History, Affiliations and Rankings

Oxford University is a unique and historic institution as the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Although there is no precise date of establishment, teaching began in some form at Oxford in 1096 and grew rapidly after Henry II prohibited English students from attending the University of Paris in 1167. The University of Oxford is a large coeducational UK higher education institution that has been recognized/chartered by the Privy Council. The university is affiliated with the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), Russell Group, Europaeum, European University Association (EUA), Golden Triangle, G5, League of European Research Universities (LERU), Science and Engineering South (SES) and Universities UK. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings from 2017 to 2022, Oxford University ranks #1 in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2022, Oxford ranks #2, with a total of 99.5 points.

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

There are 39 Oxford colleges, each of which is financially self-sufficient and self-governing but is linked to the University in a federal system. There are also six permanent private halls, which are similar to colleges but are smaller and were established by specific Christian denominations. In order to organize teaching and research, the colleges and the University collaborate. The University offers centralized student services, such as career counselling and library, laboratory, and museum resources. Medical Sciences; Mathematics, Physical, and Life Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences are the four academic divisions that oversee the roughly 100 major academic departments. 

Accomplishments and Alumni 

The University of Oxford is well-known around the world for its teaching, research, and societal contributions. The university combines a rich history and tradition with a modern university's innovative and forward-thinking approach. Professors Dame Sarah Gilbert, Teresa Lambe, Sir Andrew Pollard, and Fiona Powrie were awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership of the British Society for Immunology in 2021 for their outstanding contributions to immunology. Six Oxford professors were elected to the Royal Society's Fellowship in 2021. The University of Oxford makes a £15.7 billion contribution to the UK economy and employs over 28,000 people full-time. Throughout the University's history, gifted men and women have studied or taught at the University. Known as Oxonians, notable alumni of Oxford University include 28 British Prime Ministers among them, as well as at least 30 world leaders, 55 Nobel Laureates, and 120 Olympic medalists. 

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

There are over 25,000 students at Oxford, with 12,510 undergraduates and 13,044 postgraduates. International students account for nearly 11,500 students, or 45%of the total student body, including 23% of undergraduates and 6% of graduate students. Students come to Oxford from more than 160 countries and territories. The largest groups of international students come from the USA, China, Germany, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Australia, Italy, France, and Poland.  Six months after graduation, over 91% of Oxford graduates are employed or enrolled in further education. Some of the top recruiters from the University of Oxford are Deloitte, Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey and Company and HSBC.