How Many GCSEs Do You Need for University?

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

1 September 2025

Contents

Thinking about university can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still in the middle of your GCSEs. One of the most common questions students ask is: how many GCSEs do I actually need to get into university?

The truth is, there isn’t a single answer that fits everyone. It depends on the course you want to study, the university you’re aiming for, and the grades you achieve.

But don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll break it all down. You’ll learn the minimum GCSE requirements most universities expect, which subjects matter most, and what you can do if your results don’t go to plan.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how GCSEs fit into your journey to higher education – and how to use them to keep your options open.

Why GCSEs Matter for University Applications

When you start thinking about university, it’s easy to focus on A Levels, BTECs, or other post-16 qualifications. After all, these are the qualifications universities look at most when making offers. But don’t underestimate your GCSEs.

Most universities consider your GCSE results alongside your A Levels. While they don’t tend to form the main basis of an offer, they do give admissions tutors an early sense of your ability and work ethic.

For competitive courses, where there are more applicants than places, GCSEs can be used to help shortlist candidates if predicted or achieved A Level grades are all similar. That means your GCSEs can play a bigger role than you might think.

How Many GCSEs Do You Need?

In the UK, many universities expect applicants to have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4–9 (that’s A*–C in the old system). These usually include:

English Language
Mathematics
Science (Combined Science or two single sciences)

For many courses, this basic set of five is enough. For example:

University of Leeds – Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Requires at least five GCSEs (grades 9–4 / A–C), including English Language and a form of numeracy (such as Mathematics, depending on the course).

Leeds entry requirements (opens in a new tab)

However, some competitive universities and certain subjects can ask for more. For example:

University of Oxford – Psychology

Suggests applicants typically have at least five GCSEs at grades 8–9 (A)* in relevant subjects. A strong background in Mathematics is also recommended, due to the course’s focus on statistics.

Oxford Psychology entry requirements (opens in a new tab)

On top of this, some highly competitive degrees, such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science, often set even tougher GCSE requirements — usually 7 or more strong passes at grades 7–9. For example:

University of Manchester – Medicine

Requires at least seven GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including English Language, Mathematics, and at least two Sciences at grade 6 or higher.

Manchester Medicine entry requirements (opens in a new tab)

University of Sheffield – Medicine

Requires five GCSEs at grade 7 (A), with a minimum of grade 6 in English Language, Mathematics, and Science subjects (dual award science accepted).

Sheffield Medicine entry requirements (opens in a new tab)

Key takeaway: While five GCSEs (including English and Maths) will meet the requirements for many university courses, competitive universities and subjects often demand higher grades and more GCSEs overall.

If you’re aiming for Medicine, Dentistry, or a top Russell Group university, aiming for 7–9 high passes will give you the best chance.

Which GCSE Subjects Are Essential?

Not all GCSEs are equal when it comes to university entry. Some subjects are absolutely required, while others are only relevant for certain courses.

Here’s a breakdown:

English Language

Almost every university will require at least a Grade 4 in English Language. Some courses (like Law or Humanities) may expect higher grades because of the essay-writing skills involved.

For example: The University of Law (opens in a new tab) specifies that all applicants for undergraduate law degrees must have GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification

Mathematics

A minimum Grade 4 is required across most STEM courses. More technical subjects like Engineering, Economics, and Computer Science could require a Grade 6 or above.

For example: University of Leeds – Undergraduate Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab) state that applicants must have at least Grade 4 (C) in numeracy (e.g., Mathematics), although the exact requirement may vary by course.

Science

If you’re applying for a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), universities will often want to see good Science GCSEs. Triple Science can give you an advantage, but Combined Science is still widely accepted.

For example: University of Cambridge – STEM SMART Programme (opens in a new tab) requires either Double Science (Combined Science) at grades BB or two separate Sciences at grade 6 (B) each. Strong Maths is also essential, with a requirement of GCSE Maths at grade 7 (A).

What Other Subjects Are Beneficial?

Other subjects can also be useful, depending on your goals. While English, Maths and Science are the essentials, choosing the right mix of extra GCSEs can strengthen your application for certain degrees. For example:

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Subjects like French, Spanish or German are highly valued if you’re interested in studying languages at university. They’re also useful for Humanities courses such as History or Politics, and can make you stand out to employers in the global job market.

History or Geography

Both are excellent choices if you enjoy essay-based subjects. They develop your ability to research, analyse information, and build clear arguments – all skills that are important for degrees like Law, International Relations, or English Literature.

Art, Music, Drama

These creative subjects are important if you’re considering university courses in the arts, design, or performance. They show creativity, originality, and practical ability, which are qualities universities look for in applications to fields such as Fine Art, Theatre Studies, or Music.

In short, while core subjects can be non-negotiable, your optional GCSEs can help shape your academic profile and show universities where your strengths and passions lie.

What GCSE Grades Do You Need?

It’s not always just about how many GCSEs you have – sometimes it’s about how well you do in them, too.

Most universities expect you to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Maths. Without these, your options can be limited.

But if you’re aiming for competitive universities or courses, higher grades matter:

Course Type	Typical GCSE Requirement
Medicine	7+ GCSEs, mostly Grades 7–9, especially in Sciences
Law	Strong English GCSE (Grade 6–9) plus Humanities
Engineering	High grades in Maths and Science (Grade 6–9)
Arts & Humanities	Strong grades in English and essay subjects
Foundation Degrees	May accept fewer GCSEs (3–5, usually including English & Maths)

This shows how entry requirements can vary a lot depending on your goals. The more competitive the course, the more weight your GCSEs carry.

What If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?

If your GCSE results don’t go as planned, don’t panic. There are always options, such as:

Resits

If you get below a Grade 4 in English or Maths, you must resit these subjects. Many colleges build resits into your timetable alongside A Levels or BTECs.

Foundation Years

Some universities offer a foundation year before the full degree. These are designed for students who don’t quite meet standard entry requirements but show potential.

Access Courses and Vocational Routes

If A Levels aren’t for you, qualifications like BTECs, T Levels, or apprenticeships can also lead to university. Many universities accept these as valid alternatives.

Falling short at GCSE doesn’t mean the end of your university dream – it just means finding the right pathway.

Top tip: If you want to nail your GCSEs, you can use Save My Exams’ revision tools. You’ll gain access to revision tools like revision notes, exam questions and past papers to help you get the grades you want.

How GCSEs Affect Sixth Form and Beyond

GCSEs don’t just matter for university. They also determine what you can study next.

To take A Level Maths, you usually need at least a Grade 6 at GCSE.
To take Sciences at A Level, most colleges require Grade 6 in that subject.
For essay-based A Levels like English Literature or History, a Grade 5 or 6 in English is often needed.

This matters because your A Levels (or BTECs) directly shape your university choices. If your GCSEs restrict your post-16 options, they indirectly limit your degree pathways too.

In other words: your GCSEs are the foundation. They influence what comes next, all the way to your university application.

Want to know more about how many GSCEs you need for A Levels? Our helpful guide has all the answers you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to university with only 5 GCSEs?

Yes, many universities accept 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 4 or above. But for competitive courses like Medicine, Dentistry, or Law, you’ll usually need more – often 7–9 GCSEs with higher grades (6–9). Having more than the minimum keeps more options open.

What happens if I fail Maths or English GCSE?

You’ll need to resit, since these are essential for nearly all university courses and employers. Many sixth forms and colleges let you retake them alongside A Levels or BTECs, so it won’t stop you progressing – it just adds an extra step.

Do universities care more about GCSEs or A Levels?

A Levels (or BTECs) matter most, as offers are based on them. But GCSEs still play a role, especially for competitive universities. They’re often used to check core skills, shortlist applicants, or break ties between students with similar predicted grades

Is Triple Science better than Combined Science for university?

Triple Science can be helpful if you’re aiming for STEM courses like Medicine or Engineering, as it shows greater depth. But Combined Science is widely accepted, and most universities care more about your grades than whether you took Triple or Combined.

Final Thoughts

So, how many GCSEs do you really need for university? For most students, five passes at Grade 4 or above – including English and Maths – will keep the door open to a wide range of degrees. If you’re aiming for something more competitive, it’s worth pushing for seven to nine GCSEs with higher grades, especially in the subjects most closely linked to your chosen course.

Core subjects like English, Maths, and Science are always important, but your other GCSEs matter too. They give you the chance to show off your strengths, follow your interests, and start shaping the direction you want to take in the future.

And here’s the most important thing: your GCSEs don’t define you. They’re just one part of your journey. If things don’t go to plan, there are always ways forward. You can resit exams, take foundation years, or explore alternative qualifications that still lead to university and beyond.

What really counts is your determination to keep going. With focus, resilience, and a clear plan, your GCSEs can be the first stepping stone towards the degree you’re dreaming of.

Need a hand nailing those grades? Our GCSE revision tools can help you get there.