Loughborough University is a globally well-known public university in Loughborough, United Kingdom. It is a large university with nearly 16,000 undergraduate students. It is moderately competitive in admissions, with a typical acceptance ratio of nearly 68%. Some of the popular majors include Engineering, Business, Sports Science, Computer Science, and Design. Its six-year graduation ratio is near 85%, and Loughborough graduates have a median starting salary of near INR 7,20,000 (approximately £7,500 median salary reached a decade after graduation).
University of Nottingham is a well-ranked public university located in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is a very large university with almost 22,000 undergraduate students. It's a very selective university too, with a total acceptance of almost 11%. Some of the most popular majors are in Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, and Social Sciences. Its six-year graduation rate is almost 83%, and the graduates of Nottingham have a median starting salary of almost INR 7,80,000 (Almost £8,100 median income a decade after graduation).
| Loughborough University | University of Nottingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.6 Out of 10 | 6 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 11 The Guardian 2026 # 225 QS World University 2026 # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 | # 50 The Guardian 2026 # 97 QS World University 2026 # 145 Times Higher Education 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 123 for Engineering by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 71 for Engineering by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 61 for Medicine by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 24 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -69 PG Programs -41 Doctorate Programs -16 | UG Programs -95 PG Programs -125 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 68.0 % | 11.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-120 GMAT-550 IELTS-6.5 PTE-67 SAT-1180 TOEFL-92 | GMAT-640 IELTS-6 PTE-55 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 30492 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 29502 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 10080 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 32400 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14297 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Finance: $73,000 Bachelor (Other): $72,000 Doctorate: $56,000 Executive Masters: $55,000 Master (Other): $54,000 Masters in Management: $53,000 | Graduate Employability Rankings: #66 University of Nottingham is one of the top public universities in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is ranked #114 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Top recruiters: National Health Service (NHS), Pentland, Vision Express Ltd., University of Nottingham, University of Central Lancashire etc Base Salaries by Degree:
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| application requirements | Applicants must have minimum of 70-80% of marks on average Submit official transcripts Check program specific requirements | Transcripts, Personal Statement, School Reference, Proof of English language proficiency, Country-specific requirements, 2 References, Resume, Work Experience (if required) |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.2/10 Read 12 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 26 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 23 for Computer Science by The Guardian 2026 # 139 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 201 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 68 for Computer Science by The Guardian 2026 # 122 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 191 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 62/90TOEFL - 92/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -28600 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 31, 2025 (Application Deadline For October 2025 Intake) | Jan 14, 2026 (Equal consideration Deadline for 2026 Intake) Oct 15, 2026 (UCAS Application Deadline for Medical Courses) Sep 2, 2026 (UCAS Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Loughborough University | University of Nottingham |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1909 | 1881 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 15:1 |
| Male:Female | 61% Male, 39% Female | 46% Male, 54% Female |
| Location Facts | The university's main campus is in the town of Loughborough. | Campuses in UK, China & Malaysia; UK campuses located mainly in Nottingham include University Park (Main Campus), Jubilee Campus, Sutton Bonington Campus, King’s Meadow Campus, Queen’s Medical Center (also include 2 University Hospital sites); University Park- one of the largest & most attractive in UK; spread across 300 acres; 2 miles from city center in extensive greenery and around a lake. |
| Library | The Pilkington Library opened in 1980. It covers 9,161 square metres over four floors with 1375 study places – up from 780 prior to the renovation in late 2013. The library has a history of undertaking research in the field of library and information work. There is an open access area, where students are allowed to take in cold food and drinks as well as to engage in group discussions. | 10 libraries across its UK and international campuses; over 1 million books and journals; over 3 million manuscripts; one of the most heavily-used electronic collections (ebooks, e-journals, databases) in UK. |
| Campus Life | Despite its incredible size, everything you need for a convenient student life is within close walking distance. To get to academic buildings, sports pitches, the Students’ Union and the halls of residence, you will be strolling through the university’s wonderfully maintained open spaces and gardens. In 2018/19, the university campus was awarded Green Flag status which recognises the nation’s best green spaces. When it comes to the university's abundant facilities, you’ll be spoilt for choice. On campus, the university has bars, restaurants, cafés, dining halls, hotels, two gyms, a medical Centre and pharmacy, an opticians, a dental practice, a hairdressers, launderettes, a taxi rank and a large nightclub. There is never a shortage of activities to get involved in during your free time on campus. Loughborough has a huge range of clubs, societies and events – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends. | Period buildings; 12 halls of residence (accommodating over 3,000 students); East Midlands Conference Centre (a conference & exhibition center for upto 1,000 people); sports facilities- 70 sports clubs, Sports Centre, Fitness Centre, swimming pool; Lakeside Arts Centre (University’s public art program engaging over 200,000 people); Portland Building (housing Students' Union, Student Support Centre, banks, bars & restaurants). |
| Hostel | #Rooms - $7380 | #Broadgate Park--Single Room - $5764 #Ancaster Hall Rooms-- With meal - $8533 |
| Famous Alumni | Sebastian Coe, Olympic athlete and current Loughborough University chancellor Paula Radcliffe, three-time London Marathon winner Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP Tanni Grey-Thompson, politician and former wheelchair racer Clive Woodward, former rugby union player and coach | Over 280,000 alumni; D.H. Lawrence (English Writer); Ruth Wilson (Actor); Sir Clive Granger (British Economist); Theo James (Actor); Anil Kakodkar (Indian physicist); Nadia Edith Whittome (Member of the Parliament of UK); Matthew Paul Walker (British Scientist); Major Levison James Wood (British Explorer) |
| City Life | Loughborough is the largest town in Leicestershire with a population of over 55,000. The location is also ideal for exploring the cities of Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, as well as only being an hour and a half from London. The city is also close to a variety of tourist attractions such as the Peak District National Park, Sherwood Forest and the National Space Centre. With Charnwood Forest next door, the beautiful countryside is never far away from you. Loughborough and the surrounding area boasts a wide variety of great food. Indian, Chinese, Australian, Mexican, Thai, Italian, English and Malaysian restaurants can be found alongside independently owned gastro pubs, cafés, delis, national chain coffee shops, fast food outlets and restaurants. The town has all shopping needs covered, with independently owned boutiques as well as national chains such as Next, Topshop and Boots. For a larger choice, Nottingham and Leicester are both within easy reach of Loughborough. | Nottingham- a city in Nottinghamshire, England; City has links to the legend of Robin Hood, lace-making, Raleigh bikes, tobacco industries; 7th largest metropolitan economy in UK; Unemployment rate-2.59% Top tourist attractions: Old Market Square, Lace Market, Nottingham Castle, City of Caves, Highfields Park, Green's Mill and Science Centre, D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum. |
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Loughborough University vs University of Nottingham
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham are two top UK universities, characterized by quality academic programs and research activity, particularly in the areas of engineering, sciences, and business. Notion stands at 97th position in the QS World University Rankings 2026 while Loughborough is at 225th position. THE World University Rankings put Nottingham at the 136 band as opposed to Loughborough's position in the 301–350 band. As per the US News Global University Rankings, Nottingham ranks 153rd while Loughborough is at 521st.
Nottingham's uniqueness lies in its extensive global research influence and performance in medicine, social sciences, and engineering. Loughborough, though slightly lower on a global scale, is specifically renowned for sports science, engineering, and technical education excellence and has a high reputation for student experience as well as industry links.
General Information
Loughborough University is based in Loughborough, England, and is most renowned for its emphasis on engineering, technology, sports science, and applied research. It offers a campus-based experience with an emphasis on hands-on learning, industrial collaboration, and close-knit student community.
The University of Nottingham, located in Nottingham, England, is a bigger and older university, with a high international reputation. It has research-led teaching and provides a comprehensive range of courses in the sciences, humanities, and professional fields. Nottingham has a reputation for international campuses and extensive research production.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
There is an extreme difference in admissions selectivity between the two. Loughborough University has an acceptance rate of 68%, and admissions are relatively easy to get into for a UK research university. On the other hand, the University of Nottingham is much more competitive, with an acceptance rate of only 11%, particularly competitive for fields like medicine, engineering, and business.
These universities look at academic record, personal statement, references, and, in the case of some programs, interviews or portfolio.
Research Impact & Facilities
The University of Nottingham has a rich research profile, especially in the fields of medicine, science, and engineering, and has several centers for research with international collaborations. Its high international rankings prove its comprehensive research production and influence.
Loughborough is particularly famous for its applied research, particularly in engineering, technology, and sport sciences. Its industry links provide a strong base for research that has direct implications on real-life problems. Although it is ranked lower internationally compared to Nottingham, Loughborough provides first-class specialist facilities, especially sport and engineering-related laboratories.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both universities are UK public institutions, with international students paying between £18,000 and £25,000 per annum in tuition fees, depending on the course. Both institutions have various scholarship schemes, grants, and packages of financial assistance, including merit-based and need-based awards, available for international students and certain subjects. Nottingham's higher selectivity means that some scholarships will be more competitive.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Both universities' graduates have good career opportunities, both in the UK and worldwide. Both universities' international research standing and extensive alumni base tend to pave the way in medicine, engineering, and business careers. Loughborough specifically has a reputation for producing graduates with hands-on skills in engineering, sport science, and technology and they tend to enter industry-related jobs straight from university.
Both institutions provide active career opportunities, internships, and robust industry connections, although Nottingham's international size offers slightly wider global career avenues.
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