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
17. Exeter
The University of Exeter has climbed to 17th place in the 2026 rankings with an overall score of 67.5. | Google Maps
18. Aberdeen
The 18th top UK university is then Aberdeen, which is Scotland’s third best institution. It has an overall score of 65.7, but with strong career prospects. | Getty / Canva
19. Strathclyde
Just making the list of the 20 best UK universities in 2026 is Strathclyde in Glasgow, with 89.3% of all students satisfied with teaching there. The fourth best university in Scotland, it has dropped two places in national rankings since last year, and three since 2024. | Adobe Stock
20. Southampton
Finally, Southampton University completes the list of the 20 best universities in the UK. It has an overall score of 64.6 and is up two places from last year. | Adobe Stock