Complete University Guide 2026: The best universities in London, according to the league tables

Thinking about university life in London? You're in for an unforgettable experience. London isn’t just the UK’s capital - it’s a global hub of culture, creativity, and opportunity.

From world-famous institutions to hidden academic gems, the city is packed with universities offering top-notch education across every subject imaginable.

But it’s not all lectures and libraries. Studying in London means discovering quirky cafes between classes, world-class museums on your doorstep, and a buzzing nightlife when it’s time to unwind.

Whether you’re dreaming of studying fashion, finance, or filmmaking, there’s a place for you here. Ready to mix academic excellence with endless adventure? Let’s explore the best universities London has to offer, according to the 2026 Complete University Guide.

LSE takes the top spot

The London School of Economics and Political Science took the top spot for universities in London. It was ranked third in the UK - the same as last year.

Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: “Congratulations to the London School of Economics and Political Science for securing the top spot in this year’s London Complete University Guide rankings and to all Universities in the region for supporting their students to achieve their ambitions. Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect the factors students care most about, including teaching quality, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes.

“Our regional tables show the strength and quality of Higher Education throughout the UK. Whether making early choices or preparing for Clearing, our university and subject league tables, along with regional insights, are here to help students navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.”

Top universities in London and their overall rankings

Within London, there are pockets of subject-level excellence. While some universities don’t rank especially highly overall in the tables, they are among the best in the UK for particular subjects. This reinforces the importance of looking beyond the overall ranking.

Kingston University London ranks eighth for Art and Design; while City, St George's, University of London, is 9th for Communication and Media Studies, and Goldsmiths University ranks 10th in the UK for Art and Design.

This year’s Complete University Guide reveals that London universities are accepting lower entry grades compared to last year, suggesting a more competitive recruitment environment. However, the data also shows a decline in both graduate prospects and continuation rates, with the latter falling to 89%, compared with 92% two years ago. These shifts point to mounting pressures on both students and institutions in the capital.

Uni of Cambridge best of the best

Overall, the University of Cambridge has come top of the class for this year’s annual Complete University Guide rankings, but the race at the top in many subjects is tightening. The University of Oxford is gaining ground and institutions traditionally lower down the table are shaking up Oxbridge’s dominance.

This year Oxford is top in 11 subjects, compared to 8 last year, and Loughborough University, the London School of Economics and Political Science and Imperial College London all lead in three subjects - with Imperial having increased from two last year. With Cambridge now leading in 26 subject areas - down from 34 last year - the data suggests a shifting landscape where new centres of excellence are challenging the long-standing hierarchy.

Some newer universities are challenging older universities for a spot in the top 70. Major advancers this year include Arts University Bournemouth which has shot up 32 places from last year to 61st, and Norwich University of the Arts which has risen 25 places from last year to 57th. Heriot-Watt University is this year ranked higher than several Russell Group universities after climbing 17 places to 25th.

At Imperial College London, 96% of graduates have successfully transitioned into graduate-level or professional roles or are pursuing further study. At the University of St Andrews, it is 87%, while at Queen’s University Belfast, the figure is 86%. At both Cardiff University and City St George’s, University of London, it is 84%.

The latest Complete Universities Guide rankings reveal a dip in student continuation rates across the UK. On average, 90% of students remained in their courses a year after enrolling, down from 92% the previous year - a decline that may reflect broader challenges facing students in higher education.

Complete University Guide 2026

Simon Emmett, Chief Executive Officer of IDP Education, said: "The rankings demonstrate the breadth of excellence in UK HE. We’re proud to provide main tables, subject tables, and unique data sets to enable students to make the right choice for them.

"And for the sector, I hope they will be used to track and drive best practice. Factors such as course continuation rates and outcomes are important to students, the sustainability of the sector, and the economy as a whole.”

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