University of Oxford
University of Oxford overview
The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. It is widely recognized for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and rich history. The university dates back to the 12th century, with the first official record of teaching dating to 1096. The exact founding date remains uncertain, but the university has been in continuous operation for over 900 years.
The University of Oxford is made up of 39 self-governing colleges and 6 permanent private halls, each with its own unique character and traditions. These colleges and halls provide students with accommodation, academic support, and a strong sense of community. The university operates a collegiate system, which means that students and faculty belong to both a central university and one of the colleges or halls.
Oxford offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and medical sciences. The university has a strong emphasis on research, and many of its academic departments are world leaders in their respective fields.
Some notable alumni of the University of Oxford include renowned authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, world leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Bill Clinton, and prominent scientists, including Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. The university has a longstanding association with the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world's most prestigious scholarships for international students. The University of Oxford has a rich cultural and academic heritage, with its famous spires, historic buildings, and beautiful gardens contributing to the city's unique atmosphere.
As a center of learning and scholarship, Oxford has fostered many great minds and continues to shape the academic landscape worldwide.
About University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. It is widely recognized for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and rich history. The university dates back to the 12th century, with the first official record of teaching dating to 1096. The exact founding date remains uncertain, but the university has been in continuous operation for over 900 years.
The University of Oxford is made up of 39 self-governing colleges and 6 permanent private halls, each with its own unique character and traditions. These colleges and halls provide students with accommodation, academic support, and a strong sense of community. The university operates a collegiate system, which means that students and faculty belong to both a central university and one of the colleges or halls.
Oxford offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and medical sciences. The university has a strong emphasis on research, and many of its academic departments are world leaders in their respective fields.
Some notable alumni of the University of Oxford include renowned authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, world leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Bill Clinton, and prominent scientists, including Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. The university has a longstanding association with the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world's most prestigious scholarships for international students. The University of Oxford has a rich cultural and academic heritage, with its famous spires, historic buildings, and beautiful gardens contributing to the city's unique atmosphere.
As a center of learning and scholarship, Oxford has fostered many great minds and continues to shape the academic landscape worldwide.
University of Oxford faculties and programs
Theology
Surgical Sciences (Research)
Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
Oncology (Research)
Paediatrics
Pharmacology
Philosophical Theology
Philosophy
Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics
Political Theory Research
University of Oxford scholarships and financial aid
The University of Oxford offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students. While some scholarships are specific to certain countries or regions, others are open to students from all over the world. Many individual colleges within the University of Oxford offer their own scholarships for international students. These may be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific subject areas. Some academic departments at the University of Oxford also offer scholarships for international students.
University of Oxford Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Oxford
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate
International Baccalaureate
- A total score of 38, 39 or 40 points (depending on the course) including core points, with 6s and 7s in subjects taken at the Higher level.
- Any Oxford courses that specify a requirement for Mathematics will accept both Analysis and Approaches and Application and Interpretation courses at the Higher Level (HL), with the exception of Chemistry. For Chemistry, applicants must have taken either of the Mathematics courses at HL, or the Analysis and Approaches course at the Standard Level (SL), depending on their other chosen subjects.
European Baccalaureate
- An average of 85% or above, with scores of between 8 and 9 in subjects specified at A-level or equivalent.
International A-Levels
- International A-levels, offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA, are considered equivalent to UK GCE A-levels, with grades matching up on a one-to-one basis.
- Please note that the University of Oxford does not accept the Cambridge Assessment International Education A-Levels.
- Offers for students studying A-Levels range between AAA and A*A*A
- A*A*A: Chemistry, Engineering Science, Mathematics, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics and Statistics
- A*AA: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, Earth Sciences (Geology), Economics and Management, Geography, Materials Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Medicine, Physics, Physics and Philosophy, Psychology (Experimental), Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL)
- AAA: Archaeology and Anthropology, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, Classics, Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classics and English, Classics and Modern Languages, English Language and Literature, English and Modern Languages, European and Middle Eastern Languages, Fine Art, History, History (Ancient and Modern), History and Economics, History and English, History and Modern Languages, History and Politics, History of Art, Human Sciences, Law (Jurisprudence), Modern Languages, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Music, Philosophy and Modern Languages, Philosophy and Theology, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Theology and Religion
For students from the US
- Either Four APs at grade 5 (including any subjects required for the course you are applying to), or
- Three APs at grade 5 (including any subjects required for the course you are applying to) plus a score of 33 or above in the ACT or 1480 or above (out of 1600) in the SAT.
Certificate in English Proficiency (for students from countries whose first language is not English)
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE, CPE.
In addition, Oxford University may require applicants to sit various exams (BMAT, CAT, Oxford ELAT, HAT, LNAT, etc.) and obtain a sufficient score in line with the admission requirements specific to the program applicant is applying to.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Graduate
- Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High Grade Point Average
- Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant during college/university education
- Work experience may be required for certain programs
- Certificate in English Proficiency (for students from countries whose first language is not English)
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAE, CPE.
- GRE/GMAT exam score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.
- In addition, Oxford University may require applicants to sit various exams and obtain a sufficient score in line with the admission requirements specific to the program applicant is applying to.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Oxford application process.
Take a closer look at University of Oxford
The University of Oxford does not have a traditional centralized campus like many other universities. Instead, it is spread throughout the city of Oxford, with its numerous colleges, academic departments, libraries, museums, and other facilities interwoven with the urban landscape. This unique layout gives the university a distinctive character, blending the historic and the modern. Oxford's colleges, which serve as the university's primary residential and academic communities, are scattered throughout the city.
Each college has its own unique architectural style, ranging from the medieval grandeur of Magdalen College and Christ Church to the more contemporary designs of St. Catherine's College and Wolfson College. The colleges often have picturesque quads (quadrangles), surrounded by residential and academic buildings and dining halls. The college gardens and green spaces are also a notable feature of the university's setting.
In addition to the colleges, the university's academic departments, research centers, and administrative buildings are dispersed across the city. The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the main research library of the university, houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents. The Radcliffe Camera, an iconic circular building that is part of the Bodleian Library, serves as a reading room for both students and researchers.
The Clarendon Building houses administrative offices and formerly served as the main printing house for the university. The Sheldonian Theatre, a historic venue designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is used for university ceremonies, concerts, and public lectures. Additionally, University of Oxford's museums include the Ashmolean Museum (art and archaeology), the Museum of Natural History, and the Pitt Rivers Museum (anthropology and world archaeology).
The city of Oxford is often referred to as the "City of Dreaming Spires," a term coined by the poet Matthew Arnold, due to its stunning skyline of Gothic and neo-Gothic architecture. The university's buildings and their surroundings contribute to the city's unique atmosphere, offering a blend of history, culture, and academic excellence.
Campus life at the University of Oxford combines academic rigor, rich traditions, and a vibrant social scene. The university's collegiate system plays a significant role in shaping student life, as each college has its own distinct atmosphere, facilities, and traditions. Students typically live, dine, and socialize within their respective colleges. Each college provides accommodation, dining facilities, and common rooms for students to relax and interact with their peers.
Colleges often organize events, such as formal dinners, guest lectures, and social gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community among their members.
Oxford is known for its tutorial system, in which students meet one-on-one or in small groups with their tutors to discuss their subjects in depth. This personalized teaching approach encourages independent learning and intellectual exploration. Students usually attend lectures, seminars, and practical sessions organized by their academic departments alongside their college tutorials. There are over 400 clubs and societies at Oxford, catering to a wide range of interests, including sports, music, drama, politics, and more.
These organizations provide opportunities for students to pursue their hobbies, develop new skills, and make friends with similar interests.
The university has a strong tradition of sports, with many colleges boasting their own sports teams and facilities. Additionally, there are university-wide teams that compete against other institutions, including the annual Oxford-Cambridge competitions, such as the Boat Race and the Varsity Matches in rugby and other sports. Oxford has a lively social scene, with a range of events taking place throughout the year. These include college balls, which are formal events with live music, dancing, and entertainment; the annual May Day celebrations; and various cultural festivals and performances.
The university and its colleges offer various support services to help students navigate academic and personal challenges. These include college tutors, welfare officers, counseling services, and career advice. Students can take advantage of the city's rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Oxford offers numerous museums, galleries, historic buildings, parks, and scenic spots, making it an inspiring environment for students to live and study in.
University of Oxford has produced many notable alumni in various fields. Some of the most well-known and accomplished alumni of the University of Oxford include:
- William of Ockham
- Erasmus
- Sir Thomas More
- William Henry Drayton
- John Ford
- Edmund Halley
- William Harvey
- Thomas Hobbes
- Samuel Johnson
- John Locke
- William Penn
- Sir Thomas Beecham
- Gertrude Bell
- Lewis Carroll
- John Ruskin
- Frederick Soddy
- Oscar Wilde
- Tony Abbott
- Dame Josephine Barnes
- Sir Tim Berners-Lee
- Tony Blair
- William Boyd
- Cecil Day Lewis
- Sir John Eccles
- T S Eliot
- Malcolm Fraser
- William Fulbright
- Tony Hall
- Dorothy Hodgkin
- Aldous Huxley
- Imran Khan
- Neil MacGregor
- Emperor Naruhito of Japan
- Rosamund Pike
- Oliver Smithies
- J R R Tolkien
University of Oxford awards and achievements
- 73 Nobel Prize Laureates
- 4 Fields Medalists
- 6 Turing Award Winners
- 28 Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom
- 160 Olympic Medal Winners
University of Oxford Frequently Asked Questions
University of Oxford Location
Oxford, United Kingdom
University of Oxford Contact
University of Oxford
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of Oxford
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why University of Oxford?
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