City, University of London is a public research institution in the heart of London that is recognized for its close ties with industry and professional orientation. It enrolls approximately 19,000 students. Admissions are relatively competitive, as an acceptance rate of approximately 12% is reported. Business, Law, Economics, Engineering, and Social Sciences are among the most popular majors. City boasts a six-year graduation rate of around 85%, while their graduates can expect a median salary of around INR 70,00,000 (equivalent to £67,000 median income a decade after graduating).
Queen Mary University of London, or QMUL, is a high-ranking public research university and Russell Group member in East London with campuses at Mile End and Whitechapel. It has around 27,000 enrolled students, diverse in their international community. Admission is comparatively competitive, with an approximately 43% acceptance rate. Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering, and Humanities are popular courses. QMUL's six-year graduation percentage is roughly 88%, and graduates receive a median income of around INR 75,00,000 based on £72,000 median earnings after ten years of graduation.
| City, University of London | Queen Mary, University of London | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 310 QS World University 2026 # 351 Times Higher Education 2025 # 352 QS World University 2025 | # 72 The Guardian 2026 # 110 QS World University 2026 # 134 Times Higher Education 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 101 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 126 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 |
| Programs | UG Programs -42 PG Programs -94 Doctorate Programs -4 | UG Programs -154 PG Programs -159 Doctorate Programs -13 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12.0 % | 44.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-5.5 PTE-54 TOEFL-72 | IELTS-6.5 PTE-71 TOEFL-92 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 22423.3 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 22480.8 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 40200 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 41790 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 53350 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 19714 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Executive MBA: $120,000 PhD: $116,000 Executive Masters: $96,000 MBA: $88,000 Doctorate: $84,000 Masters in Finance: $77,000 | Graduate Employability Ranking 2020: 201-250; Highest paying degrees with average annual salary are: LLM – 89,000 USD, Executive Masters – 80,000 USD, MA – 73,000 USD |
| application requirements | Applicants must have a minimum of 70-80% on average Submit official transcripts Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements | 75% – 85% in Class 12th for UG admission; CV, Personal Statement, At least 2 references |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 5.8/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.2/10 Read 25 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 301 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 | # 18 for Computer Science by The Guardian 2026 # 84 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 # 126 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 92/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -20521 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -51550 |
| application dates | - | Sep 7, 2026 (Document Submission Deadline for September 2026 Intake) Sep 14, 2026 (CAS Deadline For September 2026 Intake) Sep 21, 2026 (Teaching begins for September 2026 Intake) Sep 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | City, University of London | Queen Mary, University of London |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1836 | 1785 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 14:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 44% Male, 56% Female | 46% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | City has sites throughout London, with the main campus located at Northampton Square in the Finsbury area of Islington. | Five campuses located across various parts of London: Mile End, Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square, West Smithfield, Lincoln’s Inn Fields; Mile End campus is only a minute away from Central London; Lincoln’s Inn Field campus is for postgraduate law programs |
| Library | City is home to three specialist libraries and library services. The libraries provide a dedicated, professional and responsive library service across the three campuses of City, University of London. The printed collections consist of around 250,000 books with over 25,000 online journal titles and over 1600 study places available in our libraries. | Main library at Mile End campus; two medical libraries at Whitechapel and West Smithfield campus; Mile End library recently included a new active learning and study center, 57 seat training room, 35 seat PC room, and a 69 seat postgraduate taught reading room |
| Campus Life | The City Students' Union is run primarily by students through three elected sabbatical officers, an executive committee and a union council, with oversight by a trustee board. The Students' Union provides support, representation, facilities, services, entertainment and activities for its members. It is run for students, by students. City we have countless clubs and societies where you can develop skills and meet people from around the world. You might take a new fitness class or try a new sport at our sports and fitness centre. Or you could sign up for social initiatives such as the City Buddies scheme. Students can also expand their network through faith. The university has active societies for many faiths and the chaplaincy team offers a multi-faith room where you can practises and pray. | 300 diverse societies; 60 sports clubs; live music sessions, cultural celebrations, craft workshops, movie nights, etc; Mile End campus has two shops, four cafes, two restaurants, a bar, a gym, a bookshop and a bank |
| Hostel | #Housing (in halls) - $16800 #Housing (private) - $19200 | #Twin Room (per person) - $5298 #Single Standard - $6571 #Single En-suite Economy - $7842 |
| Famous Alumni | Muhammad Ali Jinnah – founder of Pakistan, first Governor-General of Pakistan graduated from the Inns of Court school of Law (now part of The City Law School) | Nobel laureates: Sir Ronald Ross (physiology or medicine), Sir Joseph Rotblat (peace), Sir Charles K. Rao (physics), Mario Vargas Llosa (literature); Jane Hill (BBC News presenter); Peter Hain (former Leader of the House of Commons); |
| City Life | More than 950 million people call London home. Around 37% of people currently living in the capital were born outside the UK, making it home to a staggering number of diverse nationalities and ethnicities, with some estimates putting the number of different languages spoken at more than 300 – more than any other metropolis. This makes London one of the world’s cultural capitals. It is showcased through iconic architecture, museums and galleries that are largely free to attend. Some of the most visited London attractions include the Tate Modern in Southwark, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the National Gallery in Westminster and Southbank Centre. With over half of the UK's FTSE companies and over 100 of Europe's largest businesses having their headquarters in central London, the capital is a massive talent hub. It is also one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the country, with over 200,000 new businesses launched in London in 2021. | London ranks 1st in QS News Best Student Cities for 2019; With some amazing bars, buzzing night clubs, and restaurants at its doorstep, London is among the top cities to live in UK. Even though the city is comparatively expensive locations, you can find student discounts while shopping, eating, as well as traveling in London. It is a global capital of culture with hundreds of museums, festivals, live performances, etc and thousands of open spaces, and green parks. The unemployment rate was around 4.4% in 2019. It is one of the highest paying cities in UK |
| Weather |
City, University of London vs Queen Mary University of London
Topic Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
City, University of London is world-ranked approximately 351 (QS 2026), with its Bayes Business School specifically well known for finance, management, and actuarial science, whereas the university itself is also strong in law, journalism, and health sciences.
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), which is a Russell Group university, is significantly higher up the rankings, at around 110 (QS 2026). It is highly ranked for medicine, dentistry, law, engineering, and social sciences, with more of an international profile for research across the board.
General Information
City, University of London has around 20,000 students, of whom around one-third are international. It is located in Islington, in the heart of London, and joined the University of London federation in 2016. City is professionally oriented, combining study with industry and the financial heart of London.
QMUL is a more research-focused university, with around 33,000 students. It has several campuses in East London and maintains a mixed student population with a renowned reputation in research and teaching, particularly in medicine and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
City has a moderately selective admissions policy, with an acceptance rate of around 12%, being most competitive for the courses at Bayes Business School and law.
QMUL is just a little more selective, with 43% acceptance rates, especially competitive for medicine, dentistry, and law. Its Russell Group status implies higher average entry requirements for a number of subjects.
Research Impact & Facilities
City has an increasing research reputation, with concentrations in business, finance, law, engineering, and health sciences, and prominent London-based professional contacts.
QMUL has far greater research output, as a Russell Group member, with top-class medical and dental facilities (Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry), plus humanities, social sciences, and STEM strengths.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both the universities offer standard UK fees of around £9,250 per year for home students. International students pay between £16,000–£25,000 per annum, and business and medical courses are at the higher rate. Both institutions have scholarships and bursaries; QMUL has more research-related awards, while City focuses on career-based scholarships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
City graduates are particularly strong in finance, law, journalism, health, and business, with Bayes Business School graduates highly sought after worldwide in banking, consulting, and actuarial careers.
QMUL students perform particularly well in medicine, law, engineering, and academia, boosted by its excellent research profile and Russell Group connections. Its graduates tend to go on to careers in healthcare, law, policy, and international research.
