Careers360 Logo

Access premium articles, webinars, resources to make the best decisions for career, course, exams, scholarships, study abroad and much more with

Plan, Prepare & Make the Best Career Choices

logoImg

University of Oxford, Oxford

Oxfordshire, England | Estd in 1096 | Government University

THE Rank : 1 | QS Rank : 4

Updated onMar 15, 2024 06:56 AM IST
Interested in this College ?
Get updates on Eligibility, Admission, Placements Fees Structure
BrochureFees Structure

About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a top public research university located in Oxford, England. It was established between 1249 and 1264 and is one of the oldest and largest higher education institutes in the UK. Oxford has around 100 academic departments governed by many faculties like Humanities, Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences. Oxford University is recognised globally and most of its schools and academic programmes are accredited by various global accrediting authorities.  

The University of Oxford’s acceptance rate stood at 18% approximately. The nearest deadline for UCAS applications for undergraduate admission is 16 October 2023 for the 2024 intake, whereas the application deadlines for postgraduate programmes are course-specific. Oxford University’s entry requirements for international students are a minimum aggregate of 90% in High School and 65% in Bachelor’s. English Proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, CPE, CAE, and letters of recommendation (LOR) as per the programme requirements.

Candidates for the MB ChB course at the University of Oxford must have received excellent scores in their fields of study at A-level or equivalent. They must also perform exceptionally on the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). International students will also need to fulfil the university's English language standards. Applications to the MBBS programme must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The application deadline generally falls in October of the year prior to the start of the course of study.

Oxford University rankings have stood among the top 10 in the world continuously. The university has several world-leading research centers and is at the forefront of research in areas of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Oxford academics have won numerous Nobel Prizes and other awards. Among them are 28 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international leaders, 55 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners. 

Oxford University rankings for 2024 are 5th in the QS and 1st in THE. It ranked at the number 2 position on the Complete University Guide University League Table for 2024. Some of Oxford University’s popular courses are medicine, law, computer sciences, English language and literature, sciences, archaeology and anthropology, engineering, history, and mathematics.

The University of Oxford is home to more than 26,000 students, out of which around 12,075 are international students from over 160 countries and territories, creating a global network of diverse student communities. Oxford is not a campus university, rather is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, 39 colleges, and halls, located around the centre of Oxford.

The university offers numerous amenities such as clubs, and societies, fitness classes, eateries, and study spaces. In addition to its academic excellence, Oxford is also a beautiful and historic city surrounded by museums, libraries, and other cultural attractions to enjoy.

Latest update at Oxford University

Depending on the intake a candidate is applying for each year, the application deadlines for admissions may change at the university.

The 2025 academic application deadline for undergraduate students at Oxford University is Tuesday, October 15, 2024, before 6 p.m. (UK time). Applicants can apply on the official website of UCAS.

Oxford University will begin accepting applications for semester 2024–25 in September 2024. This applies to graduate students.

Both undergraduates and graduates should pay a non-refundable application fee of GBP 75 in the admissions process via credit card or Mastercard.

Also Read: Work opportunities after study in the UK

How can I get admission in Oxford University from India?

Every student from every country can get admission to Oxford University, especially the majority of students from India, who came to pursue their desired course. Students can apply for admission through the UCAS online portal at Oxford University. Indian students should provide completion of the relevant Year 12/High School certificate and fulfil the requirements of the course of study. Due to the low acceptance rate, applicants must have good academic results to enhance their chances of getting admission to Oxford University.

University of Oxford Highlights

not-found
Year of Establishment1096
not-found
Institute TypeUniversity
not-found
OwnershipPublic/Government
not-found
Number Of Students27130
not-found
Campus Size1238 acres
not-found
Faculty Count14325
not-found
Acceptance Rate13%
not-found
Fee Range14.99 L - ₹52.95 L/yr
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 49%Female: 51%
Male: 49%Female: 51%
Student Demographic
  • Asian:   2905
  • European union:   2715
  • North American:   1810
  • Others:   1610
  • Indian:   305

University of Oxford Ranking and Stats

The University of Oxford rankings have consistently proved it as a topmost university in the world. In the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Oxford is ranked 1st for the eighth consecutive year followed by Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which are ranked second and third, respectively. The QS World University Ranking 2024 has placed Oxford in 3rd position following MIT and the University of Cambridge which have ranked 1st and 2nd respectively.

Oxford University has ranked 5th in the QS WUR Ranking By Subject and number 1 in the Europe University Rankings. The US News and World Report has ranked the University 5th in Best Global Universities in the World and 1st in the United Kingdom. The QS World University Ranking for MBA has ranked Oxford’s Said Business School at 8th while Times Higher Education has ranked it 3rd. The Financial Times Ranking for Said Business School is 28.

The Complete University Guide, 2024 ranked Oxford University 1st, whereas the Guardian University Rankings ranked Oxford 2nd in the UK. The subject-wise rankings of the University of Oxford given by the US News and World Report are mentioned in the table below.

University of Oxford Subject-wise Rankings by the US News and World Report, 2023

Subjects / Courses

World Rankings

Arts and Humanities

1

Social Sciences and Public Health

2

Environment/Ecology

3

Microbiology

4

Psychiatry/Psychology

5

Clinical Medicine/Mathematics

8

Biology and Biochemistry

9

Economics and Business

10

Computer Science

11

Physics

13

Neuroscience and Behavior

15

Education and Educational Research

17

Space Science

20

Surgery

21

Engineering

62


Is Oxford the number 1 university in the world?

Oxford University is considered as one of the  top universities in the world, because the university offers good instruction in every field of study in the United Kingdom. Oxford University was placed first in the United Kingdom by The Complete University Guide, 2024, and second  as per Guardian University Rankings in 2024 edition. In addition to offering many more courses than the current full-time degree courses, the university provides working individuals with an excellent opportunity to further their professions while following their preferred interests.

Ranking Body
THE
Subject
Overall

Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

Overall Score98.5
University rank1
Parameter Ranking
Citations
99
Industry Outcome
98.7
International Outlook
97.5
Research
100
Teaching
96.6

Ranking by year

Ranking

University of Oxford Courses

The University of Oxford offers more than 350 academic programmes across multiple disciplines. Oxford University courses such as Arts and Humanities, History, Biomedical Sciences, Economics and Business, MBA, Psychiatry/Psychology, and Computer Science, are among the top-ranked courses worldwide. Oxford Business College is 2nd in the world among business schools. Oxford England also offers short courses, international foundation programmes, part-time courses, and online courses during weekdays, weekends, single days, and more. 

The University of Oxford's MBBS programme is prestigious and extremely competitive, attracting students from all around the world. It is a six-year (72-month) course that provides a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. The degree is called MB ChB at Oxford. Graduates of the Oxford MB ChB programme are in great demand and pursue successful careers in medicine. Many graduates choose to specialise in a certain field of medicine, such as surgery, paediatrics, or psychiatry.

What courses are offered in Oxford University?

The University of Oxford provides around 350 courses of study in various fields. Some of the best courses in the world are offered at Oxford University, including those in computer science, psychology, biomedical sciences, history, economics and business, and arts and humanities.

Also Read: Top MS Courses in the UK

Education Level
Select
Stream
Select
Mode
Select
LevelPG
MajorHealth
Duration12 Months
Fees41.61 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorPhilosophy
Duration36 Months
Fees30.79 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorPharmacology
Duration36 Months
Fees33.34 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorPhysics
Duration36 Months
Fees33.34 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorLife
Duration36 Months
Fees33.34 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL
LevelDoctoral
MajorPaediatrics
Duration36 Months
Fees33.34 L/yr
Exams AcceptedIELTS,TOEFL

University of Oxford Affiliated Colleges

logoImg
Oxfordshire,England

University of Oxford Fees

CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
M.Sc.(86 courses)9 months-4 years₹16.30 L - ₹50.22 L/yr₹9.49 L - ₹50.22 L/yr
Ph.D(82 courses)3 years-4 years₹27.85 L - ₹40.95 L/yr₹9.49 L - ₹28.45 L/yr
M.Phil.(54 courses)1 year-2 years₹28.02 L - ₹37.26 L/yr₹9.82 L - ₹26.27 L/yr
B.A.(46 courses)1 year-4 years₹35.98 L - ₹46.86 L/yr₹9.80 L - ₹17.77 L/yr
M.A.(44 courses)9 months-2 years₹32.74 L - ₹52.95 L/yr₹14.80 L - ₹52.95 L/yr

University of Oxford Cost Of Living

The University of Oxford tuition fee for international students is significantly higher and ranges between GBP 33,050 and GBP 48,620 (INR 34,84,666 to INR 51,26,308) for undergraduate programmes and the fees for graduate programmes vary with the courses. The full-time study load comprises 120 UK credits for undergraduate and 180 UK credits for postgraduate according to the Higher Education Credit Framework for England. Also, the tuition fees are charged on the Modular (modules attended) and Annual (per year) basis.

Is it expensive to study at the University of Oxford?

The University of Oxford's cost of living is quite expensive yet affordable than universities like Harvard and MIT. Usually, the living costs for international students range between GBP 16,000 and GBP 25,000 per year excluding the tuition fees. As per the university’s official statistics, the estimated living costs fall between GBP 1,290 and GBP 1,840 per month in 2023-24, which includes facilities such as food, and accommodation in 44 University colleges. However, the actual cost of attendance depends on the course fee of the selected programme and the lifestyle choices of the students. The monthly living expenses of Oxford University are tabulated below:

Oxford University Cost Of Living for International Students

Cost Items

Living Costs Per Month in GBP

Living Costs for 9 Months in GBP

Food 

300-470

2,700-4,230

Accommodation 

715-860

6,435-7,740

Personal items

180-305

1,620-2,745

Social activities

40-90

360-810

Study costs

35-80

315-720

Other 

20-35

180-315

Total

1,290-1,840

11,610-16,560

Note: The costs are provided on a per-month basis so that students can multiply them with the duration of their stay to arrive at the budget requirements. Students must plan for an additional three-month fund though a term lasts only for six months to accommodate any unexpected expenses.

University of Oxford Admission and Application

Oxford University’s acceptance rate is calculated at around 18%(unofficial sources), which shows that the university admission criteria are extremely selective and competitive. The students must check all the admission requirements of their selected degree programme before applying to Oxford. The UG applicants apply via UCAS while PG applicants can apply through the university’s online application portal. 

How to Apply to the University of Oxford?

For the Oxford University admissions, applications can be submitted by following specific procedures. International students must check eligibility for Oxford University before proceeding to apply. The following guidelines and requirements must be followed by international students to ensure their application is processed properly for University of Oxford admissions. Students must check the availability of scholarships and visa requirements before applying.

Oxford University Application Process for Undergraduate Courses 

Undergraduate applicants must apply to the University of Oxford through UCAS.

  • Visit the university website-ox.ac.uk

  • 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 application, save the application form and print a copy.

Oxford University Application Process for Postgraduate Courses

The students must directly apply on the course pages on the Oxford University London website.

  • Visit the University of Oxford official website- ox.ac.uk.

  • 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.

University of Oxford Application Deadlines

Particulars Deadlines

UCAS application starts

June 2023 

Application Submission Starts

Early September 2023

UCAS Deadline

October 16, 2023 - 6 PM (UK Time)

Admission Test Registration Starts

September 1, 2023

Admission Test Registration Ends

September 29, 2023

Interviews

December 2023

Admission Offer

9th January, 2024

Oxford University Application Fees

Courses

Fees 

Fees in Indian rupee

Undergraduate Courses

£22.50

2,282 INR

Graduate Courses

£75

7,604 INR

MBA programmes

£150

15,208 INR

Documents required for University of Oxford Admission

The necessary documentation must accompany candidates applying for an application to the University of Oxford London admission, and international students must provide an additional set of documents. Submitting the documents will ensure the University of Oxford admission happens without issues.

  • Proof of previous degree and official academic transcripts.

  • A description of the grading system at the home university

  • English language test score report/certificate.

  • English language waiver evidence (if applicable)

  • Scholarship supporting statement

  • Proof of financial support

  • GRE certificate

  • Photocopy of the passport

  • UK student visa

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

  • References, mainly one academic reference (Letter of recommendation - LOR)

  • Portfolio

  • CV/resume

  • Official translations into English.

University of Oxford Scholarship

Oxford University offers various scholarships and financial assistance to its students across courses on all levels. Financial aid is available in three forms Oxford University bursaries, Educational loans, and external funding options. The scholarships and other financial aid provided by the University of Oxford can support all deserving students to cover Oxford fees for tuition, living costs in the UK, airfare costs, etc. although international students are not eligible for a tuition fee loan from the UK government. 

The scholarships for students do not need separate applications. Graduate and undergraduate students who apply within the December or January deadlines are automatically considered for eligible scholarships and will usually receive confirmation between February and June. for more detailed information, students can visit Oxford University’s official website. Some of the prominent scholarships that can be availed at Oxford are mentioned below. Along with these, Indian students can also check various other scholarships in the UK specifically designed for them to support their studies and stay in the UK.

Oxford University Scholarships for international students

University Scholarships

External Scholarships

Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship

Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship

Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship

Chevening Scholarships

Reach Oxford Scholarship

GREAT Scholarships

Clarendon Scholarship

National Overseas Scholarship

Felix Scholarships

Rotary Foundation Scholarship

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Rhodes Scholarship

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

QS Scholarships

Helmore Graduate Scholarships


How do I get a full scholarship to Oxford University?

Students just need to submit their graduate applications by the December or January deadline for their course to be eligible for most Oxford University scholarships. No additional supporting evidence is needed for loans, and there is no different application process for scholarships. For students enrolled in courses at all levels, Oxford University provides a range of scholarships and financial aid. Oxford University bursaries, education loans, and outside funding sources are the three ways that financial help is offered. 

University of Oxford Eligibility

Oxford University’s eligibility requirements vary with the course/s and applicants can check their eligibility under their selected degree course. However, the common eligibility criteria for Indian applicants across various degree programmes are listed here.

Undergraduate Admission

  • Applicants from the CBSE board must have secured a grade of A1 in any subjects relevant to the applied course.

  • Applicants from the CISCE board must have secured an overall grade of at least 90%, with 95% or above in four subjects (including any relevant to the course applied for) and 85% or above in the fifth subject. 

  • State board examinations and NIOS Year XII qualification are not accepted at the University of Oxford.

  • Must meet the English language proficiency requirements.

Postgraduate Admission

  • A 4-year bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 60% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions (Institutions of National Importance), or 70% for degrees awarded by other institutions or 

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0; 5.0 out of 7.0; 6.0 out of 8.0 or 8.0 out of 10.0; or

  • A 3-year bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 65% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions (Institutions of National Importance), or 70% for degrees awarded by other institutions.

  • Master’s degree holders from non-recognised institutions will be also eligible.

  • Must meet the English language proficiency requirements.

English Language Proficiency Requirements 

English language requirements of the University of Oxford require international students to demonstrate their proficiency in English. Applicants must provide evidence to prove their proficiency level in the form of English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, and CPE taken within two years before the course starts. The English test scores may vary with the course requirements. Applicants can get this requirement waived if,

  1. They have studied a degree-level course that is at least nine months in duration at a recognised institution where the primary language of instruction is English.

  2. Or have worked for a minimum of two years in a majority English-speaking country where the main language for the role was English.

The University also offers an online pre-sessional English course for international students preparing for graduate study at Oxford. The course will help students to achieve the required English proficiency level, provided they have an English language test result within the past two years.

Oxford University English Proficiency Test Scores

Tests / Minimum overall scores

Standard level requirement

Higher level requirement

TOEFL iBT

100

110

IELTS Academic

7.0

7.5

CAE or C1 Advanced

185

191

CPE or C2 Proficiency

185

191

Minimum scores required to enrol on the pre-sessional English course

Tests 

Minimum enrolment score for courses requiring standard-level

Minimum enrolment score for courses requiring higher level

TOEFL iBT

92 (21 minimum component)

100 (23 minimum component)

IELTS Academic

6.5 (6.0 minimum component)

7.0  (6.5 minimum component)

C1 Advanced

176

185

C2 Proficiency

176

185

University of Oxford Campus Facilities

Study Amenities

Library

The University of Oxford has a huge crowd of students, academicians, and the international research community therefore has a wide range of library services provided by more than 100 libraries, making it the largest library system in the UK.

Bodleian Libraries the principal library at Oxford university. It has been a library of legal deposit for 400 years, in the Bodleian Library group there are 26 other libraries including major research libraries and faculty, department, and other institute libraries. The University of Oxford facilities include college libraries, Oxford University Libraries A-Z, and SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online) the main search engine for library collections across Oxford. 

Sports

Sports

The University of Oxford is invested in the mental health and welfare of its students. For fitness, Oxford university has many gyms like the Main Gym, Outdoor Gym, and Performance Gym with top-notch equipment. The facilities at Oxford University are the Iffley Roads sports center, swimming pool, running tracks, racket sports, University Parks - Sports Pitches, and Marston Road Sports Ground.

There are around 79 sports that the students can join at the University of Oxford like Clay pigeon shooting, Croquet, Dinghy Sailing, Floorball, Ice Skating, K.O Krav, Korfball, Modern Pentathlon, Tai Chi Chuan, Ultimate Frisbee, and Windsurfing.  The university has fitness classes for students to join like Circuits, HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, stages cycling, Bodycon, TRX, Tabata, and Y-Bell.

Transportation

Parking Facility

The Oxford university has a parking facility, but the parking spaces are very limited. The parking facility is available for staff and students. Visitors are advised to not drive to the department. They can request a visitor parking place (subject to limited availability) via this reception request form.

Transport Facility

There is accessible transportation available at the University of Oxford like cycling. Students can hire bicycles, electric bikes, and e-scooters and can check out additional information at Bainton Bikes, Cycle Land, and Voi Scooters.

For bus transport, students can check Mobile Oxford for travel information and the two main bus companies are Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company. The University has a 10 per cent (off the standard price) discounted bus pass scheme covering 13 or 52-week season tickets from the Oxford Bus Company (including Thames Travel) and also for Stagecoach Oxford Tube. For train transport, students can purchase railcards that give 1/3 off the ticket prices to 16-25-year-olds, and full-time students over the age of 25.

Infrastructure

Cafeteria

The University of Oxford has many places around the university for students to eat, have fun and socialize. There are a number of cafes at the University of Oxford such as Ashmolean Museum- Basement café, Weston Library café, and Vaults Cafe, among others. These cafes serve Light lunches, snacks, drinks, Lunch, dinner, and cocktails. 

University of Oxford International Office Details

The University of Oxford is home to more than 26,000 students, out of which around 12,075 are international students from over 160 countries and territories making up 46% of the total student body (December 2022 data). Approximately 21% of undergraduate students are international citizens. The University of Oxford provides a lot of assistance for international students with immigration, visas, English language requirements, healthcare services, scholarships, accommodation, career support services, and others.

Is it hard to get into the University of Oxford for international students?

The University of Oxford’s acceptance rate is approximately 18% as per the unofficial sources. On average the university receives over 20,000 applications for approximately 3,250 places each year which makes the admission criteria highly competitive. International students are required to demonstrate an exceptionally excellent academic record as they are aiming to get admitted to the topmost university in the world. 

International students can contact the University of Oxford at the following details.

Address: University of Oxford, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD, United Kingdom

Phone No. +44 1865 270000

Fax: +44 1865 270708

Email Address: academicadmin.comms@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Graduate Admissions and Funding Team

Website: www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ask

Phone (admissions): +44 (0)1865 270059

University of Oxford Gallery

View All Photos And Videos

Gallery

View All Photos And Videos

FAQ's

Both Oxford and Harvard are the leading universities in the world and have been continuously ranked at the topmost positions. The Times Higher Education has ranked both Oxford and Harvard at 1st and 4th places respectively. In terms of rankings, Oxford is better and more affordable in comparison to Harvard University.

The University of Oxford is the number 1 ranked University in the World and has ranked 1st in the Times Higher Education Report, 2024, consecutively for the 8th year. Oxford is known for offering one of the best educations in the world and competition to get into the undergraduate level is intense. Oxford is not only known for its rich academics but is the oldest university in the English-speaking world that has been serving mankind.

 The University of Oxford fees for international students ranges between INR 36,00,000 to INR 45,00,000 for undergraduate courses, and for postgraduate courses, the tuition fee ranges from INR 16,00,000 to INR 48,00,000. However, the actual tuition fees vary with the courses and can be viewed on the university’s fees page. Fortunately, international students are covered with various scholarships such as Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship or Reach Oxford Scholarship to fund their education at Oxford University.

Oxford University is the topmost university in the world as its rankings suggest. The university requires Indian students to demonstrate a very high level of academic potential and extraordinary skill set in their chosen field. Oxford University entry requirements for Indian students include a minimum aggregate of 90%-95%in 12th from CBSE or ICSE Boards (the university does not accept State Boards results).

 And for PG admissions, the applicants must have a minimum 3.3 GPA out of 4.0 in bachelor’s from a university or institution of national importance. Along with these, Indian students must meet the English language proficiency requirements of the university through tests like IELTS/TOEFL/CAE/CPE, and the documents like academic certificates, transcripts, LORs, SOP, etc. should be submitted.

Oxford University is a top-ranked institution that welcomes students from all across the world. The fees for international students are higher than those for domestic students. The international tuition fee ranges between £33,050 and £48,620 for undergraduate programmes. However, the actual tuition fees vary with the courses across all academic levels of study. Hence, students can calculate their actual tuition fee by visiting the university’s official website at ox.ac.uk.

Oxford University is the number 1 university in the world and all the students aiming to get into the university must be well aware of the intense competition and prepare accordingly. The University of Oxford’s acceptance rate is approximately 18% which shows that the university is very selective in giving admission. Hence, students must demonstrate an excellent academic record and research aptitude to get into Oxford University.

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

  • student
    250M+

    Students

  • colleges
    30,000+

    Colleges

  • exams
    500+

    Exams

  • ebook
    1500+

    E-Books

  • certification
    12000+

    Cetifications

student
Mobile Screen

We Appeared in