Discover the Russell Group: The UK’s premier research‑intensive universities

When exploring university options in the UK, the Russell Group is often a name you'll hear. It’s a respected group of 24 leading universities known for high-quality teaching, world-class research, and excellent career opportunities after graduation.

Formed in 1994, these universities now drive more than two-thirds of the UK’s top research and contribute nearly GBP 87 billion to the UK economy every year. For students aiming for a strong academic foundation and parents seeking reassurance about future prospects, Russell Group universities are often seen as a smart and reliable choice.

Benefits of studying at a Russell Group institution

• Academic prestige & research excellence, with all members ranking in the global top‑250 and producing about 65‑68% of the UK’s world-leading research.
• Outstanding facilities and learning environment, including access to cutting-edge labs, libraries, and research opportunities.
• High employability, with 82% of graduates in highly skilled jobs within 15 months and strong employer networks across sectors.
• Global student community, about 32% of enrolment from outside the UK, offering rich cultural diversity and international perspectives.

Russell Group universities

1. University of Birmingham 
2. Cardiff University
3. Durham University
4. University of Exeter
5. University of Glasgow
6. University of Liverpool
7. Newcastle University
8. University of Nottingham
9. Queen Mary University of London
10. Queen's University Belfast
11. University of Southampton
12. University of York

1. University of Birmingham

Renowned for impactful research and civic engagement, the University of Birmingham hosts specialised centres such as City REDI and the Lloyd’s Centre for Responsible Business. It supports over 220 student societies and offers a vibrant Guild of Students as the hub of cultural life and peer support. 

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• Over 8,700 international students from approximately 150 countries
• Acceptance rate: ~14% overall
• Employability ~82.4% within 15 months
• NSS (2025): Ranked 7th in Russell Group; Computer Science scored > 90% satisfaction

2. Cardiff University

A leading civic university in Wales, Cardiff University excels in health, media, and environmental research. It’s highly rated for employability and international student support.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• Over 7,500 international students from ~130 countries
• Acceptance rate: ~20%
• Employability: ~95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation

3. Durham University

One of the UK’s oldest and most esteemed universities, Durham University is known for humanities, theology and religious studies, archaeology and geography, and several of its departments rank among the global top 10 in their fields.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• Over 4,500 international students from approximately 150 countries
• Acceptance rate: ~41%
• Employability: ~87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation

4. University of Exeter

Known for excellence in environmental sciences, humanities, and business, the University of Exeter pairs a leafy campus environment with award-winning employability services.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• International students: ~21% of the student body
• Employability: ~92% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months
• Exeter’s Careers Service is ranked among the top 3 in the UK globally

5. University of Glasgow

A historic Scottish institution known for academic excellence and global research impact, the University of Glasgow draws top students worldwide and collaborates extensively across health sciences, climate research, and engineering.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• Over 14,000 international students from more than 140 countries
• Acceptance rate: 74%
• Employability rate: ~95% of graduates in employment or further study within 6 months

Apply to the Russell Group of universities today!

6. University of Liverpool

A founding Russell Group member, the University of Liverpool ranks consistently within the world’s top 200 and has produced multiple Nobel Laureates. It holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and offers a dynamic urban campus with extensive teaching labs, research facilities, and a lively Students’ Union.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• 8,000+ international students from almost 135 countries
• Acceptance rate: ~14% 
• Employability: Highest among the Russell Group in the 2017 survey, with nearly 96% of first-degree graduates in work or study within 6 months

7. Newcastle University

Located in a vibrant student city, Newcastle University is known for strong STEM and arts programmes, high QS employability ratings, and robust student support services.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• Nearly 4,800 international students, with a global community from around 145 countries
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• Employability: ~94% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months; rated 5+ QS Stars for Student Employability

8. University of Nottingham

A university that’s globally focused with campuses in China and Malaysia, the University of Nottingham delivers research-intensive teaching, strong employer connections, and high graduate outcomes.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• ~22–23% of the student body is made up of international students
• Acceptance rate: ~11%
• Employability: 84% placement rate, with many graduates entering roles in key industries within 6 months of graduation

9. Queen Mary University of London

Located in East London and deeply committed to inclusion and social justice, Queen Mary University of London offers broad academic breadth, strong career services, and a richly international campus life.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• ~8,400 international students from 160+ countries
• Acceptance rate: 44%
• Employability: ~94% of postgraduate taught graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months; ~93% for engineering undergraduates (HESA data)

10. Queen’s University Belfast

Set within Northern Ireland’s historic capital, Queen's University Belfast combines high academic standards, multi-disciplinary programming, and distinguished graduate outcomes.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• ~3,500 international students from around 80 countries
• Acceptance rate: 35%
• Employability: ~91–92% in employment or further study within 15 months; ranked among the top 10 UK universities for graduate prospects

11. University of Southampton

Celebrated for strong STEM offerings, oceanography, and global outreach, the University of Southampton offers international exposure and robust career preparation.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• More than 10,000 international students from 135 countries
• Acceptance rate: 84%
• Employability: ~94% of graduates in employment or further study within 6 months

12. University of York

As a Russell Group university, the University of York consistently features in top global rankings, signifying its world-class academic standards and research output. Plus, York’s dedication to world-class teaching and research is further boosted by its strong industry connections, providing a robust foundation for future careers.

Here are some interesting stats about the university:

• 7,000+ international students from almost 150 countries
• Acceptance rate: 78% 
• Employability: A significant 93.5% of York graduates successfully transition into employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.

Through Edvoy, students can get an offer in principle from the University of York in 4 hours and a final offer letter in just 36 hours! This exclusive deal is available only for 70+ select courses.

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Final thoughts: Why the Russell Group is the right choice

From the perspectives of prestige, employability and academic quality, Russell Group universities offer unmatched value for international students. With powerful research environments, strong global reputations, high graduate outcomes, and extensive student support, they’re a great choice.

Choosing a Russell Group university means joining a group of well-known UK universities that focus on high-quality education and student success. If your child wants a university that’s respected by employers, offers teaching based on the latest research, or has a fun and friendly campus life, there’s likely a great option for them in the Russell Group.