The best universities in the UK have been revealed in the 2026 Guardian University Guide.
The annual report evaluates more than 200 universities across the country, ranking each across eight categories from student satisfaction, general feedback from the National Student Survey (NSS), career prospects and more.
Intended to provide potential students with a balanced overview of each institution, an overall score out of 100 is then awarded.
Here are the 20 best universities in the UK - including four in Scotland - according to the 2026 Guardian University Guide
5. Durham
Having climbed from seventh in 2024 to sixth in 2025, Durham University once again moves upwards in the rankings taking fifth place with a score of 85.4 in the 2026 Guardian University Guide. | Adobe Stock
6. Imperial College London
Just missing out on the top five is Imperial College London, which moves down one position to sixth with a score of 82.4. It stands out for its high career prospects score of 95. | Adobe Stock
7. Warwick
Part of the Russell Group, Warwick University is the seventh best UK university in 2026. With a score of 79, it has moved up a position from last year’s rankings. | Google Maps
8. Bath
Coming in eighth place is the University of Bath. With a score of 75.9, it has slid down the table by one place in the 2026 Guardian University Guide. | Adobe Stock