Applications to the UK this year featured universities from the top 10 as per the Complete University Guide. Below highlights those applications made to the UK:

The Complete University Guide has revealed the universities with the highest standards of entry. The data was collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, and is based on the average UCAS tariff score of new undergraduate students from 2013-2014 of 126 universities. So which universities boast fierce competition for entry?

University of Warwick
Overall rank: 7
This Coventry campus university squeezes into the top 10 with an average UCAS score requirement of 480. The maths department is particularly highly regarded – one professor has recently been awarded the world’s most prestigious maths award, the Fields Medal

University of Bristol
Overall rank: 15
University of Bristol is the most competitive West Country university for entry, with an average UCAS score required of 486. It founded Britain’s first drama department, which continues to produce a high calibre of actors and comedians – Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Simon Pegg and Charlotte Ritchie all cut their teeth at Bristol.

University of St. Andrews
Overall rank: 5
The highest ranking Scottish university, St. Andrews, has an entry requirement of 516. The oldest university in Scotland, it claims to treat references which give evidence of clear potential as a very important factor when considering applicants – something which worked a charm for Prince William and Kate Middleton, who met while studying at St. Andrews.

Durham University
Overall rank: 5
Durham operates a collegiate based system, whereby students apply to study in an academic department and join a college community. Its average UCAS score is 521. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Gabby Logan and Jonny Wilkinson are among its notable alumni.

London School of Economics (LSE)
Overall rank: 3
LSE specialises in anthropology, criminology, international relations and sociology. Entry requirements range from A*AA-AAB at A level, with an average UCAS score of 532. It also tops the list of most popular university in the UK for billionaires, according to Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire census 2014.