Imperial College London is a world leader in Science and Engineering. Currently, it ranks as the second-best university in the world. Because of this fame, it is very hard to get a place. If you want to apply for 2026 entry, you must know the numbers. The Imperial College London acceptance rate is low. However, it varies by subject.
In this guide, we will look at the latest imperial admissions statistics. We will also explain the new UCAS rules for 2026. This will help you stand out.
What is the Imperial College London Acceptance Rate?
The overall undergraduate acceptance rate of Imperial College London is about 10% to 11%. While the university makes offers to roughly 25% of students, many do not get in. Consequently, this happens because the entry requirements are very high. Indeed, many students miss their required marks on results day.
Furthermore, the number of people applying has grown every year. In 2024, more than 32,000 students applied for only about 3,400 spots. This means the imperial acceptance rate is now more competitive than ever. Therefore, you should prepare early to beat these odds.
Imperial Admissions Statistics by Subject
You should not only look at the general Imperial admission statistics. Competition levels are very different across each department. Some subjects have much lower offer rates than others.
Imperial Computer Science Acceptance Rate
The Imperial Computer Science acceptance rate is one of the lowest in the UK. For recent years, the offer rate was around 15%. However, the final acceptance rate was only about 5%. In fact, only one in twenty students who apply actually start the course. This happens because tutors look for perfect Maths scores and strong logic skills. Consequently, you must practise for hard technical tests to stand out in this group.
Imperial Medicine Acceptance Rate
The Imperial Medicine acceptance rate is also very tight. There are usually over 3,000 applicants for about 350 places. The offer rate is roughly 19%. Because medicine is a regulated subject, the university cannot add more seats easily. You will need a top score in your entrance exams, like the UCAT, to get an interview.
Economics, Finance and Data Science
This is one of the most popular new courses at the school. The imperial economics, finance and data science acceptance rate is just 3.9%. It attracts top students from all over the world. It is currently the hardest undergraduate course to join at Imperial.
Imperial College London Entry Requirements
To beat the Imperial College acceptance rate, you must meet the base grades. Most courses ask for A*A*A or A*AAA at A-level. If you take the International Baccalaureate, you usually need 41 points.
Math is the most vital subject for almost every degree. If you apply for Engineering, you will also need Physics. For those looking at the Imperial Biochemistry acceptance rate, a top mark in Chemistry is required.
When Does Imperial Give Offers for 2026?
Most students want to know when Imperial gives offers. The university usually sends decisions between January and March. If your course has an interview, you might hear back sooner. You should check your UCAS Hub daily during these months.
Imperial offers 2024 showed that early applicants often felt less stress. For 2026, the main deadline is 29 January 2026. However, medicine applicants must apply by 15 October 2025.
UCAS 2026: The New Personal Statement
The application process has changed for 2026 entry. UCAS has replaced the long essay with three specific questions. These questions help you show your passion for your subject.
Imperial tutors want to see super-curricular activities. These are things you do outside of school that relate to your course. You could talk about a Maths competition or a science project you built at home. This is a great way to improve your imperial admissions statistics.
Important Dates: Imperial College London Term Dates 2026
The academic year has three main terms. Most courses follow the dates listed below. However, your dates may differ slightly if you study medicine. This is also true for some business degrees. You should check your specific course page to be sure.
Term Dates 2026
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
| Autumn Term | Saturday 27 September 2025 | Friday 12 December 2025 |
| Spring Term | Saturday 3 January 2026 | Friday 20 March 2026 |
| Summer Term | Saturday 25 April 2026 | Friday 26 June 2026 |
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting In
Since the acceptance rate at Imperial College London is low, you need a plan. First, you must practise for admissions tests like the ESAT or TMUA. These scores are often used to decide who gets an interview.
Second, you should prepare for a technical interview. Tutors will ask you to solve hard problems on a whiteboard. They want to see how you think and learn. Finally, make sure you check for Imperial College London open days. These events help you meet the staff and learn more about the school.
Conclusion
The Imperial College London acceptance rate shows that this school is for the most driven students. While the competition is tough, you can win a place with the right plan. You should focus on top grades and your entrance exams to make your application stand out. Remember that Imperial values a true love for your subject just as much as high marks. Therefore, use your personal statement to show your deep interest in your field.
If you need professional support, we are here to help you succeed. You can work with an expert online tutor who knows exactly what Imperial admissions teams look for. We offer tailored help with personal statements and technical interview practise. Furthermore, you should explore our other guides for more advanced study tips. We wish you the best of luck with your journey to Imperial!
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FAQs
Is it harder to get into Imperial or Oxbridge?
While Oxford and Cambridge are very famous, Imperial is actually more competitive for certain subjects. In 2024, Imperial had a final acceptance rate of about 11%. This is lower than the rates for both Oxford and Cambridge. This happens because Imperial receives over 30,000 applications but only has about 3,400 places. Consequently, you must be in the top 10% of applicants to secure your spot.
What is the hardest course to get into at Imperial?
Currently, the most competitive course is the BSc in Economics, Finance and Data Science. It has an acceptance rate of just 3.9%. Other very hard courses include Computer Science and Business. For these subjects, even perfect grades are often not enough. Tutors also look for top scores in admissions tests like the TMUA to decide who gets an interview.
When is the deadline for the 2026 application?
Most students must submit their UCAS application by 29 January 2026. However, if you are applying for Medicine, the deadline is much earlier, on 15 October 2025. You should also check the dates for your admissions tests. For example, the ESAT and TMUA have specific registration windows that you cannot miss. Therefore, it is best to start your application at least three months before your deadline.
Does Imperial care about GCSE grades?
Yes, Imperial does look at your GCSE results. They generally expect you to have mostly 7 to 9 grades. Specifically, they want to see at least a 7 in Mathematics. While your A-level predictions are more important, strong GCSEs show that you are a consistent student. If you have lower grades due to difficult circumstances, you should mention this in your application.
