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Studying at Oxford University?

Oxford University offers a great university experience.  Find out why our The Spireworks residents love studying there.

University experience

Welcome to our comprehensive introduction to the University of Oxford, a world-renowned institution celebrated for its academic excellence, rich history, and dynamic student life.

Established in 1096, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and has consistently been at the forefront of higher education. Known for its rigorous research, diverse range of disciplines, and unwavering commitment to intellectual growth, the University of Oxford continues to provide an unparalleled educational experience to students from around the globe.

About the University of Oxford

Oxford University boasts 39 colleges and approximately 100 major academic departments, spanning from medical sciences to humanities. The university is home to over 26,000 students. Reflecting a vibrant multicultural community, international students constitute nearly 45% of the total student body, representing over 160 countries and territories.

Oxford's notable alumni include actor Riz Ahmed, poet T.S. Eliot, physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, and Mark Thompson, CEO of the New York Times Company and former Director-General of the BBC.

Rankings

Oxford boasts some impressive accolades including ranking first in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024 for the 8th consecutive year.

Why Choose the University of Oxford?

The University of Oxford stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Choosing Oxford means joining a community of scholars dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making a global impact. Here are compelling reasons to choose the University of Oxford:

Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty, Oxford provides an unparalleled educational experience.

With a history dating back to 1096, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, steeped in rich traditions and scholarly achievements.

Oxford is a leading research institution, with extensive resources and opportunities for groundbreaking research across diverse fields.

The university hosts around 100 major academic departments and 39 colleges, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines from medical sciences to humanities.

Almost 45% of Oxford's student body comprises international students from over 160 countries, fostering a multicultural and inclusive environment.

Oxford's alumni network includes influential figures such as actor Riz Ahmed, poet T.S. Eliot, physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, and Mark Thompson, CEO of the New York Times Company and former Director-General of the BBC.

Graduating from Oxford opens doors to exceptional career prospects and access to a global network of professionals and leaders in various fields.

Oxford offers a dynamic and enriching student life with numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and events that cater to a wide range of interests.

Your home in Oxford

Experience stylish and modern student accommodation. With a range of stylish studios and a Dual Twin apartment option, The Spireworks is ideal for students that value the privacy of independent living, with each studio fully equipped with everything you need.

The Spireworks

163 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UT

Benefit from a fully equipped gym, cinema room and loads of social and study spaces. Meet new residents via our events programme featuring cooking classes, cocktail nights, yoga classes and more!

The Spireworks

Life at The Spireworks

View life at aparto The Spireworks, our events and what else our residents have been up to!

How to Apply to the University of Oxford

Applying to the University of Oxford is a structured process designed to identify the most passionate and capable students. Here’s a brief guide to help you through the application process:

Choose your course and check requirements: Select your course and review the specific entry requirements, including academic qualifications and any required tests or written work.

Prepare and submit your application: Undergraduate applicants use UCAS, while postgraduate applicants apply through Oxford's graduate admissions website. Ensure your application includes all required documents and is submitted by the deadline.

Interviews and decisions: If shortlisted, attend the interview. Await the decision and, if offered a place, accept the offer and prepare for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the University of Oxford, applicants must meet specific requirements, which vary by course. Below is a summary of the general and course-specific requirements:

General Academic Requirements:

  • A-levels or equivalent qualifications are required.
  • International qualifications are accepted, refer to the course pages for specific details.
  • Certain courses have specific subject requirements, particularly in the sciences.

English Language Proficiency:

  • Demonstrate high proficiency in English through recognised tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
  • Possible exemptions for students with relevant qualifications or who have studied in English.

Course-Specific Requirements:

You can find specific course requirements here.

Entrance Exams and Written Work:

  • Some courses require entrance tests (e.g., MAT for Mathematics, LNAT for Law).
  • Written work submissions may be required for specific courses (e.g., English Literature, Modern Languages, History).

For detailed information on specific courses, entry requirements, and the application process, please refer to the University of Oxford’s official course admission requirements page.

University Fees

The course fees at Oxford are determined by your fee status, which can be either Home or Overseas. Here's a summary of the key points regarding university fees:

Course Fees:

  • Course fees cover tuition, supervision, academic services, and facilities provided by the University and the colleges.
  • Course fees for matriculated students are published as a single figure, combining University and college services.

Home Students:

  • Home students undertaking their first undergraduate degree can access a tuition fee loan from the UK government to cover the full amount of their course fee.
  • Students with previous undergraduate degrees are classified as ELQ students and are not eligible for financial support from Oxford or the UK government.

Overseas Students:

  • Overseas students are charged significantly higher course fees, which vary depending on the program of study.
  • Overseas students are not eligible for tuition fee loans from the UK government.
  • Clinical medicine fees for overseas students are considerably higher and can be found in the dedicated Fees and Funding section of the Medicine course page.

For detailed information on specific course fees please refer to the University of Oxford’s official fees page.

Scholarships

Oxford offers various scholarships and bursaries to support students financially. Here's a brief overview:

Crankstart Scholarships for UK Students:

  • For UK-resident undergraduates with a household income of £32,500 or less.
  • Includes a non-repayable bursary, funded internships, volunteering opportunities, and social events.

Oxford Bursaries for Home Fee Status Students:

  • For UK students or Republic of Ireland nationals from lower-income households, studying their first undergraduate degree.
  • Also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students with settled or pre-settled status in the UK.
  • The bursary amount depends on household income and no separate application is required.

Other Oxford Scholarships:

  • Hill Foundation Scholarship: For Russian nationals studying a second undergraduate degree.
  • Palgrave Brown Scholarship: For students from specified Eastern European countries or Norfolk/Suffolk residents.
  • Reach Oxford Scholarship: For students from low-income countries, covering course fees, living costs, and return airfare.
  • Dr Ateh Jewel Foundation Awards: For UK residents of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Undergraduate Scholarship: For UK residents from Muslim communities, covering course fees and living expenses.

For more details on these and other scholarships, as well as external funding opportunities, visit the University of Oxford’s official scholarships page.

Key Dates

The University of Oxford provides key dates for the following:

Student life at The University of Oxford

Join one of over 400 societies and take part in fun events and activities.

Whether you want to discover a new interest or build on an existing talent, there’s something for everyone. From Board Game Society, Handball, Surf Club and Trees For Our Future. 

Find out more

Is it Hard to Get into the University of Oxford?

Gaining admission to the University of Oxford is highly competitive. The selection process is rigorous, requiring outstanding academic achievements, impressive test scores, and a compelling personal statement. Candidates often need to undergo entrance exams and interviews. Despite the challenges, thorough preparation and a strong application can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted. Oxford seeks passionate, dedicated, and academically talented students from around the world.

Undergraduate

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is known for its strong undergraduate offerings, especially in Humanities, Sciences, and Medical Sciences. The History program provides thorough training in historical analysis and research, with a curriculum that covers a wide range of periods and regions. The Biological Sciences courses emphasize practical laboratory work and field research. The Medical School, renowned globally, offers in-depth clinical training alongside pioneering medical research. Oxford's Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program integrates these disciplines to tackle complex societal issues, preparing students for diverse careers in public policy, academia, and beyond.

Undergraduate Courses

Postgraduate

University of Oxford

At the postgraduate level, Oxford is well-regarded in Law, Business, and Computer Science. The Law School offers an extensive range of specialisations with hands-on experiences and cutting-edge legal research. The Business School provides advanced management and finance programs, emphasising innovative leadership and global perspectives. The Computer Science department offers a comprehensive study of algorithms, AI, and software engineering, supported by world-class research opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.

Postgraduate Courses

The University of Oxford Address

Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD

Location

The University of Oxford is located in the historic city of Oxford. Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, Oxford offers an inspiring setting for academic pursuits. 

The city is home to a blend of ancient and modern, with cobblestone streets, picturesque colleges, and numerous museums, theatres, and cafes. Oxford is well-connected by rail and road, making it easily accessible from London and other major cities.

The Spireworks, aparto’s modern student accommodation in Oxford, offers vibrant student living designed to provide the best experience. Located a short walk from the colleges, it features new common spaces, a cinema room, a games room, a modern gym, and a fully equipped yoga studio. The Spireworks is your home-away-from-home, offering a perfect balance of inspiration and relaxation in the stunning surroundings of Oxford.

    Reaching the University of Oxford is convenient, thanks to its excellent transport links.

    By Train: Oxford train station offers regular services to London and other parts of the UK, making it a quick and efficient way to travel.

    By Bus: The Oxford Tube bus service runs 24/7, providing a direct route to London in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

    By Car: Oxford is well-connected to the rest of the UK via major motorways. The M40 links Oxford to London and Birmingham, while the A34 connects to the M4 for access to Bristol, Reading, and Southampton. The A40 provides a route towards Gloucester and Wales.

    These various options make it easy for students and visitors to reach the city of Oxford.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Gaining admission to the University of Oxford is highly competitive, requiring excellent academic achievements, strong test scores, and a compelling personal statement. Applicants often undergo rigorous entrance exams and interviews.

    The acceptance rate at the University of Oxford is typically around 17%, reflecting the university's highly selective admission process.

    The University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities globally, often placing in the top five in various world university rankings.

    Yes, the University of Oxford is renowned for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and outstanding research output, making it one of the best universities in the world.

    Yes, the University of Oxford is highly supportive of international students, offering a multicultural environment, various support services, and numerous scholarships and financial aid options.

    The Spireworks, aparto’s student residence in Oxford, offers modern, vibrant living spaces within walking distance of the colleges.