UNITED KINGDOM · OXFORD
University of Oxford
public · Founded 1096 · Languages: en
In short
The University of Oxford is a world-renowned institution offering a wide range of academic programs within a historic collegiate system. It provides access to leading academics and research facilities, with estimated living costs and various scholarship opportunities available for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1096
- Students
- 19,791
- International students
- 11,000
- Acceptance rate
- 17%
- Tuition (intl)
- €38–56k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Oxford, United Kingdom
The University of Oxford is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, offering a unique academic experience rooted in rich history and a collegiate system. Students benefit from working with leading academics, world-class libraries, laboratories, museums, and diverse collections across a wide array of subjects. Oxford is dedicated to addressing global challenges through its research and education, focusing on areas like climate change, health, and societal issues. The university provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the various courses and understand the application process. Oxford fosters an environment of excellence, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing significantly to global discourse and breakthroughs.
Why study here
- Access to world-class academic resources, including libraries, laboratories, and museums.
- Opportunity to work alongside leading academics in your field.
- Experience a unique collegiate system that fosters community and personalized support.
- Engage in impactful research addressing major global challenges.
- Benefit from a rich history of academic excellence and innovation.
Student life
Oxford's collegiate system means that student life is vibrant and varied, with each college offering its own unique community and facilities. The Middle Common Room (MCR) at colleges like St Catz provides a dedicated community for postgraduate students, led by student volunteers who organize social, welfare, and academic events. There are numerous opportunities to participate in clubs, societies, and sports, fostering a rich and engaging experience outside of academics. Welfare support is also a key part of student life, with dedicated representatives to ensure student well-being.
Fees
InternationalTuition fees for international students vary significantly by course. Detailed information on specific course fees is available on the university's graduate admissions website.
HomeTuition fees for home students vary by course. Detailed information on specific course fees is available on the university's graduate admissions website.
LivingEstimated living costs for a single, full-time student in Oxford for 2025-26 range from £1,425 to £2,035 per month. These costs cover food (£330-£515/month), accommodation (£790-£955/month), personal items (£200-£335/month), social activities (£45-£100/month), study costs (£40-£90/month), and other miscellaneous expenses (£20-£40/month). Additional costs for international students include student visa fees and the immigration health surcharge, which must be paid upfront for the entire duration of the course.
Living cost estimates are based on a survey in collaboration with Oxford SU and student expenditure data. These figures are for information only, and individual costs may vary depending on lifestyle. The University provides financial advice and support for students facing cost of living pressures.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryTop secondary-school grades (e.g. A*A*A–AAA at A-level or equivalent), with course-specific subject requirements.
Admissions testMany courses require a subject admissions test (e.g. TMUA, BMAT successor, LNAT) taken before interview.
InterviewShortlisted applicants are interviewed by tutors, typically in December.
IELTS7.0 overall (standard level); 7.5 for higher-level courses
TOEFL iBT100 (standard level); 110 for higher-level courses
Rankings
QS World University Rankings#4 (2025)
Times Higher Education World University Rankings#1 (multiple years)
University scholarships
Clarendon Fund AwardsFull funding
CSC-PAG Oxford ScholarshipsFull funding
1379 Old Members Scholarship£15,000 per annum
Yeotown ScholarshipFull fees and Research Council equivalent maintenance grant
Aso Group Scholarship£25,000
Academic Futures2026-27 amount to be confirmed
Reynolds Fund - Modern LanguagesFull fees plus a maintenance grant (2026-27 amount to be confirmed)
Roche Scholarship£10,000
Accreditation
The University of Oxford is a globally recognized institution with a Royal Charter, ensuring its degrees are widely accredited and respected.
For international students
United KingdomStudent visa & funds
International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.
Working while you study
On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.
After you graduate
Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,400/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Oxford · United Kingdom
DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences
The DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences at the University of Oxford offers a unique opportunity to conduct original doctoral research into the social dimensions of the internet and related technologies. This program, delivered by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII)'s multidisciplinary faculty, provides personalized supervision, advanced methodological training, and access to the university's extensive academic resources. Students will design and execute a doctoral project, grounded in their chosen discipline, while leveraging theories and techniques from across the social sciences to address their research questions. Upon completion, graduates produce an original piece of scholarship that significantly contributes to internet research. This program is ideal for academically excellent candidates committed to making a significant contribution to the field through in-depth scholarship. It suits individuals seeking a research-intensive, multidisciplinary doctoral experience with close supervision, and those planning careers in academia, policy, industry, or the civil sector where critical thinking and diverse methods are applied to the opportunities and challenges of a connected world.
PhD
Level
Free
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Oxford · United Kingdom
DPhil in Law
The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Law at the University of Oxford is the Faculty's most advanced research qualification, designed for students who wish to make an original and significant contribution to the field of law. This program involves extensive independent research, culminating in a thesis of 75,000 to 100,000 words. You can pursue this DPhil either full-time or part-time, allowing flexibility for your studies. As a DPhil candidate, you will work under the supervision of leading academics, benefiting from Oxford's world-class libraries and research facilities. The program aims to develop your expertise in legal scholarship and research methodologies, preparing you for a career in academia, research, or other high-level professional roles. The DPhil is a rigorous and rewarding journey for those passionate about legal inquiry.
PhD
Level
€37k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Oxford · United Kingdom
DPhil in Materials
The DPhil in Materials at the University of Oxford is a research-intensive postgraduate program, typically completed in 3.5 to 4 years of full-time study. Students will conduct in-depth research under expert supervision, exploring a wide array of topics within materials science, solid-state physics, and chemistry. This program is ideal for students keen to contribute to cutting-edge research in areas such as energy storage, quantum devices, biomaterials, nanomaterials, and computational modelling. The course emphasizes practical, world-leading research, often conducted in collaboration with industry partners. Students will benefit from extensive resources, including state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities and specialist laboratories. Graduates are highly sought after in diverse sectors, including academia, high-tech industries, engineering, and finance, due to the comprehensive skills and expertise gained during the program.
PhD
Level
€37k
Tuition
42 mo
Duration
University of Oxford · United Kingdom
DPhil in Population Health
The DPhil in Population Health at the University of Oxford is a doctoral research program designed to train students for careers in academia and high-level research. This program offers a unique opportunity to work alongside world-leading researchers at Oxford Population Health, engaging with diverse perspectives from medical practice, epidemiology, statistics, and other related fields. Students will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of their chosen population health research project through rigorous research and training. The program emphasizes both academic and professional development, preparing students to contribute significantly to the field of population health. Full-time students typically complete their research within three years, while a part-time option is available over six years.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Oxford · United Kingdom
DPhil in Theoretical Physics
The DPhil in Theoretical Physics at the University of Oxford offers an unparalleled opportunity for advanced research. Students engage with a wide range of topics, from fundamental astrophysics and plasma physics to intricate condensed matter theory and particle physics. This program fosters collaboration with experimentalists both within the department and globally, providing a rich research environment. This doctorate is designed for students seeking to contribute original research to the field of theoretical physics. While the program encourages exploration across various theoretical domains, candidates will develop specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen area of focus. Oxford's world-class facilities and academic staff provide a supportive and stimulating environment for doctoral studies.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Oxford · United Kingdom
Fair Digital Economies
This course explores how the internet shapes economic development, relationships, and inequalities. It draws on various academic fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of inequalities within digital capitalism. Students will examine the impact of digital platforms, global production networks, and algorithmic management on labor conditions, pay, and market access in a connected society. The curriculum critically addresses contemporary issues such as data colonialism, unpaid digital labor, and the roles of maintenance work and planetary labor markets. It challenges conventional views by using frameworks like dependency theory, modernism, and platform capitalism to analyze how digital transformation can either worsen or reduce socio-economic disparities. Through participatory research, students will gain the analytical and practical skills needed to create inclusive, evidence-based interventions that empower workers and citizens beyond traditional corporate settings. The course aims to provoke critical thinking about the relationship between digital technologies, power, and the future of capitalism.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United Kingdom
full fundingWellcome Trust
Wellcome Discovery Awards
Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.
full
Funding
€4000k
Max
Nov 25, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe Alan Turing Institute
Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)
Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.
full
Funding
€98k
Max
15d left
Deadline
full fundingSkoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School
Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA
Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.
full
Funding
€95k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingRhodes Trust
Rhodes Scholarship
For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingGates Cambridge Trust
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAfrica Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated living costs for international students at the University of Oxford?
+
Estimated living costs for a single, full-time student in Oxford for 2025-26 range from £1,425 to £2,035 per month. These costs cover essentials like food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, and study expenses. International students should also budget for student visa fees and the immigration health surcharge.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
The University of Oxford requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall for standard courses, and 7.5 for higher-level courses. For TOEFL iBT, the requirement is 100 overall (standard) or 110 (higher-level courses).
Does the University of Oxford offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the University of Oxford offers various scholarships for international students, including the Clarendon Fund Awards and CSC-PAG Oxford Scholarships, which provide full funding for eligible research degree students. Other scholarships, like the 1379 Old Members Scholarship and Aso Group Scholarship, offer partial or full funding for specific courses or nationalities.
What is the application process for graduate studies at Oxford?
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Prospective graduate students are encouraged to explore the range of courses, understand the application process, and familiarize themselves with the college system. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are currently being accepted for many courses. Some courses also require subject admissions tests taken before an interview.
What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate entry?
+
For undergraduate entry, prospective students typically need top secondary-school grades, such as A*A*A–AAA at A-level or equivalent. Course-specific subject requirements must also be met.
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