University of Southampton vs University of Leeds: Complete Comparison 2026
Side-by-side look at University of Southampton and University of Leeds: QS 2026 ranks 87 vs 86. Acceptance, tuition, language tests, and typical IB/A-Level sig…
→ University of Southampton profile → University of Leeds profile
Summary comparison
Figures come from the GlobalAdmit dataset — always confirm on each university’s official admissions site.
| Metric | University of Southampton | University of Leeds |
|---|---|---|
| QS rank 2026 | 87 | 86 |
| Location | Southampton, GB 🇬🇧 | Leeds, GB 🇬🇧 |
| Tier | top100 | top100 |
| Acceptance rate | 77% | 66% |
| Tuition (intl / yr) | — | — |
| Testing policy (US HS notes) | Placeholder row — verify on official site. | US high school pathway supported; SAT/ACT usage varies—check international undergraduate admissions. |
| Standardised test (mid / range) | — | — |
| Language (summary) | IELTS 6.5+ · TOEFL 92+ · Duolingo 115+ | — |
| IB typical | Placeholder row — verify on official site. | IB Diploma with HL minima listed per programme; English language standards apply university-wide. |
| A-Level typical | Placeholder row — verify on official site. | Course-specific offers including subject requirements; medicine uses UCAT and additional selection. |
| Notable programmes | **Faculty of Arts and Humanities**：Humanities、History、English、Modern Languages、Philosophy、Archaeology、Music、Winchester School of Art（Fine Art、Fashion、Graphic Arts、Design 等） · **Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences**：Aeronautics and Astronautics、Mechanical Engineering、Civil Engineering、Electronics and Computer Science、Chemistry、Physics and Astronomy、Mathematical Sciences · **Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences**：Biological Sciences、Geography and Environmental Science、Ocean and Earth Science、Psychology、Health Sciences · **Faculty of Medicine**：Medicine、Cancer Sciences、Clinical and Experimental Sciences、Human Development and Health、Primary Care / Population Sciences / Medical Education 等醫療相關本科路徑 · **Faculty of Social Sciences**：Southampton Business School、Law、Economics / Social / Political Sciences、Education · **可否 Undecided 申請**：N/A | **Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures**：English、History、Philosophy、Languages、Linguistics、Music、Performance、Fine Art、Design、Media、Cultural Studies、Classics、Theology and Religion · **Faculty of Biological Sciences**：Biology、Biochemistry、Biomedical Sciences、Genetics、Microbiology、Neuroscience、Zoology、Ecology、Molecular and Cellular Biology · **Faculty of Business**：Accounting and Finance、Banking and Finance、Business Management、Economics、International Business、Marketing、Human Resource Management、Supply Chain、Enterprise and Innovation · **Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences**：Aerospace Engineering、Chemical Engineering、Civil Engineering、Electronic and Electrical Engineering、Mechanical Engineering、Materials Science、Computer Science、Mathematics、Physics、Chemistry · **Faculty of Environment**：Architecture、Geography、Environmental Science、Geology、Earth and Environmental Sciences、Transport Studies、Food Science、Sustainability-related programmes · **Faculty of Medicine and Health**：Medicine and Surgery、Dental Surgery、Nursing、Midwifery、Pharmacology、Healthcare Sciences、Psychology-related health pathways、Medical Sciences |
Strengths
University of Southampton
- Strong QS World University Rankings position (31–100 band).
- UK-style undergraduate depth with strong research postgraduate pathways.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
University of Leeds
- Strong QS World University Rankings position (31–100 band).
- UK-style undergraduate depth with strong research postgraduate pathways.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
Popular majors (overlap)
Where both profiles list the same popular major label (case-insensitive).
No overlapping popular-major labels in our dataset yet — open each profile for subject-level detail.
Which is right for you?
If rankings are your north star
University of Leeds sits higher in QS 2026 (86 vs 87). That often correlates with research intensity and global name recognition — but University of Southampton can still win on programme fit, city, or cost.
If you are coming from IB / A-Levels / US high school
Compare the admission tabs on each profile: University of Southampton vs University of Leeds can invert depending on whether you are optimising for IB typical offers, A-level expectations, or US-style testing. Use the evaluator after you narrow your list.