The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027 names St Andrews as the top UK university, surpassing traditional leaders Oxford and Cambridge, which fall out of the top three for only the second time in the guide’s 33-year history.

Oxford slips from fourth to fifth, while Cambridge remains fourth; London School of Economics is second and Imperial College London climbs to third.

Imperial College London is crowned UK University of the Year for 2027, highlighting a dynamic competition among top institutions for attracting talent.

The guide also delves into student life and costs, including freshers’ experiences, entrepreneurship among students, and analyses of lifetime earnings with a degree.

Editor Helen Davies emphasizes that the guide spotlights career preparation and hands-on learning environments, while noting broader financial and employment challenges facing students and universities.

The guide stresses a broader trend toward practical, career-ready education with simulations and hands-on facilities, even as university finances and the graduate jobs market present pressures.

Davies notes universities are investing in practical facilities and work-oriented learning to attract students amid funding pressures and a challenging job market.

St Andrews’ leadership, including Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, highlights strengths in teaching, research, and student support amid rising higher-education pressures.

St Andrews’ comprehensive strengths—entry standards, teaching quality, research, and supportive professional services—are emphasized as the university navigates funding pressures and public scrutiny.

Mapstone underscores St Andrews’ strengths in teaching, research, and student support as a response to broader pressures on higher education funding.

Guide author Zoe Thomas points to St Andrews’ distinctive undergraduate experience and high student satisfaction as key drivers of its top ranking.

Thomas also highlights St Andrews’ high entry standards as a factor behind its high placement.