University of Bradford Enters UK Top 30 in Daily Mail Rankings
August 13, 2026University rises to joint 29th place in national league table
The University of Bradford has reached joint 29th position out of 128 UK universities in the latest Daily Mail University Guide, marking its third consecutive rise in the national rankings. This is the first time the institution has entered the top 30 in this guide.
Key factors behind the rise
The guide highlighted several strengths contributing to Bradford’s improved ranking, including:
- Comprehensive student support services, such as hardship funding, bursaries, and mental health assistance
- Strong graduate employment outcomes, with a high proportion of graduates securing highly skilled jobs
- A sustained commitment to social mobility and inclusion
During the 2024-25 academic year, the University awarded over £2.7 million in grants and bursaries to students. Additionally, many students received hardship support aimed at helping them continue their studies amid economic challenges.
Social mobility and graduate success
Bradford has been recognised for its role in promoting social inclusion. It was recently ranked first in England by the Social Mobility Commission for recruiting the most disadvantaged students when location is taken into account. The University has topped the Social Mobility Index for five consecutive years.
Graduate outcomes remain strong, with nine out of ten graduates in employment or further study 15 months after completing their courses. The University is also noted as a top 20 English university for graduates entering highly skilled employment.
Additional rankings and achievements
- Ranked among the world’s top 500 universities in the QS World University Rankings
- Consistently ranked as one of the UK’s most affordable universities, holding first place in 2025 and 2026 according to StudentCrowd
The University has also emphasised its focus on research and innovation, including work in emerging sectors such as the space industry, and its support for entrepreneurship through a dedicated business start-up ecosystem.
