* The university: Prestigious universities with highly competitive courses will require much higher grades than less selective ones. Oxford and Cambridge, for example, typically expect very high grades across the board.
* The course: Some university courses (like medicine, dentistry, engineering, and law) are far more competitive and demand higher GCSE grades than others (like some humanities subjects).
* Your A-Level (or equivalent) grades: Universities primarily consider your A-Level (or equivalent, such as IB or BTEC) grades. GCSEs are mainly used as a filter in the application process. Strong A-Level predictions often outweigh slightly lower GCSE grades.
* Other factors: Universities also look at your personal statement, references, and performance in any entrance exams (like the UCAT or BMAT for medicine).
While there isn't a minimum GCSE requirement applicable to *all* universities, many will have a minimum entry requirement, often a set number of GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including specific subjects relevant to the chosen course. However, simply meeting the minimum isn't a guarantee of acceptance. You'll need significantly higher grades to be competitive for popular courses at top universities.
In short: Check the specific entry requirements for the university and course you're interested in on the university's website. Don't rely on general advice; always refer to the official information.