Do I have a chance to get admission in top 24 UK universities despite having an average CGPA in my bachelor's degree?

An average CGPA does not automatically shut the door on the top 24 UK universities, commonly known as the Russell Group, but you do need a strategy beyond your transcript. Direct entry typically wants a UK 2:1 equivalent, and Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial rarely bend, while other Russell Group schools can be more holistic.

CGPA Requirements at a Glance

Ways to Offset an Average CGPA

• Target more holistic Russell Group schools like Queen's University Belfast, Cardiff, or Liverpool over Oxford, Cambridge, or Imperial
• Bring 2 to 3 or more years of relevant work experience, internships, or leadership roles
• Use your SOP to explain context behind lower grades and highlight an upward trend in your final year
• Consider a pre-master's or pathway program that guarantees progression once you clear internal coursework

My Advice

Shortlist 2 or 3 Russell Group universities known for holistic review alongside 2 or 3 strong Post-92 backups, so you are not pinning everything on one narrow bar. If your work experience is thin, spend the next few months building a relevant internship or project you can cite directly in your SOP.