City, University of London is a public research university located in the heart of London, with a strong brand for robust professional and industry-specific programs. It has an enrollment of approximately 19,000 students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Admissions are relatively competitive, with an average acceptance rate of about 12%. Business, Law, Economics, Engineering, and Social Sciences are its most sought-after majors. City has a six-year graduation rate of approximately 85%, and its graduates have a median salary of around INR 70,00,000 (converting from £67,000 median earnings ten years after graduation).
University College London (UCL) is a globally leading public research university in central London and one of the original members of the Russell Group. It is much bigger, with around 44,000 students from over 150 nations. Admissions are very competitive, with the acceptance rate being in the region of 25%. The popular courses are Medicine, Engineering, Economics, Law, Computer Science, and Social Sciences. UCL boasts a six-year graduation rate of approximately 92%, and its graduates receive a median salary of around INR 1,05,00,000 (converted from £100,500 median earnings ten years after entry).
| City, University of London | University College London | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 7.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 310 QS World University 2026 # 351 Times Higher Education 2025 # 352 QS World University 2025 | # 9 QS World University 2026 # 10 The Guardian 2026 # 22 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 | # 33 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 21 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 8 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -42 PG Programs -94 Doctorate Programs -4 | UG Programs -71 PG Programs -194 Doctorate Programs -9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12.0 % | 25.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-5.5 PTE-54 TOEFL-72 | GMAT-600 GRE-318 IELTS-6.5 PTE-75 TOEFL-110 |
| 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 33977 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32100 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20058 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 rank: #22, |
| application requirements | Applicants must have a minimum of 70-80% on average Submit official transcripts Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements | applications must be made through UCAS. Personal statement and LORs are an important part of both UG and PG applications. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 5.8/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 12 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 120 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 7 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 22 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 90 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | GMAT - 600/800GRE - 314/340IELTS - 7/9PTE - 69/90TOEFL - 100/160 | GMAT - 600/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 75/90TOEFL - 92/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -63900 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -62558 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 11, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) Feb 22, 2026 (Round 4 Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) Mar 29, 2026 (Round 5 Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) May 10, 2026 (Round 6 Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) | Feb 23, 2026 (Application Deadline For Round 1 Intake) May 25, 2026 (Application Deadline For Round 2 Intake) Aug 24, 2026 (Application Deadline For Round 3 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | City, University of London | University College London |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1836 | 1826 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 10:1 |
| Male:Female | 44% Male, 56% Female | 57% Male, 43% Female |
| Location Facts | City has sites throughout London, with the main campus located at Northampton Square in the Finsbury area of Islington. | UCL’s main campus is located in Bloomsbury around Queen Square, the university is considered to be placed perfectly to foster enterprise and business partnerships. It is surrounded by great museums, archives, libraries, and professional bodies. |
| 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. | 17 libraries and learning spaces. The main library observed a recent addition of 1.5 million books and 30 databases even during COVID-times. Except for the main library, UCL libraries are mostly dedicated to one specific subject area. |
| 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. | Various shops on-campus offer computer supplies, clothing, art material, stationery, and other essentials. It has a theatre (Bloomsbury), over 300 student union-run clubs and societies, dance and music clubs, opera house, and three museums. There are various fitness activities and sports teams. |
| Hostel | #Housing (in halls) - $16800 #Housing (private) - $19200 | #Rent - $17524 |
| 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) | Alexander Graham Bell, Christopher Nolan (filmmaker), Chris Martin (singer), Francis Crick (British Biologist), Ricky Gervais (Comedian), Derek Jarman (film director), John Stuart Mill (British Philosopher), Robert Browning (poet), Antony Gormley (sculptor), Mahatma Gandhi |
| 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. | 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 id around 4.4%. It is one of the highest paying cities in UK |
| Weather |
City, University of London vs University College London (UCL)
Subject Global Rank & Strength (2025/2026)
City, University of London is ranked approximately 621th (US 2026), with its most notable schools being its Bayes Business School (finance, management, actuarial science) and also law, journalism, and health sciences.
University College London (UCL) is a top-7 global university (US 2026). It is globally famous in almost every field such as arts & humanities, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, law, medicine, and data science. UCL is always among the world's best institutions, while City remains strong in professional, vocational fields.
General Information
City, University of London has approximately 20,000 students, with around a third from overseas. Based in Islington, central London, it joined the University of London federation in 2016. Its courses focus on professional education and industry connections, particularly with London's financial center.
UCL is a major university in the UK, with over 43,000 students from over 150 countries. It was established in 1826 as the first university in England to accept students based on merit rather than religion or gender. World-class research institutes, museums, and libraries are located at UCL's Bloomsbury campus and satellite campuses.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
City is fairly selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 12%, particularly competitive for Bayes Business School and law.
UCL is competitive, with acceptance rates of about 25%, depending on the course. Higher entry requirements are in place, especially for STEM, law, medicine, and economics.
Research Impact & Facilities
City possesses a professional and applied research profile with concentrations in business, law, engineering, and health, and high levels of industry engagement.
UCL is a world-leading centre of research, generating outstanding output in medicine, science, technology, social sciences, and the arts. It is home to leading-edge institutes such as the UCL Institute of Education, UCL Medical School, and UCL Bartlett School of Architecture, and boasts one of the largest libraries in the UK.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
City graduates perform well in finance, consulting, law, journalism, and health, with Bayes Business School graduates employed worldwide in banking, actuarial science, and management consulting.
UCL graduates are competitive on a global scale, being employed in medicine, law, business, technology, academia, and government. Its alumni network is vast and comprises Nobel laureates, politicians, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, which enhances its global status much more.
