Introducing the UK’s G5 Elite Universities

The G5 super elite universities, also known simply as the G5, refer to an alliance of five institutions described by Times Higher Education as “super-elite.” Established in 2004, this alliance aims to promote excellence and collaboration in higher education. The G5 members include some of the UK’s most prestigious universities: the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL).

These universities are renowned worldwide not only for their academic research and teaching but also for their outstanding achievements across science, literature, arts, and the humanities. The G5 is often regarded as a symbol of world-class higher education, celebrated for its scholarly accomplishments and contributions to society.

Frequently seen as both rivals and collaborators to the US Ivy League, the G5 universities have earned the informal nickname of the “British Ivy League.”

1. University Introduction

1.University of Oxford

(1) Introduction

The University of Oxford, located in the southeastern city of Oxford, is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest surviving higher education institution globally. It boasts a long and rich academic tradition. Oxford is composed of 38 colleges and six permanent private halls, forming a unique and vibrant academic community.

As a leader in academia, the University of Oxford is a member of several prestigious academic alliances, including the Golden Triangle and the Russell Group, and is dedicated to advancing scientific research and academic development. In addition, Oxford is part of the League of European Research Universities, which aims to promote internationalization and collaboration in higher education across Europe.

In terms of academic rankings, the University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, often placing within the global top five. Its outstanding teaching quality and abundant research resources attract exceptional students and scholars from around the globe, bringing continuous vitality and creativity to the university.

(2) 2024 Rankings

UK Overall Ranking: 2nd
QS World Ranking: 3rd

(3) Popular Courses

  • Biomedical Sciences

  • Management Studies

  • Computer Science

  • Economics and Management

  • Geography and Environment

(4) Admission Scores

IB: 38–40
A Levels: AAA – AAA
IELTS: 7.0 – 7.5 (with no individual component below 6.5 – 7.0)

The University of Oxford requires applicants for certain courses to take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA). This admissions test is mandatory for some programs, such as Economics and Management, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and Philosophy. Applicants to these courses typically have very strong academic records, with most grades ranging from A* to A, and in some cases, 90% of applicants achieving straight A*s at A-level. The TSA is used to help differentiate among candidates with similar academic achievements.

(5) Tuition Fees

£33,050 – £48,620 per year (varies by program)

(6) College Environment and Facilities Overview

The University of Oxford is classified as a “city university,” distinguished by its campus layout that differs from most universities with a large centralized campus. Instead, its colleges, academic departments, and other facilities are spread throughout the historic city of Oxford.

These campuses are interwoven with the town’s historic architecture, creating a unique and harmonious university environment. Oxford boasts approximately 100 independent libraries, the most notable being the Bodleian Library, which houses over 65 million volumes and serves as a vital resource for academic research. Additionally, each college maintains its own large research library as well as general college libraries, providing students with extensive academic resources.

(Oxford University Open Days, filmed by the Valour Study Tour)

In addition, the University of Oxford places great emphasis on students’ physical and mental well-being as well as their holistic development. Most colleges have sports fields and squash courts, offering students a wide range of recreational and athletic activities. To foster intercollegiate interaction and competition, an annual rowing regatta is held, where college teams train vigorously in boathouses along the river, showcasing the teamwork and competitive spirit of Oxford students.

(7) Notable Alumni

  • Rowan Atkinson (“Mr. Bean”): Renowned British actor

  • Margaret Thatcher: Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the country’s first female Prime Minister

  • Bill Clinton: Former President of the United States

  • Andrew Lloyd Webber: Composer of famous musicals including The Phantom of the Opera

  • J.R.R. Tolkien: Renowned British author, known for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

2.University of Cambridge

(1) Introduction

Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and is the second oldest university in the English-speaking world, as well as the fourth oldest surviving university globally. Its origins trace back to a group of scholars from Oxford University who relocated to Cambridge after conflicts with the townspeople of Oxford. Ranked among the world’s top ten universities, Cambridge is a member of several prestigious academic alliances, including the Golden Triangle, the Russell Group, and the League of European Research Universities. It has consistently held the top position in UK university rankings for many years.

(3) 2024 Rankings

UK Overall Ranking: 1st
QS World Ranking: 2nd

(3) Popular Courses

  • Architecture

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Economics

  • Law

  • Mathematics

(4) Admission Requirements

IB: 40–42
A Levels: AAA – AA*A
IELTS: 7.5 (with no individual component below 7.0)

(5) Tuition Fees

£25,734 – £67,194 per year (varies by program)

(6) College Environment and Facilities Overview

Cambridge University is rich in historical and cultural atmosphere, with Gothic architecture and picturesque countryside scenery found throughout the area. Beyond the magnificent university buildings, there are quaint shops and peaceful parks. The leisure life in Cambridge is highly appealing, with punting on the River Cam, attending concerts, or walking to the countryside to enjoy serene landscapes.

The university boasts a library system of over 100 libraries. including departmental, college, and central libraries—with a total collection of around 15 million volumes. The main university library is the oldest university library in the world and one of the six legal deposit libraries in the UK.

Campus facilities are well planned, and many colleges have small theaters and cinema screening rooms. Various student activities are fully supported, including music, drama, and rowing, all with a long-standing tradition. These resources are valuable for students studying in the UK.

(Cambridge University Open Days, photographed during the Valour study tour)

(7) Notable Alumni

  • Isaac Newton – Physicist and the pioneer of classical mechanics and the law of universal gravitation

  • Francis Bacon – Philosopher and a key advocate of the scientific method

  • Alfred Tennyson – Poet Laureate during the Victorian era

  • Isaac Barrow – Mathematician and one of Newton’s mentors

  • Robert Oppenheimer – Physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb”

3.Imperial College London（ICL）

（ICL Open Days, photographed during the Valour study tour)

(1) Introduction

Imperial College London consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and is part of the UK’s prestigious “Golden Triangle” of elite institutions. While its Business School and Humanities departments have gained increasing global recognition in recent years, Imperial has traditionally been renowned for its world-class excellence in science and engineering.

(2) 2024 World Rankings

UK Overall Ranking: 6
QS World Ranking: 6

(3) Popular Courses
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Life Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering
(4) Admission Scores

IB: 38–39 points
A Level: AAA – AAA
IELTS: 6.5–7.0 (with no component lower than 6.0–6.5)

(5) Tuition Fees

£35,600 – £50,400 per year (depending on the programme)

(6) Campus Environment and Facilities Overview

Imperial College London is situated in the capital city and has multiple campuses throughout London, each conveniently located near essential amenities and transport hubs. The main campus is located in the prestigious South Kensington area, close to famous landmarks such as Hyde Park and Kensington Palace—the residence of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Imperial College boasts state-of-the-art learning facilities and invests heavily each year in upgrading equipment, renovating teaching areas and student accommodations, and expanding sports facilities. These include two sports centers, two swimming pools, and four gyms. Other facilities include academic departments’ teaching spaces, student unions, and health and dental clinics.

(7) Notable Alumni

  • Rajiv Gandhi: Prime Minister of India

  • Frederick Hopkins: Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine

  • William Henry Perkin: British chemist

  • Arthur Holmes: British geologist

4.University College London (UCL)

(1) Introduction

University College London (UCL) is a public research university located in London and is the third oldest higher education institution in England. It is also the first secular university in the UK to admit students regardless of gender or religious background. Besides its outstanding academic reputation, UCL has established extensive networks with major institutions across the UK, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities. Each year, the university hosts the Spring Week event, which attracts numerous large organizations. This event offers students unique chances to secure internships at top-tier companies that may not be available to students from other universities.

(2) 2024 Rankins

UK Overall Ranking: 9th
QS World Ranking: 9th

(3) Popular Courses

  • Architecture

  • Statistics, Economics, and Finance

  • Engineering (Chemical)

  • Education Studies

  • Anthropology

(4) Admission Requirements

IB: 34–40
A Level: ABB – AAA
IELTS: 6.5 (with no individual component below 6.0)

(5) Tuition Fees

£37,500 per year (2024/2025)

(6) Campus Environment and Facilities Overview

The main campus of University College London (UCL) is located in the Bloomsbury district of central London, close to landmarks such as the British Museum, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and Charles Dickens’ former residence, creating a rich cultural and academic atmosphere. Each department at UCL has its own dedicated learning resources, and the university operates nearly twenty libraries spread across the campus. Together, these libraries hold over two million academic resources and are managed through a centralized system, providing students with diverse learning materials and a well-equipped study environment.

(7) Notable Alumni

  • Robert Browning: British poet and playwright

  • Hirobumi Ito: Modern Japanese statesman

  • Fu Sinian: Former President of National Taiwan University

  • Christopher Nolan: Renowned film director

5.The London School of Economics and Political Science（LSE）

(LSE Open Days，photographed during the Valour study tour)

(1) Introduction

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), founded in 1895, is a research university located in London, UK, specializing in social sciences. It is acclaimed as a world-leading institution for social science education and research. LSE is also a member of the UK’s prestigious Golden Triangle and the Russell Group. Renowned in politics, law, and business, it has produced numerous British Members of Parliament and political leaders from around the world.

(2) 2024 Rankings

UK Overall Ranking: 3rd
QS World Ranking: 45th

(3) Popular Courses

  • Law

  • Sociology

  • Politics

  • Economics

(4) Admission Requirements

IB: 36–40, with at least 6, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects
A Level: AAB – A*AA
IELTS: 6.5 (with no individual component below 6.0)

(5) Tuition Fees

£26,784 per year (2024/2025)

(6) Campus Environment and Facilities Overview

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) campus is located in the Holborn area, close to the River Thames with views of the London Eye. Holborn is a historic district known as London’s legal hub, with the Royal Courts of Justice, the BBC, and numerous legal societies nearby. Additionally, the Palace of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament are also within close proximity. LSE’s main library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science, is one of the largest specialized libraries for economics and social sciences in the world.

(LSE Open Days，photographed during the Valour study tour)

(7) Notable Alumni
  • John F. Kennedy – Former President of the United States
  • Tarō Asō – Former Prime Minister of Japan
  • Juan Manuel Santos – Former President of Colombia and recipient of the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize
  • Margrethe II – Former Queen of Denmark and former Supreme Governor of the Church of Denmark