognised secondary school qualifications to secure a spot at the university. Many English-taught programmes also require IELTS scores of around 6.5 or higher. 2. Aalto University Aalto University is known for its technology, business, and design programmes. However, it is also one of the hardest universities to get into, with an acceptance rate of 10-15%. To get in, you need: Proof of academic records High scores in the SAT or GMAT Proof of English proficiency At a glance: What are some of the hardest universities to get into? University Country Acceptance Rate Key Admissions Criteria Harvard University USA 3.65% SAT/ACT or AP/IB/A-Level results; letters of recommendation; extracurriculars; college interview; personal essays; holistic character assessment Stanford University USA 3.9% SAT/ACT (required from Fall 2026); essays & personal statements; extracurricular achievements; letters of recommendation; holistic review University of Oxford UK 16% A-levels (e.g. A*A*A for Maths); subject-specific admissions tests; written work samples (some courses); admissions interview National University of Singapore (NUS) Singapore 5–10% Strong A-level / IB / SAT results (SAT 1250–1520); IELTS 6.5+; academic transcripts; well-rounded profile University of Hong Kong (HKU) Hong Kong 8–12% IB 40+ or A*A*A at A-level; strong academic record; English proficiency; extracurricular profile Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Hong Kong ~10% High academic results; IELTS / TOEFL proficiency; programme-specific requirements; most competitive in business, medicine, and engineering Tsinghua University China ~15% GPA above 3.5; SAT / ACT / IB / AP scores; TOEFL/IELTS (English-taught); HSK Level 5+ (Chinese-taught programmes) Peking University China ~15% SAT / A-levels / IB; personal statement; recommendation letters; HSK Level 6 (score 210+) for Mandarin-taught programmes Aalto University Finland 10–15% Academic transcripts; high SAT or GMAT scores; English proficiency proof; focus on technology, business, and design Technical University of Munich (TUM) Germany 8–20% Strong academic grades; English or German proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL / TestDaF); recognised secondary school qualifications University of Helsinki Finland 10–20% Excellent academic transcripts; recognised secondary qualifications; IELTS 6.5+ for English-taught programmes; entrance exams for some courses Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Germany ~20% Numerus clausus (limited seats) system; excellent academic grades; German proficiency required for many programmes; most competitive in medicine, psychology, and business University of Cambridge UK 21% A*A*A A-levels or IB 41–42 points; subject entrance exams; personal statement; admissions interview; supercurricular depth University of Malaya (UM) Malaysia 34% A-levels: minimum A in Biology & Chemistry; IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60 / MUET 4.0; MSAT / BMAT / MCAT or equivalent; interview required for Medicine Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore 30–40% High A-level or IB scores; IELTS / TOEFL required; well-rounded profile; stiffer competition in engineering and computing University of Sydney Australia ~30% IB Diploma 26+ (e.g. for Arts); IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 per band; recognised overseas qualifications University of Copenhagen Denmark 37% Upper-secondary diploma equivalent to Danish exam; minimum GPA 6.0; IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 83+; only 10% of students are international Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Malaysia 40% Strong academic record; popular courses are highly competitive; requirements equivalent to A-level standards University of Ottawa Canada 50% Competitive academic results; bilingual institution (French/English); students must maintain GPA ≥65% to remain enrolled McMaster University Canada 54% IB: 3 HL + 3 SL subjects plus TOK/EE; A-level: 3 A2 + 2 GCSE/IGCSE subjects; programme-specific subject requirements University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia 60% ATAR 98.0+ for top programmes; IB Diploma 41+ for top programmes; English proficiency; academic ranking within cohort University of Canterbury New Zealand 72% CIE rank score ≥120 with grade D+ in 3 subjects; literacy requirement (AS/GCSE English); numeracy requirement (IGCSE/GCSE maths or AS maths) University of Auckland New Zealand 73% SAT 1150–1300+ or 7–12 AP credits depending on programme; overseas secondary qualifications; programme-specific entry requirements Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Denmark N/A Relevant bachelor’s degree (for MSc); IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88 (results must be under 2 years old); limited seats in STEM programmes However, being an exceptional student doesn’t guarantee you admission into a prestigious university. This was the case for Malaysian student Edward Wong , who got top scores in STPM (the Malaysian version of A Levels), but was rejected by the top four schools he applied to as there were others who also scored well. There’s also the story of Hamza Alsamraee, who had a 4.2 GPA, SAT score of 1560 out of 1600, and is an author of two successful books among other accolades. Despite his impressive accomplishments, Alsamraee was put on the waitlist and even rejected by some top universities, including Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Princeton. It begs the question, what do university admission officers look for? Are grades and extracurriculars all that matter? Getting accepted into a university depends on a number of factors. Universities will consider your academic grades, extracurricular activities, and English proficiency scores. But admissions officers may also look at your essays, your performance at interviews, and other factors that may be out of your control. How much weight do college essays carry? This may be shocking for many, but your college essay can account for up to 25% of your overall application. This is not far behind your extracurriculars which account for 30% and is higher than the 20% that grades carry. Universities use your college essay to get to know you and assess what you could bring to the school. So remember to take this opportunity to stand out by sharing your experiences and perspectives. How much weight do admission interviews carry? While admission interviews do not carry as much weight as your grades and extracurricular activities, it is still a consideration of some of the hardest universities to get into. This was the case for Dr. Harun Khan when he applied to study at Imperial College London and Harvard University. Excelling in these areas gave him two prestigious scholarships to pursue his studies. Dr. Khan is one of only three to hold a Fulbright Award and a Kennedy Scholarship. Aside from submitting his transcripts, test scores, essays and references, he had to undergo an interview when shortlisted. “The interviews took place in central London and were the most challenging aspect of the process. For example, the interview for the Kennedy Scholarship was led by the UK Chief Scientific Advisor for 2017, along with nine of his colleagues, all appointed by the UK government. This also included a representative from MIT and Harvard University. The interviews for both awards were broad and ranged from questions about my research to international affairs.” But no matter how difficult, don’t let these factors stop you from applying. Harvard and Standford graduate Andrew Loh says, “I challenge you to ask yourself: in 30 years, which would you regret more – (1) applying and perhaps not getting in, or (2) not applying? In (1), you’ve done everything in your power, whatever the outcome. In (2), you might wonder if these universities might have accepted you for the rest of your life.” Disclaimer: This article was last updated on May 13, 2026.

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