10 best international colleges in Oxford 2025

Navigating Oxford's Esteemed Colleges for Postgraduate Study

In Oxford, students embarking on master's and postgraduate courses are not merely part of their respective faculties but also belong to precise colleges within the University of Oxford. Oxford boasts a total of 38 colleges, with seven exclusively admitting postgraduate students pursuing master's and PhD programs.

These colleges serve as interdisciplinary communities, housing professors, students, and university administrators. They provide an array of resources to students living within their confines, including access to libraries, electronic resources, organization of numerous sports and social events, and more.

When selecting a college, don't forget to consider key factors:

• Opportunities and Resources: Assess the academic, organizational, and social opportunities and resources available.
• Living Conditions and Catering: Examine the living conditions and the availability of dining facilities.
• Financial Support: Explore options for financial aid offered to students.
• Location: Consider the college's location within Oxford.
• Admission Conditions: Check whether the college admits postgraduate students from specific faculties.

During the admission process, you could specify your chosen college (first choice) and a backup option (second preference). In the event you do not secure admission to your chosen colleges, the institution will forward your application to colleges with available slots. Once admitted to a college, you cannot change to another.

Ranking of Top Colleges in Oxford for International Students

• Balliol College: Founded in 1263, Balliol College is one of the oldest and most low priced colleges in Oxford, established by a wealthy landowner from Barnard Castle.
• Lady Margaret Hall: Situated close to the River Sherwell in north Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall enjoys a picturesque place near the main university parks.
• Somerville College: Founded in 1879 as Somerville Hall, it was one of the first women's colleges at the University of Oxford, recognised for its affordability and quality.
• Brasenose College: Recognized as an official Queen's Hall, Brasenose College dates back to 1509, with additions like the library and chapel made in the mid-17th century.
• Bucksmore, d'Overbroecks: This summer program, affiliated with one of the UK's top boarding schools, offers exposure to diverse professions for students aged 13-18 with intermediate English proficiency. The price for a 2-week program is £3,400.
• Oxford International College: Providing comprehensive preparation for access into leading universities globally, this college offers classic British programs like GCSE and A-Levels. Tuition costs start from £17,460 per year.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements include excellent grades and English proficiency. For international students, requirements vary and may include qualifications such as A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), American SAT, or ACT scores. In some cases, completing the first year of an undergraduate degree from another university may suffice. Minimum scores may include Internet-TOEFL (100 points), IELTS (7.0), A-Levels (AAA or AAA*), IB (38), SAT-Critical Reading (1400), SAT-Math (1400), SAT-Writing (700), and SAT-Subject Test (700).

Housing

Colleges offer different housing conditions, with a few providing accommodation only for the first year, while others offer it for the whole length of study. Consider the fee and room options, as some colleges are housed in historic buildings with lovely views. Availability of kitchen facilities for self-catering may vary. All colleges normally offer libraries, common areas, and dining facilities, but other amenities may vary, so it's beneficial to inquire about specific conditions.

Jake Wilson

Russia, the CIS and Europe Students Admission Regional Director at the National Mathematics and Science College

What subjects have been most commonly chosen in recent years?

STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is becoming incredibly popular: it is logical, because it is the real key to the future, capable of providing you with a great job and a high salary. Biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, mathematics are consistently popular because they are basic to any STEM degree.