The University of Bristol in Bristol, England, is a Russell Group university with a reputation for excellence and an enrolment of approximately 27,000 students. It is internationally renowned for research and has a sound academic reputation. The competition for admissions is high, with an approximate acceptance rate of 12%. The most sought-after courses are Law, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Social Sciences. The graduation rate is a high 85%, and graduates from Bristol command average starting salaries of GBP £28,000–32,000 (INR 29–33 lakhs) per annum.
The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) in Bristol, England, is a public university with a student enrollment of around 36,000. It specializes in career-focused education, applied research, and extensive industry engagement. Admissions are relatively less competitive, with an acceptance rate of almost 53%. The most sought-after fields of study are Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Art & Design, and Media. The graduation rate of UWE is approximately 78%, and graduates generally receive average starting salaries of GBP £25,000–28,000 (INR 26–29 lakhs) per annum.
| University of Bristol | University of The West of England | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6.1 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 15 The Guardian 2026 # 51 QS World University 2026 # 80 Times Higher Education 2026 | # 38 The Guardian 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 721 QS World University 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 100 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 59 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 501 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 81 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -168 PG Programs -114 Doctorate Programs -49 | UG Programs -121 PG Programs -67 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67.0 % | 53.0 % |
| Exam Score | GRE-316 IELTS-6.5 PTE-67 SAT-650 TOEFL-103 | GMAT-590 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-90 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 27200 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 20100 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 9720 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 19522 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 19522 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 9048 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 95/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33000 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19180 |
| application dates | Aug 27, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) | Aug 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) Jun 30, 2025 (Application Deadline For Sustainability Scholarship) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Bristol | University of The West of England |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1595 | 1992 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | :1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 47% Male, 53% Female | 47% Male, 53% Female |
| Hostel | #Rent and Bills - $9720 | #Living Expenses - $9048 |
University of Bristol vs University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
Topic Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Bristol is regularly among the top 51 in the world (QS 2026 ), with excellent reputations in Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Economics, and Social Sciences. The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is ranked 721-730 in QS 2026 and 601-800in THE, with subject strengths in Business, Engineering, Creative Industries, Health, and Applied Social Sciences. UWE is renowned for its practice-based learning and industry connections.
General Information
The University of Bristol, founded in 1876, is a public research university based in Bristol, UK, with ~30,000 students. UWE Bristol, a university since 1992 (dating back to the 16th century as a technical school), is also based in Bristol and has ~32,000 students across its various campuses, with a modern, career-orientated education
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The University of Bristol is very competitive (12%), particularly competitive in STEM, Law, and Medicine. UWE Bristol is more open to entry (53%), focusing on career skills and widening participation, and hence a favorite with UK and international students alike looking for applied education.
Research Impact & Facilities
Bristol is a global research university, with high-impact research in sciences, medicine, technology, and humanities. It collaborates with world-leading institutions and industries. UWE is similarly research-active, with a focus on applied areas such as Engineering, Robotics, Health Sciences, and Business, with close industry engagements in the Bristol tech and creative industries.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both charge typical UK fees (~£9,250 annually for home undergraduates; ~£20,000–£25,000 for the majority of international students). Bristol, as more research-focused, has competitive scholarships and research grants. UWE has international student scholarships and emphasizes affordability and job readiness.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Bristol alumni are very popular globally, with good performance in academics, finance, engineering, medicine, and law. Its graduates include Nobel winners and international leaders. UWE graduates are noted for their employability and vocational skills, performing well in business, healthcare, design, media, and technology, especially in the UK labor market.
