How Hard Is It to Get Into Loughborough University?

Entry Requirements and Real-World Insights

If you’re thinking of applying to Loughborough University, you might be wondering how competitive it really is. Is it hard to get in? What grades do you need? And what happens if you miss them? And if you’re still weighing up your options, take a look at our article on the top reasons to study at Loughborough University, it might help you decide.

In this guide, we’ll answer those questions clearly and honestly. We’ll cover what Loughborough typically looks for in applicants, how flexible they might be, and what it all means for you. Whether you’re a sixth form student, a parent, or an international applicant, this article gives you the practical insights you need.

Is Loughborough Difficult to Get Into?

Compared to other UK universities, Loughborough sits somewhere in the middle when it comes to entry difficulty. It’s not as selective as the Russell Group elites, but it’s still a well-ranked and respected institution that attracts high-achieving students.

Loughborough’s acceptance rate is estimated between 58% and 68%, depending on the course and year. In other words, it’s competitive but not out of reach. If you meet the entry requirements and submit a strong application, you’re in with a good chance.

What Grades Do You Need to Get Into Loughborough?

Loughborough publishes typical offer ranges for each course. These can vary slightly year to year, but here’s what you can expect:

• A-levels: Most courses require between AAA and ABB. For example, Engineering courses often ask for ABB, usually including Maths or a relevant science subject.

• GCSEs: You'll usually need a minimum of Grade 4/C in English Language and Maths, though some courses may set higher requirements.

• International Baccalaureate: Offers typically range from 32 to 36 points, depending on the subject.

You can find subject-specific requirements on Loughborough’s official entry requirements page.

Does Loughborough Accept Lower Grades?

It depends.

While the university aims to stick to its published offers, there is sometimes a degree of flexibility, especially during Clearing or for courses with lower demand. If you're predicted one grade below the entry requirement, it's still worth applying if the rest of your application is strong.

That said, falling well short of the offer (e.g. two or more grades) makes it unlikely you'll receive a place. Loughborough isn’t known for making significantly lower offers outside formal contextual admissions.

Contextual Offers & Flexibility

Loughborough does offer contextual admissions for students from certain backgrounds. If you're eligible, you might receive a reduced offer (e.g. ABB instead of AAA).

Find out more about eligibility on Loughborough's contextual admissions page.

What About International Students?

If you're applying from outside the UK, Loughborough accepts a wide range of international qualifications.

For example:

• International students typically need an overall average of 75% to 80% (or equivalent) in their national curriculum.

• Standardised tests like the SAT (minimum 1300) or ACT (minimum 27) are also accepted.

See full details on their international entry requirements.

What Else Affects Your Chances?

Grades aren’t everything. Loughborough considers your full UCAS application, including:

• Personal statement: Clear, thoughtful statements that show passion for the subject matter.

• Predicted grades: These still play a key role, especially for conditional offers.

• References: Supportive academic references help add weight.

• Course popularity: Highly competitive courses tend to be less flexible.

A well-rounded application can make a difference, especially if you're right on the edge of an offer.

Is It Worth Applying If You’re Not Sure You’ll Get In?

Absolutely. If you’re close to the typical offer and your application is strong, it’s worth a shot. You never know how competitive the cycle will be for a given course in a given year.

Just be realistic: if you’re predicted grades that are significantly below the requirements, it’s best to have other choices on your UCAS list that are better matches.

Final Thoughts from a Loughborough-Based Team

At UniQ Lets, we know Loughborough inside and out. We’ve worked with students here for over 14 years, and we see the ups and downs of every admissions cycle.

Our advice? Aim high, apply smart, and give yourself options. And once you get your offer, don’t leave housing too late, because the best homes near campus get booked early.

If you’re already looking ahead, you might find our ultimate guide to student housing useful.