8 best universities in Oxford 2025

Universities in Oxford for international students. Guide for foreign students

For over 800 years, Oxford has reigned as the most renowned educational institution globally, known for its sterling academic reputation. Situated amidst the resplendent historical structures, Oxford offers students the unique chance to relish breathtaking landscapes. As the world's second-oldest university and Britain's inaugural official institution, its inception likely traces back to the 11th century.

Today, Oxford stands proudly amongst the top 20 universities in the UK, an esteemed member of the elite Russell Group.

This venerable institution's history intertwines seamlessly with the city that cradles it, nestled centrally, just 90 kilometers from London.

The city's heart is adorned by Carfax towers and St. Mary's Church bell towers, providing panoramic vistas of Oxford's picturesque landscapes.

Christ Church College, an edifice crafted during Henry VIII's reign, boasts the famous "Old Tom" bell, which has chimed every evening for countless years. Housing an impressive collection of 6 million books, the Bodleian stands as Oxford's largest library.

What sets Oxford apart from most universities is its unique student-tutor system, fostering personalized education.

A hallmark of Oxford is its collegiate system, comprising 30 independent small universities. These colleges offer libraries, classrooms, laboratories, and student lodgings. Some colleges have thrived for nearly a millennium, predating the concept of a unified university. A central administration collaborates with these colleges to ensure cohesion, forging a common framework regarding student admissions and investment in academia.

Oxford students fall into two broad categories: undergraduates (bachelors) and postgraduates (masters, individuals holding prior higher education degrees). In terms of bachelors, Oxford remains relatively modest in size, hosting approximately 20,000 students. In contrast, a multitude of masters from across the globe seek enrollment.

Competition is fierce, particularly for popular subjects like PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics), where competition often averages 20 applicants per available slot. In contrast, language courses tend to be less competitive.

Admission process to Universities in Oxford for international students

All students undergo interviews as part of the admission process. While British and European students typically attend in person, international students can opt for Skype interviews.

Interviewers aim to discern the applicant's passion for the subject, why they aspire to study at Oxford, and their readiness to tackle the academic challenges that lie ahead. Professors seek students who can stimulate their own intellectual growth, making the teaching experience more rewarding. The goal isn't merely to admit the best students from top schools but to identify those genuinely committed to mastering their chosen subject and advancing its academic frontiers.

Contrary to popular belief, studying at Oxford isn't prohibitively expensive. The British education system provides students with loans covering tuition and living expenses. Moreover, the lower a student's family income, the more substantial the loan.

Universities in Oxford. Cost and Fees for international students

Tuition for UK students amounts to £9,000 per year. Families with incomes below £60,000 annually benefit from reduced first-year fees of £3,000.

Oxford University offers numerous scholarships and grants, providing ample opportunities for free education, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, surpassing many other institutions.

For international students, tuition fees are notably higher, mirroring the trend in other British universities. Nonetheless, many countries provide scholarships for their students to study at Oxford, with numerous Americans availing themselves of this option. Interestingly, there are more postgraduate international students than undergraduates, as it's a more accessible and sensible path, often accompanied by scholarships for further education.

A distinctive feature of studying at Oxford is the degree of freedom afforded in managing your time. Although lectures are available, attendance isn't compulsory, and many students prefer independent study. Group work is interspersed with individual projects, with students often connecting through associations and social or sporting events.

Oxford is a hive of activity, nurturing politicians of global renown. Many students actively participate in political parties and their associated associations, contributing significantly to international politics during their academic journey.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What advice do you have for those who want to go to top universities in the UK? 

Carefully consider all the information about the university of interest, including the cost - prices vary greatly, so you need to understand what options you will financially pull. Carefully prepare for tests in English (IELTS in the first place) - this will be needed for admission to any British university. Consider the courses that interest you more than others, and check the academic requirements for them, make sure that you have time to study this area well in your high school.