University of Surrey Admissions Statistics

The University of Surrey is a well-regarded UK university, known for its strong links to industry and employability-focused courses. As a result, it attracts a large number of applicants each year. Applying here is competitive, particularly for high-demand subjects.

In this guide, we break down the latest University of Surrey admissions statistics, including overall offer rates, subject-level competitiveness, and what these figures mean for you as an applicant.

All figures are based on UCAS (opens in a new tab) data and officially released admissions data (opens in a new tab).

Top 5 University of Surrey Admissions Statistics

• The University of Surrey received 30,929 applications in the 2023–24 cycle

• Around 20,742 offers were made, giving an overall offer rate of approximately 67%

• This means Surrey is more selective than many mid-range UK universities, with a lower offer rate than institutions like Reading

• Acceptance rates vary widely by subject, from around 14% to nearly 70%

• Courses linked to specific careers, such as performing arts, healthcare and veterinary medicine, tend to be the most competitive

University of Surrey Acceptance Rate Overview

The University of Surrey receives a high volume of applications each year, but it makes fewer offers relative to applicants than many similar universities.

In the 2023–24 admissions cycle, there were 30,929 applications and 20,742 offers, giving an overall offer rate of approximately 67%.

This means that around two-thirds of applicants receive an offer, making Surrey a moderately competitive university overall.

However, your chances of receiving an offer depend heavily on the course you apply for. Some subjects are much more competitive than others.

University of Surrey Admissions Statistics by Course

Here’s a breakdown of how competitive different subject areas were in 2023–24. Lower acceptance rates generally indicate higher competition.

Key Trends from 2023–24 Admissions Data

Some subjects are far more competitive than others

There is a clear difference between subject areas. Drama and performing arts courses are the most competitive, with acceptance rates around 14%. In contrast, subjects such as psychology and sociology have much higher offer rates.

Career-focused courses tend to be more competitive

Courses that lead directly to specific careers are often harder to get into. This includes:

• healthcare courses such as physiotherapy and radiography

• nursing and midwifery

• veterinary medicine

• performing arts courses that require auditions

These courses often have limited places and high demand.

Broader courses have higher offer rates

Subjects with a wider academic focus tend to have higher acceptance rates. For example:

• psychology and combined degrees

• film and media studies

• sport science courses

These courses often have larger intakes, making offers more likely.

Competition can vary within the same subject

Even within a single subject, competitiveness can vary.

For example:

• veterinary medicine is more competitive than veterinary biosciences

• music performance courses are more competitive than production or technology courses

• specialist sport science pathways are more competitive than general degrees

This means that your specific course choice can make a big difference.

How the University of Surrey Makes Admissions Decisions

The University of Surrey considers several factors when assessing applications.

Academic requirements

Your predicted or achieved grades are the most important part of your application.

Each course has published entry requirements, in the form of A Level grades or equivalent qualifications. Meeting these requirements gives you a strong chance of receiving an offer.

However, for more competitive courses, successful applicants often achieve grades above the minimum.

Personal statement

Your personal statement helps universities understand your interest in the subject and your motivation to study it.

At Surrey, this is used to:

• assess your engagement with the subject

• understand your academic interests

• evaluate your readiness for university study

A strong personal statement can support your application, particularly if your grades are close to the entry requirements. Our guide on how to write a personal statement contains advice to help you prepare yours.

Interviews, tests and portfolios

Most courses at Surrey do not require interviews or admissions tests.

However, some courses may ask for:

• auditions (for performing arts)

• portfolios (for creative subjects)

• additional selection stages (for professional courses)

Always check course details carefully so you know what to expect.

Contextual admissions

The University of Surrey uses contextual admissions in some cases. This means your application may be considered in the context of your background, school, or personal circumstances.

In some cases, this leads to lower offer requirements or additional consideration during the admissions process. Full details can be found on the University of Surrey’s website (opens in a new tab).

How Competitive Is the University of Surrey Compared to Similar Universities?

The University of Surrey sits in the mid-range for UK universities in terms of competitiveness, with an offer rate of around 67%. This places it in a similar range to institutions such as the University of Salford and the University of Bristol, which have offer rates just below or around the same level.

Surrey is more selective than universities such as Nottingham, Hertfordshire and Bradford, which have higher offer rates above 69–70%. However, it is slightly less selective than universities like the University of Bath, where offer rates are lower.

As with most universities, competition depends more on your course than the institution itself. Some subjects are highly competitive, while others have much higher offer rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of University of Surrey applicants get accepted?

In the 2023–24 admissions cycle, around 67% of applicants received an offer from the University of Surrey. However, this varies significantly by subject.

Which course at University of Surrey is the hardest to get into?

Courses in drama, theatre and performing arts are the most competitive, with acceptance rates as low as around 14%. Some individual courses are even more selective.

What percentage of University of Surrey students drop out?

The University of Surrey has a continuation rate of around 92.3% according to the Guardian (opens in a new tab). This means that the large majority of students continue their studies beyond their first year.

This suggests strong levels of academic support and student satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

If the University of Surrey is one of your top choices, understanding how competitive your course is can help you plan your application more effectively.

While the university has a moderate overall offer rate, some subjects are much more competitive than others. Choosing the right course and preparing a strong application makes a real difference.

Save My Exams provides teacher and examiner-written A Level revision resources designed around real exam requirements, helping you feel fully prepared and giving you the best possible chance of success.

References:

• UCAS Undergraduate end of cycle data resources 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• Undergraduate Admissions Data - a Freedom of Information request to University of Surrey - WhatDoTheyKnow (opens in a new tab)

• University of Surrey (opens in a new tab)

• Contextual offers for applicants | University of Surrey (opens in a new tab)

• The Guardian University Guide 2026 – the rankings (opens in a new tab)