Beyond the United Kingdom’s (UK) rich history is its sophistication, and world-class higher education institutions that are among the best globally.
These universities are not just academic leaders, they also push the boundaries of research and make impactful contributions to solving real-world problems.
Here are the list of the best eight universities in the UK, according to Tempo.co, an Indonesian weekly magazine.
University of Oxford
Oxford University was founded in 1096, and it is one of the oldest universities in the world that continue to hold its title as one of the best universities in the UK.
The university is home to over 26,000 students, and leads in research, fostering more than 5,900 research projects. It is also a global hub, with around 46 percent of its students coming from outside the UK, hailing from over 160 countries and territories.
According to the Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings, Oxford University has an Overall Ranking of 98.5, Teaching 96.8, Research Environment 100.0, Research Quality 98.8, Industry 99.6 and International Outlook 97.3 statistics to emerge top of the rankings.
Read also: Top 10 Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education 2025 rankings
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is another powerhouse in global academia, highly sought-after by both UK students and international scholars.
It has a research budget of $1.98 billion and over 7,500 externally funded projects, and its commitment to producing high-caliber graduates who can address real-world challenges is evident.
The University of Cambridge has an Overall Ranking of 97.4, Teaching 95.9, Research Environment 99.9, Research Quality 97.6, Industry 88.4, and International Outlook 97.1, according to the Times Higher Education Rankings.
Imperial College London
Imperial College, London specialises in science, technology, engineering, medicine (STEM), and business, and firmly earns its spot among the best universities in the UK.
The Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings statistics indicates that Imperial College, London has an Overall Ranking of 94.4, Teaching 89.3, Research Environment 94.9, Research Quality 98.5, Industry 90.8, and International Outlook 98.3.
The university puts a bold focus on employability alongside innovation. Tightly integrated with global industrial partners, Imperial College London provides students with hands-on experience through a six-month industry placement.
This strategy, therefore, prepares them to enhance their discipline-related skills, as well as their leadership, and communication skills.
University College London (UCL)
University College London is not just a top university in the UK, it is also recognised as one of the best global universities in 2025. Its global significance lies in several key factors, including its world-class museums and its distinguished alumni.
The university is home to nine museums, including the renowned Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, which all serve as invaluable educational resources for students.
According to Univariety, UCL has also produced notable alumni who have had a profound impact on civilisation, including Mahatma Gandhi and Alexander Graham Bell.
Read also: 10 toughest U.S universities to get into in 2025
University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh is one of the best universities in the UK, it stands as a pillar of Scotland’s commitment to higher education.
The university is best known as a global research powerhouse, the university often made history with its groundbreaking achievements, such as the birth of Dolly the Sheep.
Speaking about its academic excellence, the university boasts as one of Europe’s largest libraries.
With more than 3.5 million printed volumes and extensive digital resources, the university ensures its students have access to a wealth of knowledge to foster cutting-edge research.
King’s College London
King’s College London for about 200 years has been prized for its great ambition to balance innovation excellence, and sustainability.
A staggering 84 percent of its research was classified as “world-leading,” which highlights the university’s dedication to innovation.
Distinguished especially in the humanities, law, sciences, and social sciences, King’s has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant global advancements, including the discovery of the structure of DNA and the development of radar.
Read also: Here are Nigeria’s 20 affordable private universities in 2025
London School of Economics and Political Science
London School of Economics (LSE) which is safely situated in the heart of London, remains a global leader in economics, politics, and social sciences studies in the world.
The institution’s alumni and faculty members have been awarded a total of 20 Nobel Prizes in economics, peace, and literature a testament to the university’s successful dedication to establishing impactful individuals. Its graduates are reported to earn an impressive median salary of £36,000 and continue to shape the future of global leadership.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester completes the list of the best eight universities in UK. The university has a strong reputation in science and engineering, and it is home to 26 Nobel Prize winners.
The institution fosters groundbreaking research and innovative solutions to global problems, and with 44,000 students from 190 countries, Manchester University is a hub for diverse perspectives and collaborations that drive discoveries across disciplines.
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