What Grades Do I Need to Get Into Imperial College London
What’s Imperial College London all about?
Imperial College London sits in the heart of South Kensington, London, and it’s a proper heavyweight in science, engineering, medicine, and business. Kicking off in 1907, it’s built a name for itself as one of the world’s best, landing in the top 10 globally (cheers, QS World University Rankings 2025). With 14 Nobel laureates and a knack for game-changing research, it’s the place to be if you’re serious about your studies.
Course Specific Entry Requirements
Here’s a quick look at the entry requirements for some of Imperial College London’s undergrad courses, laid out in the table below. It’s not the full list, just a snapshot of a few programs to give you an idea.
| Course Title | Acceptance Rate | A Level Requirements | IB Requirements | Admissions Test Requirements | Interview | Subject Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineering (MEng) | ~12.9% - 23% | A*A*A or A*AAA (A* Maths, A*/A Physics) | 40 points (7 Maths HL, 7 Physics HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) | e-Interview | Maths and Physics must be studied. Further Maths strongly encouraged. |
| Computing (BEng) | ~5.2% - 16.3% | A*A*A - A*AAA (A* Maths) | 41 points (7 Maths HL, 7 another relevant subject HL) | Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). STEP often required. | May be part of the process. | Maths compulsory. Computer Science, Further Maths, Physics recommended. |
| Medicine (MBBS) | ~9.25% - 13% | AAA (A Biology, A Chemistry). Typical offer A*AA (A* in Biology or Chemistry) | 38 points (6 Biology HL, 6 Chemistry HL). Typical offer 39 points. | University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Previously BMAT. | Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) | Biology and Chemistry are compulsory. |
| Economics, Finance and Data Science (BSc) | ~6.5% | A*AA (A* Maths) | 39 points (7 Maths HL) | Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) | Online interview | A* in Mathematics at A-level essential. Economics A-level welcome but not prerequisite. |
| Bioengineering (MEng) | ~5:1 | A*AA (A* Maths, A Physics) | 39 points (6 Maths HL, 6 Physics HL, 6 third subject HL) | None explicitly mentioned | Online interview may be invited | A* in Mathematics and A in Physics required. |
| Chemical Engineering (MEng) | ~6:1 | A*A*A (A* Maths, A* Chemistry, A in relevant subject) | 40 points (7 Maths HL, 7 Chemistry HL, 6 Biology/Business Management/Economics/Physics HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Maths 1, Maths 2, Chemistry) | Interview planned | A* in Chemistry and A* in Mathematics required. A in Biology, Business Studies, Economics, Further Mathematics or Physics. |
| Civil Engineering (MEng) | ~4:1 | A*A*A or A*AAA (A* Maths, A*/A Physics) | 40 points (7 Maths HL, 6 Physics HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Maths 1, Maths 2, Physics) | Interview may occur | A* in Mathematics and A/A* in Physics required. |
| Design Engineering (MEng) | ~7:1 | A*AA (A* Maths) | 39 points (7 Maths HL, 6 another subject HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Maths 1, Maths 2) | Online interview | A* in Mathematics required. Both scientific and non-scientific A-levels welcomed. |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BEng/MEng) | ~8:1 | A*A*A or A*AAA (A* Maths, A*/A Physics) | 40 points (7 Maths HL, 7 Physics HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Maths 1, Maths 2, Physics) | Online interview may be invited | A* in Mathematics and A*/A in Physics required. Further Maths strongly encouraged. |
| Materials Science and Engineering (BEng) | - | AAA (A Maths, A Physics or Chemistry) | 38 points (6 Maths HL, 6 Chemistry or Physics HL) | None explicitly mentioned | None explicitly mentioned | A in Mathematics and A in either Physics or Chemistry required. |
| Mechanical Engineering (MEng) | ~11:1 | A*A*A or A*AAA (A* Maths, A*/A Physics) | 40 points (7 Maths HL, 7 Physics HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Maths 1, Maths 2, Physics) | None explicitly mentioned | A* in Mathematics and A*/A in Physics required. A in another subject. |
| Biochemistry (BSc) | ~10:1 | AAA (A Chemistry, A Biology/Physics/Maths) | 38 points (6 Chemistry HL, 6 Biology/Maths/Physics HL) | None explicitly mentioned | None normally | A in Chemistry and A in either Biology, Physics, or Mathematics required. |
| Biological Sciences (BSc) | ~7:1 | AAA (A Biology, A Physics/Chemistry/Maths) | 38 points (6 Biology HL, 6 Chemistry/Maths/Physics HL) | None explicitly mentioned | None normally | A in Biology and A in either Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics required. |
| Chemistry (BSc/MSci) | ~7:1 | AAA (A Chemistry, A Maths, A third subject (pref. Biology, Economics, Physics)) | 38 points (6 Chemistry HL, 6 Maths HL, 6 third subject HL (pref. Biology, Economics, Physics)) | None explicitly mentioned | Interview | A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics required. Third subject preferably Biology, Physics, or Economics. |
| Mathematics (BSc) | - | A*A*A (A* Maths, A* Further Maths, A third subject) | 39 points (7 Maths HL, 6 another subject HL) | Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) | Interview | A* in Mathematics and A* in Further Mathematics required. |
| Mathematics and Computer Science (BEng) | - | A*A*A (A* Maths, A* Further Maths, A third useful subject) | 41 points (7 Maths HL, 7 another relevant subject HL) | Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) | Interview | A* in Mathematics and A* in Further Mathematics required. A in another useful subject. |
| Physics (BSc/MSci) | - | A*A*A (A* Maths, A* Physics) | 40 points (7 Maths HL, 7 Physics HL, 6 third subject HL) | Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Maths 1, Maths 2, Physics). Some may require Institutions Own Test (IOT) | None explicitly mentioned | A* in Mathematics and A* in Physics required. A in another subject (Further Maths recommended). |
| Economics, Finance and Data Science (BSc) | ~6.5% | A*AA (A* Maths) | 39 points (7 Maths HL) | Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) | Online interview | A* in Mathematics at A-level essential. Economics A-level welcome but not prerequisite. |
Don’t have the course you’re looking for? You can find it here.
Admissions Tests
Imperial College London sets different admissions tests based on the course you’re aiming for.
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT): Needed for loads of engineering courses like Aeronautical, Chemical, Civil, Design, Electrical and Electronic, and Mechanical Engineering. It usually covers Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, and Physics though Chemical Engineering swaps in Chemistry, and Design Engineering sticks to just the Maths bits. You’ve got to sign up ahead of time and take it at an approved test centre. It’s all about checking if your maths and science skills are up to scratch for engineering.
Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA): Required for courses like Computing, Mathematics, and Economics, Finance and Data Science. If you’re applying for Mathematics by December 9, 2024, for 2025 entry, you’re sitting this one, no exceptions. Register first, then take the test. It’s designed to see how sharp your mathematical thinking and problem-solving are.
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): Mandatory for Medicine. Starting with the 2024/2025 cycle, it’s UCAT instead of BMAT. This test checks your reasoning, essay-writing, and science know-how for medical studies. Your score helps decide if you get an interview invite, alongside your UCAS app. Make sure to register.
Institutions Own Test (IOT): Some Physics courses might ask for an online test covering basic school-level physics and maths. If it’s required, Imperial will send you the details directly.
English Language Proficiency
Everyone applying, even native speakers, needs to prove they’ve got the English skills to keep up at Imperial College London. The bar’s set at either a Standard or Higher level, depending on your course. You’ll need to hit the mark on one of their accepted qualifications. Here are some typical ones:
IELTS (Academic): You’ll usually need an overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with at least 6.0 or 6.5 in each section. For Economics, Finance and Data Science, it’s stricter—7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any part.
TOEFL iBT: Aim for an overall score between 92 and 100, with minimums per section (like 20 or 22 in each). If you’re eyeing Economics, Finance and Data Science, you’ll need at least 100 overall and 22 in every section.
Pearson PTE Academic: Scores generally fall between 62 and 69 overall, with steady marks across all sections (think 56 or 62 in each). No big dips allowed.
Cambridge English Advanced/C2 Proficiency: You’ll typically need a grade B or C (or the matching scores if you’re using the 2016-onwards system).
Make sure to check the exact English language requirements for your course on Imperial College London’s website. Your results usually need to be from the last two years before your course starts to count.
Application Process of Imperial College London
For undergrad courses at Imperial College London, you’ll apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Kick Things Off with UCAS: Head to www.ucas.com to start your application. Imperial’s UCAS code is I50. You can pick up to five courses in one go.
Sort Out Admissions Tests: If your course needs a test like TMUA or ESAT, you’ll have to register separately. Keep an eye on deadlines—don’t get caught out.
Nail Your Personal Statement: This is your chance to shine. Explain why you’re pumped about the course, why you’re a great fit, and how it lines up with your goals. Throw in your passion, relevant experience, and academic wins.
Wrap Up and Send It: Double-check your UCAS form—personal statement, references, the lot. Hit submit by the deadline. For Economics, Finance and Data Science aiming for October 2026, it’s January 14, 2026. Other courses might differ, so check UCAS or Imperial’s course pages.
Ace the Interview: If you’re shortlisted for courses like Medicine, Economics, Finance and Data Science, or some Engineering programs, you might get an interview invite—could be online. It’s your moment to show your drive, clear thinking, and why you’re right for the course.
Respond to Offers: Keep tabs on your application via UCAS Hub. Once you hear back from all your choices, reply to any offers by the deadline they give you.
Meet Your Offer Conditions: Got a conditional offer? You’ll need to hit the academic marks and any extras (like English language proof). Send in final grades or other documents they ask for to seal the deal.
Special Considerations
International Students: If you’re applying from outside the UK, your qualifications need to stack up against A-levels or the International Baccalaureate. You’ll also have to meet the English language requirements for your course. Depending on where you’re from, a student visa might be on the to-do list.
Mature Students: Imperial doesn’t spell out heaps for mature students, but they’re big on academic quals matching A-level standards. Got alternative qualifications or solid work experience? Check the course’s entry rules and ping the admissions team to clear things up.
Widening Participation: Imperial’s got programs to help applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. For instance, if you’re applying for Design Engineering and tick certain widening participation boxes, you’re guaranteed an interview as long as your predicted grades hit the minimum. Dig into the details on Imperial’s website.
Exam Resits: Unless you’re going for MBBS Medicine, retaking exams doesn’t rule you out. Admissions folks might note it, though. If you had extenuating circumstances, make sure your referee mentions them in your application.
Always check the official Imperial College London website (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/) and specific course pages for the latest details on entry requirements and application steps can shift.
