How to Get Into Oxford University from India: All you Need to Know

One of the most common queries for international students seeking to study abroad is ‘How can I get into Oxford University?’. To get into this best university of the world, international students must aim for high academic performance, exceptional entrance exam results, outstanding relevant extracurricular activities, and strong and crafty personal statements.

This Story also Contains

1. Oxford University Admissions Highlights
2. Why Study at Oxford University as an Indian student?
3. Is it hard to get into Oxford University?
4. How to get into Oxford University from India?
5. Document required for Oxford University admissions
6. Oxford University application process as an Indian student
7. How can I get admission to Oxford University?

The Oxford University acceptance rate is approximately 13%. This showcases that the admission authorities of the university are quite selective making it highly competitive for Indian students to secure a spot. Still, the University of Oxford is highly popular among Indian students. Impressively, it is among the top 5 universities in the world consistently over the past few years. There are around 550 students in Oxford from India.

Read the article below to navigate through the Oxford University requirements for international students to secure a spot in the institution including the application process, tips to increase your chances, and more!

Oxford University Admissions Highlights

Why Study at Oxford University as an Indian student?

Studying at Oxford has its perks. Studying there is one of the best decisions for students looking for quality education. Some of the reasons to apply for Oxford admissions are mentioned below:

• It is one of the top-class universities in the world as per QS and THE.

• It offers rigorous academic programs and excellent faculty.

• Over 95% employment rate where students are employed or in further studies within 6 months of graduating.

• As the oldest university in Britain, this university is world-recognised for its educational excellence and research facilities.

• With a student body of academic excellent individuals from all over the world, you will be surrounded by some of the smartest minds.

• Top recruiters such as Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, and Accenture try to recruit Oxford students each year.

• It offers n number of scholarships including fully funded bursaries.

Is it hard to get into Oxford University?

Yes, it is hard to get into Oxford University. The Oxford University acceptance rate is approximately 13%. On average the university receives over 20,000 applications for approximately 3,250 admission seats each year.

This indicates that Oxford University admissions are extremely competitive. Indian students need to be exceptionally outstanding academically with an extensive record of participation in extracurricular activities. Along with high GPAs, students must present the university with a skilful resume, strong LORs and SOPs to support their applications.

International students seeking information about ‘How to get into Oxford as an international student?’ must be aware of the low international student admittance of the institute. The admission authorities are highly selective; hence, there is a need to stand out from the crowd to be one of the Oxford students.

How to get into Oxford University from India?

An Oxford aspirant from India can get into the university by meeting the entry requirements of the course selected and demonstrating why they are an ideal candidate for the course. Generally, it is highly recommended to start the application process of Oxford University early on.

Oxford University requirements for international students

For Undergraduate admission:

Indian students must have a 12th-grade qualification, and studied with either the CBSE (All-India SSC) or CISCE (ISC) boards, with the following grades:

Acceptable Oxford requirements for undergraduate students:

Note: State board examinations for NIOS Year XII qualification are not accepted

For Postgraduate admissions:

Here, we have given standard requirements for admission into Oxford master’s courses:

Acceptable Oxford requirements for Indian students in masters

Document required for Oxford University admissions

The necessary documentation must accompany candidates applying for admission to the University of Oxford London. Submitting these will ease the application process for the University of Oxford admission. Here, we have listed a relevant document checklist for Indian students:

• Valid Passport

• Academic transcripts

• Previous study mark-sheets

• A description of the grading system at the home university

• English test scores (IELTS/DET/PTE/CAE/TOEFL)

• English language waiver evidence (if applicable)

• Scholarship supporting statement

• UK student visa

• Proof of financial support

• GRE certificate

• CV/resume

• Statement of purpose - SOP (a research proposal relevant for masters in research)

• LORs (letter of recommendation)

• Official translations into English

Oxford University application process as an Indian student

Here, we have given a step-by-step guide on ‘How to get into University of Oxford from India.

Oxford University Application Process for Undergraduate Courses

• Visit the university website of the University of Oxford.

• Browse the courses and finalise the course.

• Visit the UCAS website and search the institution code, and course through Degree Finder.

• Select "Apply" from the menu. Register on the UCAS website by entering the required information.

• Click on "Register", then enter the email address and password to log in.

• Enter all the needed information and attach the required documents.

• Finally, pay the Oxford University fees for the application, save the application form and print a copy.

Oxford University Application Process for Postgraduate Courses

• Visit the University of Oxford official website.

• Browse the courses and choose a preferred course.

• Click on ‘Apply’ on the course page, and the applicant will be forwarded to create a new graduate applicant account.

• Log in or register a new account by providing a primary email account.

• Enter the required details and attach the necessary documents.

• Verify the application before submitting it.

How can I get admission to Oxford University?

Although it is highly competitive and challenging for Indian students to secure Oxford admissions, one can improve their chances by using some ways and strategies. A few of them are as follows:

• High Academic GPAs: International students who are granted admission generally hold a minimum GPA score between 3.8 and 4.0 to be strong candidates for undergraduate and graduate courses. This is an unsaid requirement as approximately just 13 students are selected per 100 students as per Oxford University acceptance rate 2024. A great academic background always helps!

• Good English proficiency Scores: International students whose first language is not English with excellent English test scores are also considered. Some of the acceptable English test scores include IELTS/DET/PTE/TOEFL/CAE.

• Good standardised Test Results: A good ACT or SAT score for undergraduates or an excellent GMAT/GRE score for postgraduates helps in standing out from other applicants seeking admission to the Oxford University courses.

• Strong Supporting Documents: An innovative statement of purpose that showcases facts about the applicants’ aspirations, goals, experiences, etc including a crafty essay that states why Oxford is best for them. Moreover, other documents such as 2 or 3 compelling LORs, an outstanding resume, and other educational qualifications help in getting accepted at Oxford University as well.

• Outstanding Extracurricular Activities: Students who are engaged in some of the extracurricular activities that can showcase their talent, leadership, dedication, and relevancy with the chosen course of study can enhance a candidate's profile.

• Excelling in Interviews: Interviews with the academic tutors in person to assess applicants' academic potential, enthusiasm, and self-motivation is one of the crucial parts of the application process. Prepare well in advance and try to practise as many mock interviews as possible.