Bournemouth University has been named the top university in the South West region – and top 20 in the UK – at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026.
The awards are based entirely on reviews from students, who rated their universities across a wide range of different aspects of student life.
As well as being voted as best university in the South West, BU also came top in the region in the Postgraduate and International student experience categories. Meanwhile its Students’ Union, SUBU, rose to 4th in the UK and retained its best in the South West title for a third year.
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Bournemouth University, said: "We are incredibly proud to be ranked as the best university in the South West, and as a top-20 university nationally, in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. These awards matter because they are shaped entirely by the views and feedback of our current students and are therefore an authentic voice that future students can trust.
"These rankings are a huge endorsement of the work of our teams, who work tirelessly to provide the very best student experience. A huge congratulations also goes to our colleagues at SUBU, who have not only retained their position as the best students' union in the South West, but are now also ranked the 4th best SU nationally. For any student considering studying in the region, these awards demonstrate that they can be confident of receiving a high-quality and well-rounded student experience at BU."
Andy Squire, CEO at the Students’ Union and SUBU President, Esther Isaiah, are delighted to see this recognition. They said: “To be named fourth best Students’ Union in the UK, and remain the top-ranked Students’ Union in the South West for the third year in a row, is an incredible achievement for everyone involved.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, officers, student leaders and volunteers, who work every day to make student life better at Bournemouth University. Climbing 19 places nationally is something everyone involved should feel incredibly proud of.”
By taking the top-20 position for all universities in the UK, BU rose 35 places from its 2025 ranking.
Whatuni supports student decision making as a comparison site for universities, which showcases annual reviews and contributions from current students.
For more information and full category rankings, visit the Whatuni website: www.whatuni.com/student-awards-winners.
