10 best international colleges in Oxford 2025
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Anna Chebotar.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-oxford-college-uk-university-rankings-hqsqlrmjz
- https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/mar/24/one-oxford-college-has-96-of-students-from-state-schools-how-did-they-do-it
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In 2022 - 66% of A Level students achieved A* - AUnited KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 6from 15100.00 £ / term
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In 2023 - 90% of A Level scores made up A- A*United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 8from 2250.00 £ / 2 weeks
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In 2023, 60% of students received A*–A grades based on A-level resultsUnited KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 7from 8495.00 £ / term
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In 2023 - 25% of the students scored 40 points IBUnited KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 6from 18749.00 £ / 27 weeks
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from 300.00 £ / week
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from 9270.00 £ / year
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In 2021 - 78% of A-level students achieved A*-BUnited KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 2from 150.00 £ / week
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from 5250.00 £ / 25 weeks
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from 7000.00 £ / year
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from 6100.00 £ / term
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.

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.
Alternative destinations
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
5 | MPW London |
6 | CATS Cambridge |
7 | Kensington Park |
8 | DLD London |
9 | King's College St Michael’s |
10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
11 | Chelsea Independent College |
12 | MPW Cambridge |
13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
14 | CATS London |
15 | St Clare's Oxford |
16 | Bishopstrow College |
17 | CATS Canterbury |
18 | Bellerbys London |
19 | Ealing Independent College |
20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
21 | Abbey Manchester |
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2025
1 | University of Toronto |
2 | McGill University |
3 | University of British Columbia |
4 | University of Alberta |
5 | Simon Fraser University |
6 | Montreal University |
7 | University of Windsor |
8 | York University |
9 | University of Guelph |
10 | McMaster University |
11 | University of Manitoba |
12 | University of Waterloo |
13 | Royal Roads University |
14 | Vancouver Film School |
15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
16 | University of Calgary |
17 | Dalhousie University |
18 | Fanshawe College |
19 | University of Ottawa |
20 | Laval University |
21 | Sheridan College |
22 | University of Regina |
23 | Brock University |
24 | Thompson Rivers University |
25 | Humber College |
26 | Vancouver Island University |
27 | Mohawk College |
28 | Centennial College Toronto |
29 | Niagara College |
30 | Capilano University |
31 | Seneca College |
32 | Algoma University |
33 | Saint Clair College |
34 | Douglas College |
35 | LaSalle College |
Literature and references
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University of Oxford colleges explored — the Times
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Last year one Oxford college admitted 96% of its students from state schools. How did they do it? — the Guardian
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Ranked: The Oxbridge colleges admitting the most private school kids
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The Best Universities in the World
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Want To Study Abroad? The 2023 Best Universities In Europe According To Worldwide Rankings — Forbes