Top Universities in Liverpool: Eligibility, Ranking, and Tips

Why Study in Liverpool?

As a student, if you are looking for an exciting city to study in then, Liverpool should be on your list. Famous for its legendary music scene, cultural heritage, and football clubs, Liverpool is one of the most famous and preferred study-abroad destinations in Europe. 

But that is not it, there are also topuniversities in Liverpool which offer a wide range of courses across various disciplines and research opportunities. Did you know that on March 03 2025, the Scimago Institutions published a list of Scimago Institutions Rankings, which included four Liverpool universities? Let’s take a look at these universities in Liverpool UK in detail below.

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List of Major Universities in Liverpool

There are four major institutes in Liverpool, but if you take into account the wider Greater Liverpool Area, then the count of universities in Liverpool city increases to six. However, we will look at the four main universities along with their rankings, eligibility, and accepted English proficiency tests, so you can understand your options better.

1. University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is one of the highly-ranked institutes, not just in Europe but globally and is known for its strong focus on research. But what makes this worth your consideration is that it is a part of the prestigious Russell group and has a Gold rating for teaching excellence. If you are planning to study in Liverpool and value a high-quality academic experience, then this is the place to be.

• Eligibility: To get into the University of Liverpool, you need a high school certificate for UG programs, typically including GCSE (or equivalent) grades of 4 or C in English and Mathematics.
• Ranking: As per the QS World University Rankings 2026, It is ranked at 147th position.
• Accepted English Proficiency Test: The university accepts several English proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL

2. Liverpool Hope University

Another one of the universities in Liverpool is Liverpool Hope University, which is known for its strong sense of community and personalized approach to learning. This is a Gold Standard university in the UK's Teaching Excellence Framework and is a great option for students who are looking for a close-knit community and high-quality teaching. Additionally, Liverpool Hope has also received professional accreditations from organizations like CIEEM and has a strong reputation among the Students in Liverpool for student satisfaction.

• Eligibility: To get into Liverpool Hope University as an international student, you need to get equivalent to UK A-levels or equivalent qualifications with good grades in relevant subjects.
• Ranking: As per the Complete University Guide 2025, Liverpool Hope is ranked 83rd in the UK and has also received 5th place in student satisfaction ranking on the 2024 National Student Survey.
• Accepted English Proficiency Test: The university accepts IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in both reading and writing and no individual score below 5.5 for UG.

3. Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is one of the best universities in Liverpool UK which is known for having a strong focus on employability and industry-focused and practical learning experiences. It is known for being one of the cheap universities in Liverpool and also has a high graduate employment rate where the LJMU graduates find employment within 15 months of graduation. Lastly, it is recognized for its research contributions in areas like astrophysics, sports science, and environmental science.

• Eligibility: You need to have a Higher Secondary Certificate with a minimum overall grade of 65% for UG and a Bachelor's degree with a minimum overall grade of 55% for PG courses.
• Ranking: As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, Liverpool John Moores University is placed between 801 and 850.
• Accepted English Proficiency Test: IELTS (Academic) and PTE Academic are the most commonly accepted English proficiency test.

4. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

If you are passionate about performing arts and want to Study in Liverpool to get specialized training in a creative and supportive environment, then Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts is one of the best universities in Liverpool. It is known for having strong industry links, a practical approach, and an emphasis on developing students' individual talents and entrepreneurial skills. Here, you can get degree courses in music, drama, and production arts.

• Eligibility: You need to have a High School Diploma or equivalent and English language proficiency to get into UG courses. And a bachelor's degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 for PG courses.
• Ranking: The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts is ranked among the top 10 in the UK.
• Accepted English Proficiency Test: The university accepts IELTS (6.5 or higher) or TOEFL (82 or higher) scores.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a University

There are multiple factors you need to consider while choosing between the top universities in Liverpool. Below is a comprehensive list of factors that you can take into account:

1. Course and Programs: The first factor you should consider is the type of courses and programs colleges in Liverpool Make sure that you examine course content and structure, teaching and assessment, research opportunities, and the entry requirements.
2. University Reputation and Rankings:Next, look for the ranking and the reputation of the universities in Liverpool city. Check the overall reputation as well as the university's standing in your chosen field.
3. Campus and Facilities: Take into account the campus environment, facilities like libraries, labs, sports facilities, and student accommodation in Liverpool near the university.
4. Student Support and Experience:This is an important factor to consider, especially if you are an international student. Find if you get academic, career, and social life support or not.
5. Location and Cost: Studying in cheap universities in Liverpool doesn't mean that living in Liverpool is going to be affordable. Research about the cost of living in Liverpool, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Tips for International Students in Liverpool

As an international student, studying abroad can get a little overwhelming, especially in a vibrant city like Liverpool. In addition to this, the whole admission process of the colleges in Liverpool can be tough as well. To help make things a little smoother for students in Liverpool, below are some tips:

1. Our first tip is to create a detailed budget that will help you manage all your living expenses. Try to add your tuition fees, food, Uni essentials, transportation, accommodation, and social activities.
2. Even though English is a widely spoken language in Liverpool city, try to learn basic Scouse phrases as it can enhance your experience and help in interactions with the locals.
3. Do not forget to take advantage of the rich culture, music scene, and historical sites of the city.
4. Living abroad can get a little lonely, so try to stay active and join student societies, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations to meet new people and build connections.
5. Create a moving abroad checklist to stay organised and try to add essential documents like a passport, visa, and university offer letter.
6. Lastly, to gain experience, take advantage of internships, volunteering, and career events and build your professional network.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Liverpool is more than just a city which not only offers a rich cultural and musical legacy but also an academic hub. The universities in Liverpool offer top-quality education, strong research opportunities, and an unforgettable student experience. If you are looking for ways to make your study abroad journey smoother, then you can connect with our experts at GraddingHomes.com. They will help you with careful planning, Student accommodation in UK, and tailored support to make studying in Liverpool a truly rewarding and life-changing journey.

FAQs

1. How Many Universities in Liverpool?

There are three main universities in Liverpool, these are the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool Hope University. Additionally, there is also the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) which is a specialised institute famous for creative and performing arts.

2. Is Liverpool a Good City for Students?

Yes, Liverpool is considered a very good city for students. A few of the main reasons behind it being a top study destination for students is that it offers vibrant student life, affordable living costs compared to other UK cities, excellent transport links, and a welcoming community. In addition to this, the city also has a large student population because of the three main universities and it also offers exciting nightlife.

3. What Types of Courses Can I Study in Liverpool?

There are diverse types of courses across various disciplines that you can study in Liverpool at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Some of the most famous and in-demand courses include: Accounting, Business, and Finance; Architecture, Building and Planning; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Computer Science; Engineering; and Health Sciences and Nursing.

4. Are There Good Student Accommodation Options in Liverpool?

Yes, there are many great student accommodation options in Liverpool which you can find in areas that are close to both the top three universities and the city centre. Some of the famous areas for student accommodation are Kensington, Smithdown Road, and the Baltic Triangle. In these areas, you can get a range of choices, from budget-friendly shared housing to modern apartments.

5. Can International Students Study in Liverpool?

Yes, international students can study in Liverpool and the city is a popular study-abroad destination for students from around the world. In addition to this, the universities in Liverpool also provide support services such as visa guidance, orientation programs, and language assistance to help international students settle in and succeed.