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20 Toughest Universities to Get Into: The World’s Lowest Acceptance Rates

Written by

Arash F, Junior Journalist at Brand Vision Insights.

Educational

6 min read

uPDATED ON

Mar 26, 2025

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Below is a global ranking of 20 of the toughest universities for undergraduate admission, based on extremely low acceptance rates, very large applicant pools, and limited spots available. We rank them from #20 (still highly selective) down to #1 (lowest acceptance rate). For each, the acceptance rate and approximate applicant volume are given in bullet form, followed by a descriptive paragraph on what makes the university so hard to get into.

20. University of Cambridge (UK)

Acceptance Rate: ~16.6% overall
Number of Applicants: ~21,445 (2023 cycle)

Cambridge is a top 5 global university renowned for excellence in both sciences and the humanities. Undergraduate admission involves stringent academic requirements (often A* at A-level or equivalent) and subject-specific interviews. Popular programs like Computer Science and Economics see acceptance rates closer to 7–10%, far below the overall average. Because of small college-based intakes, each course is fiercely competitive. With centuries of academic history and a track record of producing Nobel Laureates and Fields Medalists, Cambridge attracts the best students worldwide—making even the official 16% acceptance rate deceptively high, given the quality of the applicant pool and the rigors of the interview process.

19. University of Oxford (UK)

Acceptance Rate: ~15–16% overall
Number of Applicants: ~23,000 annually

Oxford is consistently among the top 1–3 universities worldwide and has famously selective admissions. Students typically apply for specific courses like PPE, Medicine, Law, or Engineering, each of which can have a single-digit acceptance percentage. Along with top academic scores (A* results at A-level or equivalent), Oxford requires specialized admissions tests and interviews that are notoriously challenging. Many of Oxford’s courses see intense competition for a small number of seats. Though the overall rate hovers around 15%, certain programs admit far fewer than 10% of applicants. Oxford’s centuries-old traditions, tutorial system, and global prestige ensure a massive, highly qualified applicant pool each year.

18. Imperial College London (UK)

Acceptance Rate: ~10.2% overall
Number of Applicants: ~30,739 (2023 cycle)

Imperial specializes in science, technology, engineering, and medicine, placing it in the top 10 globally for STEM fields. Despite offering around 3,000–3,100 undergraduate seats, tens of thousands of top-performing students—domestic and international—apply annually. Particularly for courses like Medicine and Computer Science, acceptance rates often dip well below 10%. Imperial’s rigorous entry requirements (AAA* at A-level or equivalent) and reputation for cutting-edge research make these programs extremely difficult to enter. Once admitted, students benefit from a highly focused STEM environment in central London. The blend of a huge global demand with a selective admissions bar keeps Imperial among the hardest universities to join.

17. Cornell University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~7%
Number of Applicants: ~68,000 (Class of 2027)

Though Cornell has the largest undergraduate population among the Ivies, its selectivity has tightened drastically in the past decade. Each year, tens of thousands of top-tier students vie for around 3,500 first-year spots across multiple colleges (such as Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Dyson Business, etc.). Competitive programs like Computer Science, Architecture, and Business (Dyson) can see sub-5% acceptance rates. Cornell’s prestige—boosted by a broad array of strong departments, including agriculture, engineering, and hotel management—draws a massive, high-achieving pool from around the globe, placing it among the most difficult universities to get into.

16. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE, UK)

Acceptance Rate: ~6–7% effectively
Number of Applicants: ~26,445 (2023 cycle)

LSE is a premier institution for social sciences, consistently ranked top 5 globally in Economics, Politics, and related fields. Though the official “offer rate” might appear higher (around 16–17%), only a fraction of applicants meet the stringent grade requirements and go on to enroll, resulting in a final acceptance range around 6–7%. Coveted programs like Economics, Government, and Law each get thousands of top applicants from across the world. A typical applicant needs near-perfect grades and strong performance on admissions assessments. With a smaller undergraduate body than most comprehensive universities, LSE’s limited spots drive fierce competition, placing it among the toughest social science institutions to enter worldwide.

15. Dartmouth College (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~6.23%
Number of Applicants: ~28,841 (Class of 2027)

Dartmouth, the smallest of the Ivy League schools in terms of undergraduate enrollment, has a long tradition of liberal arts excellence. Though it enrolls only about 1,150 first-year students, tens of thousands of high-achievers apply. Economics, Government, Engineering (via the Thayer School), and Computer Science are among its most competitive majors. Dartmouth is known for close faculty-student relationships, strong alumni networks, and scenic surroundings that appeal to many. The combination of Ivy League prestige and limited seats (plus a high yield) puts its admission rate around 6%. As a result, even valedictorians can find it a challenge to gain acceptance.

14. Duke University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~6%
Number of Applicants: ~49,500 (Class of 2027)

Duke ranks among the top 25 universities worldwide, recognized for programs in Engineering (especially Biomedical), Public Policy, Computer Science, and more. Located in Durham, North Carolina, it’s renowned for combining academic rigor with big-time athletics. Duke’s total freshman intake hovers around 1,700, leading to a mid single-digit acceptance rate. Popular majors like Biomedical Engineering attract many accomplished STEM students, while Public Policy and Economics also see heavy demand. Duke’s unique blend of high-level research, undergrad focus, and a vibrant campus culture drives a large global applicant pool, ensuring consistent sub-7% admission rates in recent years.

13. University of Pennsylvania (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~5.6%
Number of Applicants: ~59,000 (Class of 2027)

Penn is another Ivy that’s become drastically more selective. The most oversubscribed programs are Wharton (undergrad business) and specialized dual-degrees like M&T (Management & Technology). Wharton alone can see a low single-digit acceptance rate, as thousands vie for limited places in one of the world’s top business schools. Across Penn’s four undergraduate schools, the holistic admissions approach yields an overall acceptance near 5.6%. Applicants are drawn by Penn’s professional-liberal arts mix, plus top rankings and renowned research in finance, medicine, and engineering. This popularity, combined with a class size of ~2,400, locks in its spot as one of the toughest admissions in the Ivy League.

12. Brown University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~5.2%
Number of Applicants: ~51,316 (Class of 2027)

Known for its open curriculum and student freedom, Brown has seen explosive application growth. The coveted Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is especially difficult to enter, as are concentrations in Computer Science and Economics. Brown’s small class size—around 1,700 incoming freshmen—coupled with 50K+ apps pushes the acceptance rate to around 5%. The university’s emphasis on undergrad experience, plus an Ivy pedigree, appeals to high achievers worldwide. This tight selectivity, along with distinctive academics, positions Brown among the world’s elite institutions and a prime pick for top students seeking an unconventional, flexible approach to learning.

11. University of Chicago (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~4.8%
Number of Applicants: ~38,631 (Class of 2027)

UChicago’s intellectual ethos, famous “Core” curriculum, and quirkiness attract academically intense students. While not an Ivy, it matches or surpasses Ivy League schools in selectivity, with acceptance around 4.8%. Demand is particularly strong in Economics, Mathematics, and Computer Science—fields in which Chicago is globally renowned. The university, consistently top 10 in global rankings, has a Nobel-heavy faculty roster and a smaller undergrad population, pushing down the acceptance rate. UChicago also gained notoriety for innovative essay prompts, adding another layer of challenge to the application process. The net effect is an admissions environment nearly as tough as Harvard or Yale.

10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~4.68%
Number of Applicants: ~26,914 (Class of 2027)

MIT is synonymous with cutting-edge STEM. For the Class of 2027, roughly 1,259 admits out of nearly 27,000 applicants underscores how fiercely competitive it is for aspiring scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and tech entrepreneurs. Popular majors include Computer Science (Course 6), Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics—all areas that draw top global talent. MIT consistently ranks #1 or #2 for engineering and technology worldwide. In addition to superb academics, MIT’s collaborative culture appeals to those wanting to “build the future.” But with only ~1,100 freshman seats, the institute rejects thousands of valedictorians each year, reflecting the intense global demand.

9. Princeton University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~4–5%
Number of Applicants: Not publicly disclosed for Class of 2027, but ~38,000–39,000 historically

Princeton’s emphasis on undergraduate teaching and world-class research sets it apart. Though it typically enrolls around 1,300 freshmen, it receives nearly 40K applications, driving an admit rate below 5%. The most-sought programs are in Engineering (especially Computer Science), Mathematics, Public Policy (Woodrow Wilson School), and Physics. Princeton frequently ranks top 5 globally and leads in fields like theoretical physics. The small, close-knit residential college experience is a huge draw. With single-digit acceptance, Princeton is a fixture in the “hardest to get into” lists, and its prestige means the yield rate is extremely high for admitted students.

8. Yale University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~4.35%
Number of Applicants: ~52,250 (Class of 2027)

Yale’s liberal arts tradition and storied graduate/professional schools make it a top destination for ambitious students. The Class of 2027 had Yale’s lowest acceptance on record—barely above 4%. Popular intended majors include Economics, Global Affairs, Computer Science, and Biology (often leading to pre-med). Yale’s centuries-old reputation for academic distinction, top-ranked law school, and focus on undergrad teaching keep applicant numbers soaring. Though the college enrolls about 1,550–1,600 freshmen, tens of thousands see Yale as a dream school, resulting in consistently sub-5% acceptance.

7. Columbia University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~3.93%
Number of Applicants: ~57,129 (Class of 2027)

Columbia’s location in New York City, plus Ivy League status, has caused its application numbers to spike in recent years. That surge pushed the 2027 acceptance rate to under 4%. Key programs include Engineering (SEAS), Economics, Computer Science, and a wide liberal arts core in Columbia College. Students are also drawn by the Core Curriculum, which has a rigorous set of humanities requirements. With only around 1,400 spots, the combination of big-city appeal and Ivy prestige ensures a fiercely competitive environment. Columbia’s consistent top 15 global ranking further cements its allure among domestic and international applicants.

6. Stanford University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~3.9%
Number of Applicants: ~53,733 (Class of 2027)

Stanford is at the epicenter of tech and innovation, located in Silicon Valley. Its well-rounded excellence—spanning engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and business—drives tens of thousands of top-tier students to apply. Despite enrolling around 1,700 each year, the 2027 acceptance rate is under 4%. Coveted areas include Computer Science, Engineering, and Business/Economics, each producing entrepreneurs and leaders who fuel the West Coast’s startup culture. Stanford’s constant top 3–5 global ranking and unique synergy with tech industry opportunities make it a holy grail for many applicants, fueling single-digit acceptance percentages.

5. Harvard University (USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~3.41%
Number of Applicants: ~56,937 (Class of 2027)

Harvard is the emblem of Ivy League prestige, consistently placed #1 in many global rankings. With over 56K applicants and around 2,000 acceptances for a class of 1,600–1,700, the yield is extremely high. Harvard’s liberal arts college admits students to the overall institution rather than specific majors. Economics, Government, Computer Science, Biology, and Social Sciences typically see the most interest. Harvard’s unmatched brand recognition, producing everything from Nobel laureates to world leaders, continues to attract top students globally. The result: sub-4% acceptance with thousands of valedictorians turned away each cycle.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech, USA)

Acceptance Rate: ~3.1%
Number of Applicants: ~13,326 (Class of 2027)

Caltech’s tiny undergrad population (240–270 in a freshman class) and formidable STEM reputation yield one of the world’s lowest acceptance rates. Whether it’s Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Astronomy, competition is fierce among highly gifted STEM applicants. Caltech ranks top 5–10 globally and claims an extraordinary concentration of Nobel Prize winners relative to its size. The institute’s rigorous science curriculum, personalized faculty-student interaction, and closeness to JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) reinforce its elite status. With a pool of 13K+ high-achievers and just a couple hundred seats, Caltech’s sub-4% acceptance is a testament to its scientific prestige.

3. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs, India)

Acceptance Rate: <1% effectively
Number of Applicants: ~1.3 million JEE candidates, ~13,000 spots across IITs

The IITs are legendary for engineering and technology in India. Admission is via the two-stage JEE (Main + Advanced). Only a few thousand out of over a million aspirants secure IIT seats, making acceptance below 1%. Top branches like Computer Science at IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi can have acceptance rates near 0.5%. Though primarily focused on engineering, the IIT brand stands for academic excellence, fueling cutthroat competition. The selected students become part of India’s leading tech minds, with strong global career prospects. Overall, the IITs demonstrate how a huge applicant pool and limited seats create ultra-low acceptance proportions.

2. Peking University (China)

Acceptance Rate: ~1% or lower for domestic applicants
Number of Applicants: Millions of Gaokao takers each year (over 10 million), only a tiny fraction get PKU offers

Peking University (PKU), China’s top comprehensive university, dominates in Law, Medicine, Economics, and many sciences. Admission relies heavily on Gaokao scores, with only the highest scorers in each province accepted—often translating to below 1% success for those listing PKU as their first choice. For international applicants, acceptance might be around 15%, but standards are still high. PKU’s global ranking (top 20) and its status as a national academic icon ensure massive demand. This confluence of minimal seats relative to an enormous exam-taking population results in PKU’s near-impossible admissions odds, rivaling Tsinghua for the toughest in China.

1. Tsinghua University (China)

Acceptance Rate: 0.1–0.3% (domestic)
Number of Applicants: Over 10 million Gaokao participants, a few thousand Tsinghua spots

Tsinghua is widely considered the hardest university to enter when measured by domestic acceptance rate. Each year, only a minuscule fraction of Gaokao examinees—0.1–0.3%—are admitted. That’s because Tsinghua focuses on top-percentile STEM talents, awarding just a few thousand places out of a vast pool. Coveted programs include Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, and Physical Sciences. Tsinghua’s unmatched prestige in China, plus a #20 global ranking, make it the pinnacle of Chinese higher ed. Effectively, Tsinghua’s acceptance ratio dwarfs even the most exclusive U.S. Ivies, marking it as the “world’s toughest” for domestic candidates under the Gaokao system. Its research impact, Nobel-affiliated faculty, and national significance solidify Tsinghua’s status as the hardest university in the world to get into.

Final Words

‍From Tsinghua’s vanishingly small acceptance (under 0.3%) to Caltech’s micro 3.1% and Harvard’s ~3.4%, these 20 universities set the standard for hyper-competitive undergraduate admissions. Many are household names (the Ivies, Stanford, Oxford, etc.), while others—like IIT or Tsinghua—are regionally dominant powerhouses with massive applicant pools. They each combine global prestige, top academic programs, and limited freshman classes, pushing acceptance rates toward the low single digits or even below 1%. For aspiring students, it underscores the importance of academic excellence, strong standardized test performance, and unique extracurricular achievements to stand out in these ultra-competitive processes.

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