I can't speak for other countries but I know in England, getting into one is actually really easy going through the education system. Of course that will depend on the ranking of the university (e.g. Oxford/Cambridge or any Uni's part of the russel group that only accepts A average students) but in my opinion - since you're still getting the same degrees/masters/phd, there isn't real difference besides from the institution you have graduated from.

I strongly believe in what you put in is what you get out of. As long as you do the work and be diligent in your own studies, you will still get a degree no matter what - even if its out of a lower rank university that accepts C-average student).

Not only that, if you somehow really did mess up your exams in your secondary school, you have an option to do a 'Foundation' year which would be a pre-requisite to the full 3-year degree course at an providing university. The foundation year allows the University to assess you are capable of taking on their full degree.

Additionally, there is something called "Clearing". Basically, this is a scheme where it allows students to enquire and enroll in courses that still has extra spot available. This might due to not enough students enrolling or for what ever reasons so universities just want more students in therefore the requirements to get in from "clearing" are much more relax.

In terms of finance, you are eligible to get student funding from the government for up to 4 years. So really... if you want a university spot - its a piece of cake. In England. At least.