Getting Into Oxford: A Guide For Indian Students

Getting into Oxford University is a dream for many students, and for good reason. The university has a rich history of outstanding instruction, with some of the world's best scholars and intellectuals among its alumni. With a diverse community of over 23,000 students from more than 140 countries, Oxford is a truly global community, offering a unique educational experience.

For Indian students, the basic eligibility requirement for admission to an undergraduate program at Oxford University is a 10+2 qualification from CBSE or ISC with minimum marks ranging from 85% to 90% in each of the five subjects. Additionally, English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are required, with minimum scores needed in each component.

The application process for undergraduate courses at Oxford typically begins in September, with a deadline in October. Students need to create an account, fill out the course application, take any required admissions tests, and submit references and eligibility documents. Postgraduate applications are submitted directly to the University of Oxford, while undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS.

With a rigorous application and selection process, gaining admission to Oxford University is competitive. However, with dedication, an impressive educational profile, and early preparation, Indian students can increase their chances of receiving an offer from this prestigious institution.

Eligibility criteria for Indian students

To be considered for admission to Oxford University, Indian students must meet certain eligibility criteria, including specific academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and standardised test scores. Here is a detailed overview of the requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Undergraduate Programmes

For undergraduate programmes, Indian students must have a basic 10+2 diploma from an accredited academic institution, specifically from either the CBSE (All-India SSC) or CISCE (ISC) boards, with a minimum percentage of marks. The required grades vary depending on the course requirements.

For courses requiring A*A*A:

• CBSE board students need A1, A1, A1, and A2 grades, with an A1 in a relevant subject.
• CISCE board students need an overall grade of 90%, with 95% or higher in four subjects (including a relevant one) and 85% or higher in the fifth subject.

For courses requiring A*AA:

• CBSE students need A1, A1, A1, A2, and A2 grades, with an A1 in relevant subjects.
• CISCE students need a 90% or higher overall grade, with 95% or above in three subjects (including relevant) and 85% or above in the other two subjects.

For courses requiring AAA:

• CBSE students need A1, A1, A2, A2, and A2 grades, with an A1 in relevant subjects.
• CISCE students need a 90% or higher overall grade, with 95% or above in two subjects (including relevant) and 85% or above in the other three subjects.

Additionally, students must provide scores from an English language proficiency exam, such as IELTS or TOEFL, to demonstrate their command of the language. The minimum IELTS score required is typically 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each section. For the TOEFL, the overall score should be 100, with minimum scores of 22 in listening, 24 in reading, 25 in speaking, and 24 in writing.

Postgraduate Programmes

For postgraduate programmes, the eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific course requirements. However, as a general guideline, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution with strong academic performance.

If the postgraduate programme requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system, applicants will generally need one of the following qualifications:

• A professional bachelor's degree (4 years) from a recognised institution with an overall grade of at least 60% or 70%, depending on the awarding institute, or a minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0, 5.0 out of 7.0, 6.0 out of 8.0, or 8.0 out of 10.0.
• A bachelor's degree (3 years) with a final grade of 65% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions or 70% for other institutions.

If the postgraduate programme requires a 'first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system, applicants will generally need one of the following qualifications:

• A professional bachelor's degree (4 years) from a recognised institution with an overall grade of at least 65% or 75%, depending on the awarding institute, or a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0, 5.5 out of 7.0, 6.5 out of 8.0, or 8.5 out of 10.0.
• A bachelor's degree (3 years) with a final grade of 70% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions or 75% for other institutions.

For postgraduate programmes that require a 'master's degree' in the UK system, applicants will need to have obtained at least a passing grade in the UK system, which is typically 55%. A merit grade requires a minimum of 60%, while a distinction grade requires a minimum of 70%.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the academic qualifications and English language proficiency scores, Indian students may also need to provide Letters of Recommendation (LOR) and a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in the prescribed format. Work experience may also be advantageous, depending on the chosen programme.

Furthermore, some courses may have specific additional requirements, such as scores from aptitude tests like the GMAT or GRE for master's courses. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for your chosen course on the Oxford University website.

English language proficiency tests

As a prestigious university with a rich history, Oxford University has become an increasingly popular choice for Indian students. However, the university has strict admission requirements, and Indian students need to meet specific eligibility criteria to secure admission.

The Oxford Test of English is a multi-level, general English proficiency test that assesses the ability to understand and communicate effectively in English. It is the only proficiency test certified by the University of Oxford and is recognised as a sound assessment of general English language proficiency. The test is 100% online and available at Approved Test Centres worldwide. It covers all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test is adaptive, meaning that the questions adjust according to the test-taker's responses, resulting in a shorter test and more precise results. The test reports at three CEFR levels: B2, B1, and A2.

The IELTS (Academic) is another commonly accepted English language test. For undergraduate courses, a minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in every section, is required. For postgraduate courses, a higher overall score of 7.5, with a minimum of 7.0 in each component, is needed.

The TOEFL is also accepted by Oxford University. For undergraduate courses, a minimum overall score of 100 is required, with the following minimum scores in each section:

• Listening: 22
• Reading: 24
• Speaking: 25
• Writing: 24

For postgraduate courses, a higher overall score of 110 is needed, with a minimum score of 22 in listening, 24 in reading, 25 in speaking, and 24 in writing.

The Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) are also accepted. A minimum overall score of 185, with at least 176 in each section, is required for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

It is important to note that Indian students should carefully review the specific English language requirements for their chosen course at Oxford University, as the requirements may vary.

Application process

The application process for undergraduate courses at Oxford University is the same for international students as it is for UK applicants. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

• Choose the Right Course: Explore the University of Oxford website to find a course that interests you. Be sure to check the entry requirements, syllabus, and application deadline for your chosen course.
• Entrance Tests and Requirements: Oxford University will test your knowledge in your chosen field. Find out if your course requires a written entrance test and prepare accordingly.
• Decide the College or Go for an Open Application: Oxford University is made up of over 30 colleges. If you are unsure which college to apply to, you can opt for an open application, and the university will choose a college for you based on your preferences.
• Fill Out the UCAS Application: Once you have decided on a course and college, go to the University & Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) webpage and complete the UCAS application. Applications can be submitted from June until October. Create an account, enter your personal details, and submit your eligibility documents.
• Interview: If your application is successful, you will be invited to interview at one of the Oxford colleges. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, via telephone, or via video call.
• Offer of Admission: If you are deemed a suitable candidate following your interview, Oxford University will offer you a place to study at the college of your choice, or if you submitted an open application, the university will choose a college for you.

The application deadline for 2025 entry is 15 October 2024.

Course selection

The first step in the application process is to choose a course. Oxford University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. Visit the University of Oxford website and explore the available courses to find one that aligns with your interests and goals. Consider your academic background, future aspirations, and the specific entry requirements for each course.

When selecting a course, pay attention to the following factors:

• Entry requirements: Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements, including minimum grades, test scores, and any additional qualifications needed.
• Application deadlines: Note the application deadline for your chosen course, as Oxford University only conducts the application process once a year.
• Course structure and content: Carefully review the course syllabus, teaching methods, and assessment types to ensure the course aligns with your expectations and learning style.
• Career prospects: Consider the potential career paths associated with the course and how they align with your long-term goals.
• Economics and Management
• Law (Jurisprudence)
• Medicine
• Computer Science
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
• Physics

Once you have selected your desired course, the next step is to understand the specific entry requirements and application process for that course. Each course at Oxford University may have slightly different requirements, so it is important to refer to the official website for detailed information.

Scholarships

Indian students can apply for a variety of scholarships to fund their studies at Oxford University. Here is some information about some of the scholarships available:

The Felix Scholarship

The Felix Scholarship enables outstanding students from India to pursue graduate studies in any subject at Oxford University. The scholarship covers 100% of course fees, a grant for living costs (around £18,300) and one return flight from India to the UK. To be eligible, applicants must be applying to start a new full-time Master's or DPhil course and should be unable to take up their place at Oxford without financial assistance. In addition, applicants must be a national of and ordinarily resident in India, have a first-class undergraduate or master's degree from an Indian university, and must not hold a degree from a university outside of India.

The Reach Oxford Scholarship

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is offered to students from low-income countries who are unable to study for a degree in their own country. Applicants must be nationals of countries that receive official development assistance from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The scholarship covers course fees, a grant for living costs and one return airfare per year. Applicants should be intending to return to their country following their studies, and priority is given to students who have not studied at the undergraduate level before.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are awarded to 5 to 10 postgraduate students with excellent academic histories. The scholarship covers the complete tuition fees and provides a living allowance of £16,164 (INR 14 lakhs) annually, airfares from your home country, a clothing allowance and study travel and thesis grants. To be eligible, applicants must be a citizen of one of the Commonwealth countries specified by the CSC, should not have studied or worked in a high-income country for at least a year, and must be able to afford to study in the UK without financial support.

The Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for full-time master's students at Oxford. It covers course fees, an allowance of £19,092 (INR 17 lakhs) per annum, student visa fees, international health surcharge, and two economy-class flight tickets to and from the UK. To be eligible, applicants should be Indian citizens, have completed at least 4-10 years of study in India, have an undergraduate degree from an Indian university, and be aged between 18 and 23.

The Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships are fully funded scholarships provided by the UK government for international students. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country, have completed an undergraduate degree with a score equivalent to an upper second-class 2:1 honours degree in the UK, and have a minimum of two years of work experience.

The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships provide financial assistance for Indian citizens planning to pursue a full-time master's in the UK in the field of arts, heritage conservation or humanities. The scholarship covers course fees in the UK, living costs and GBP 600 (INR 63,000) for international travel. To be eligible, applicants should be aged between 28 and 38 and have a first degree, diploma or professional qualification in their area of specialisation.

The J.N. Tata Endowment Awards

The J.N. Tata Endowment Awards are available for Indian citizens planning to pursue master's, PhD or post-doctoral fellowships across all fields of study. The scholarship provides INR 1-10 lakhs, a criteria-based travel grant and a gift award. To be eligible, applicants should be under 45 years of age, have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognised Indian university with a minimum of 60% marks, and be applying for a recognised graduate program.

Frequently asked questions