Our league tables, rankings, facts and figures
We are proud to be a place where curiosity is ignited, potential is unlocked, and futures are shaped. Our teaching is enriched by pioneering research that confronts the world’s most pressing challenges, empowering our students to navigate and shape a changing world with confidence.
Our graduates step into the world, ready to make a difference, and it is no surprise they are among the most sought-after by employers, nationally and globally.
Our rankings position reflects more than academic success, it speaks to who we are and what we stand for. Guided by our values of Community, Inclusion, Discovery, Excellence, and Respect, we are building a learning and research environment that empowers every individual and creates impact felt far beyond our campuses.
Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
We have increased the proportion of our research which is world-leading by more than 60% and increased the size of our research community by 70%.
Ranked top 2% in the world for our work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
UK Rankings
Our success is the result of a shared vision to deliver outstanding education, world-class research, and meaningful impact. Recognised among the UK’s leading universities, our consistently strong rankings reflect the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our students, and the strength of our global community.
|
Guide |
Year |
Ranking |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2026 |
14 |
↓ 1 |
|
|
2026 |
17 |
↑ 1 |
|
|
2026 |
11 |
↑ 3 |
Global Rankings
|
Guide |
Year |
Ranking |
Change |
Institutions Ranked |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026 |
=155 |
↑ 14 |
1,503 |
International |
|
|
2026 |
23 |
↑ 1 |
90 |
UK Rank |
|
|
2026 |
=170 |
↑ 2 |
2,191 |
International |
|
|
2026 |
22 |
- |
109 |
UK Rank |
|
|
2025 |
35th |
↑ 3 |
1,593 |
International |
|
|
2025 |
Top 200 |
- |
1,000 |
International |
* To view these results, sort the Leiden results table by the “PP top 10%” (percentage of outputs in the top 10% most-cited)
Employability and Careers
Our award-winning Careers and Employability service supports our students to explore their ambitions, build confidence, and gain the real-world experience that sets them apart. From personalised guidance and global employer connections, to skills development, placements and opportunities to apply learning in authentic settings, we help our students shape a future that feels meaningful to them.
Our flexible programmes prepare for a lifetime of adapting, thriving and contributing. At Exeter, our graduates are future-ready, equipped with the skills, experiences and self-belief to take the next step, wherever it leads.
Top-10 most-targeted universities by UK employers
Our graduates remain in high demand by top UK employers – ranked 8th in ‘The Graduate Market 2025’ by High Fliers.
Winner of 'Exclusive Global Employers’ Choice’ and ‘Most Productive Career Service Team'
Global University Career Development Conference Awards 2025
Queens Anniversary Prizes
We have been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize four times in the following research areas:
- 1996 – Medicine and Health – Diabetes and Vascular Health and Research
- 1998 – Medicine and Health – Children's Health and Exercise Research
- 2005 – Medicine and Health – Genetics and Diabetes Research.
- 2020 – Environment and Conservation – Ecotoxicology and Pollution Research
More facts and figures
Total student numbers
| Level | 2021/2 | 2022/3 | 2023/4 | 2024/5 | 2025/6 | 5 Yr % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UG | 22,822 | 22,491 | 22,856 | 22,447.5 | 23,725 | +3.96% |
| PGT | 5,409 | 5,535 | 4,937 | 5,084 | 4,261 | -21.21% |
| PGR | 1,773 | 1,761 | 1,756 | 1,753.5 | 1,791 | +1.02% |
| Total | 30,004 | 29,787 | 29,549 | 29,285 | 29,777 | -0.75% |
About the student numbers
This data is taken from the annual 1 December student census and represents the most up to date information about students for the current academic year. Students which withdraw during the year will not be accounted for in these figures. The data is FTE including INTO, but excluding non-credit bearing students and inbound exchange students such as Erasmus.
Student numbers by fee status
| Fee Status | 2021/2 | 2022/3 | 2023/4 | 2024/5 | 2025/6 | 5 Yr % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home (UK) | 23,285 | 22,383 | 22,648 | 22,690 | 24,479 | +5.13% |
| International | 6,720 | 7,403 | 6,901 | 6,595 | 5,298 | -21.16% |
| Total | 30,005 | 29,786 | 29,549 | 29,285 | 29,777 | -0.76% |
About the student numbers
This data is taken from the annual 1 December student census and represents the most up to date information about students for the current academic year. Students which withdraw during the year will not be accounted for in these figures. The data is FTE including INTO, but excluding non-credit bearing students and inbound exchange students such as Erasmus.
Student numbers by campus
| Campus | 2021/2 | 2022/3 | 2023/4 | 2024/5 | 2025/6 | 5 Yr % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Streatham | 22,913 | 22,885 | 22,414 | 22,187.5 | 22,849 | -0.28% |
| St Luke’s* | 4,357 | 4,305 | 4,474 | 4,352 | 4,295 | -1.41% |
| Penryn** | 2,736 | 2,586 | 2,662 | 2,745.5 | 2,632 | -3.80% |
| Total | 30,005 | 29,786 | 29,549 | 29,285 | 29,777 | -0.76% |
* Education, Sport and Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Medicine.
** Includes students at Knowledge Spa.
About the student numbers
This data is taken from the annual 1 December student census and represents the most up to date information about students for the current academic year. Students which withdraw during the year will not be accounted for in these figures. The data is FTE including INTO, but excluding non-credit bearing students and inbound exchange students such as Erasmus.
Staff numbers
| Job family | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total academic | 2,645 | 2,757 | 2,899 | 2,990 | 2,989 |
| Professional services | 2,747 | 2,900 | 3,100 | 3,108 | 3,007 |
| Total | 5,392 | 5,657 | 5,999 | 6,098 | 5,995 |
About the staff numbers
This data is taken from 1 December in the corresponding years. The data is FTE.
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For information about our major sources of income, please visit our Annual report and financial statements page. Details of our income sources can be found in the notes to the accounts using the chapter listings available.
Further information
Internal members of staff can find out more information on the MI HUB.
If you would like to submit a request under the Freedom of Information (FOI) act 2000 you can find out more here.
The University is an exempt charity, incorporated by Royal Charter (RC000653).