Introduction
For those aspiring to enter the prestigious Oxford University, which consistently ranks among the top 10 universities globally, this blog provides a quick valuable insight and some interesting facts.
To name the Top 10 Universities in the World
According to various leading university ranking organizations, such as the QS World University Rankings, the top 10 universities in the world include: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Oxford, Harvard University, Imperial College London, Stanford University, the University of Cambridge, the National University of Singapore, ETH Zurich, California Institute of Technology, and UCL (University College London). Please note that the ranking order may change from year to year.
What Makes Oxford so Exclusive?
Oxford University is arguably the oldest among the top 10 universities and is considered the second oldest in the world. It is particularly renowned for its courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Year after year, Oxford has maintained its position as the number one university in global rankings, having been ranked first for nine consecutive years, from 2017 to 2025.
The faculty-to-student ratio at Oxford is low.
The university has over 26,000 students, composed of both undergraduates and postgraduates, approximately evenly split, with around 46% of students being international from over 160+ countries.
What is the probability of Getting Admission to Oxford University?
Each year, many aspirants, both from the UK and around the globe, apply to Oxford University. The rough acceptance ratio for undergraduate and graduate courses is about 17% to 20%, meaning that for every 100 applicants, 17 to 20 may receive admission. For instance, last year in 2024, there were around 23,000 undergraduate applicants.
The Basic Eligibility Criteria for Oxford
To qualify for admission, students must demonstrate a strong academic record and have a high GPA. Proficiency in English is essential, especially for non-native English speakers.
Typically, a score of 7.0 to 7.5 in IELTS is required, with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) for many of the programs.
Strong letters of recommendation from academic and professional references are also necessary. Applicants must be mindful of the application deadlines for their respective courses. For example, the deadline for undergraduate applications for the 2026 intake is likely to be October 15, 2025. Keep in mind that deadlines may vary by course, and there are over 240 courses available, each with variable/different fees.
To name a few notable alumni of Oxford
Oxford University boasts an alumni network of approximately 350,000 members, known as Oxonians, located worldwide. Notable alumni include Bobby Jindal, Indira Gandhi, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Hugh Grant, Stephen Hawking, Tariq Ali, Cornelia Sorabji, B.S. Blumberg, Emily Davison, Tony Blair, David Cameron, Oscar Wilde, Rupert Murdoch, Richard Burton, Amitav Ghosh, Nandini Das, and Soha Ali Khan.
Scholarships at Oxford
Oxford offers various scholarships and funds based on specific criteria and eligibility requirements. For instance, the Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship is available for Indian residents, particularly for the DPhil program.
The requirement for English language proficiency
For Indian students, demonstrating a good level of English language proficiency is necessary. Oxford accepts IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge (C1 or C2 proficiency), and the Oxford Test of English Advanced. For IELTS Academic, a band score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each of the four components is typically acceptable. However, for higher-level programs, a minimum overall score of 7.5 and at least 7.0 in each component is required.
The Basic Fee Structure of Oxford University
The tuition fees at Oxford University vary depending on the selected course, but a master's course can cost approximately GBP 88,000, equivalent to around INR 1 crore.
Summary
Feel free to contact us for guidance in your educational journey, especially for selecting the best university, course, and country options that are right for you. Also, contact us for IELTS preparation and any special English improvement, i.e., part of our Spoken English classes. Call or WhatsApp the School of Civilities at +91 9211470211.
Wishing you success in your education and career pursuits!