Who won’t want to study at Oxford University if given a chance? The second-oldest, most prestigious university in the English-speaking world inspires greatness in students worldwide just by its name. With its tradition of academic excellence throughout the centuries, it is not hard to imagine the Oxford University acceptance rate at just 17%. After all, the renowned institute has produced many diamonds in the past, including 28 British PMs and 160 Nobel Laureates. So, if you wish to study in UK, in particular at Oxford University, let’s discuss in detail the acceptance rate of Oxford University for international students, along with its top courses, global rankings, entry requirements and admission process.
Founding Year | 1096 (approx) |
Location | Oxford, England |
Oxford University Acceptance Rate | 17.5% |
Ranking | #1 (THE World Rankings 2025) #3 (QS World Rankings 2025) |
Type | Collegiate university |
Colleges | 44 independent colleges, each with its own history and character |
Students | Around 25,000, from over 160 countries |
English Language Tests accepted | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
Standardized tests (for PG programs) | GMAT, GRE |
Application Fee | GBP 75 |
Notable Alumni | 28 British Prime Ministers, Oscar Wilde, Stephen Hawking, Malala Yousafzai (and many more!) |
Nobel Laureates | Over 160 |
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Also Read: Which is the Oldest University in England? Read About it Here!
Oxford University Acceptance Rate 2025
As of 2025, the Oxford University acceptance rate is around 16.6% for international students. Being hallowed as it is, the institute is very competitive when it comes to admissions. Oxford provides 3,300 undergraduate, 5,500 postgraduate and 120 doctoral programs through the 44 constituent colleges under it. They cover a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and mathematics.
Particulars | UG Applicants | Graduates |
Total Number of applicants | 23,000 | 38,000 |
Acceptance Rate | 3,300 | 5,500 |
Top Courses at Oxford University
With the low Oxford University acceptance rate, the institution offers world-class education to its learners. From History and English to cutting-edge fields like Quantum Computing and Bioethics, here are some disciplines that are popular among students:
- Medicine: GBP 53,475
- Law: GBP 45,000
- Business Administration: GBP 45,100
- Computer Science: GBP 35,580
- Physics: GBP 36,500
- English Literature: GBP 34,425
- Psychology: GBP 36,500
- Biochemistry: GBP 36,500
Oxford University Acceptance Rate: Entry Requirements
Since the acceptance rate of Oxford University is highly selective, so is its entry criteria for each of its programs. Here are some general requirements that every student needs to fulfil:
Academic qualifications: For Undergraduate Applicants
- A strong track record of academic excellence in your national qualifications, typically equivalent to AAA in A-levels, 38-40 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB) with 6s and 7s in HL subjects, or an average of 85% or above in the European Baccalaureate.
- Some courses may have specific subject requirements beyond high grades.
For Graduate Applicants
- A strong undergraduate degree, usually equivalent to a first-class honours degree in the UK system (85% or ‘A‘ average, GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0) or a strong upper second-class degree (2:1 or 65%, GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0).
- Additional standardized test scores like GMAT or GRE.
English language proficiency: All applicants, regardless of nationality, must demonstrate proficiency in English. The minimum scores required are
- IELTS – 7.0
- TOEFL – 100
- C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced)
Also Read: Oxford University Notable Alumni
Documents Required
Once you qualify the Oxford University acceptance rate and its eligibility criteria, your application package will need to include the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Standardized test scores like GRE and GMAT (if applicable)
- English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Additional documents specific to your chosen program (research proposals, portfolios)
Oxford University Acceptance Rate: Admission Process
The application process for Oxford University is competitive and rigorous. Here’s a general overview of what you need to do once you are deemed eligible to apply by the Oxford University acceptance rate:
- Choose your program: Research your options thoroughly and select the program that best aligns with your academic interests and career aspirations.
- Check the entry requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum academic and language proficiency standards for your chosen program.
- Prepare your application materials: Gather all the required documents and meticulously craft your personal statement and letters of recommendation.
- Submit your application: Meet the application deadlines and submit your complete application package through the UCAS system.
- Interview: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview, usually held online or in person, to assess your suitability for the program.
- Decision: You’ll receive your admission decision via email after the interview process.
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FAQs
Ans: Oxford doesn’t release a single acceptance rate for all international students. It varies depending on several factors, such as:
1. The specific course you’re applying for: Acceptance rates can range from as low as 5% for highly competitive courses like Medicine to around 20% for some Humanities programs.
2. Your home country: Some countries with strong academic pipelines to Oxford might have slightly higher acceptance rates.
3. The year you’re applying: Application numbers and competition can fluctuate annually.
Ans: Generally, yes, it’s slightly more challenging for international students to secure a place at Oxford compared to UK students due to higher competition, additional requirements and visa restrictions.
Ans: Getting accepted to Oxford, regardless of your background, requires hard work and dedication. Here’s what you can do to be counted in the Oxford University acceptance rate and secure a seat at the prestigious institute:
1. Start early and research the specific course you’re interested in, its entry requirements, and the application process.
2. Familiarize yourself with Oxford’s academic culture and expectations.
3. Aim for top grades in your high school or undergraduate studies.
4. Meet or exceed the required English language proficiency score for your course.
5. Showcase your unique academic interests, talents, and motivations for studying at Oxford. Be specific and genuine in your writing.
We hope that this blog gave you a complete insight into the Oxford University acceptance rate for international students. Discover more such universities to study abroad by subscribing to Leverage Edu and all our social media handles. You can also give us a call at 1800572000 for a free 30-minute counselling session to kickstart your study abroad journey. Thank you for reading!