Lori Meadows
The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with around one-third of its students being international citizens from over 170 countries. The application process for international students is the same as for any other student, however, international students are required to meet English language requirements and may need a visa. The cost of studying at Oxford for international students is higher than for UK students, with annual course fees for UK students being £9,535 for 2025-26. International students are also not eligible for the tuition fee loan from the UK government, nor are they eligible for the non-repayable bursaries offered to UK students from lower-income households. Scholarships for international students are also very limited, so students are encouraged to explore funding options in their home countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application process | Same for all students |
| International quota | None, except for Medicine |
| Qualification requirements | Listed on the website |
| Academic ability | Required |
| Deep interest in the subject | Required |
| Extra-curricular activities | Not considered unless relevant to the course |
| English language requirements | Required for international students |
| Course fees for international students | Higher than for UK students |
| Scholarships for international students | Limited |
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What You'll Learn
International student qualifications and grades
International students make up one-third of the student population at Oxford University, hailing from over 170 countries. The application process for international students is the same as for UK students, except for Medicine. However, international students must ensure that their qualifications are accepted by the university and that they meet the grade requirements.
Oxford University accepts a range of international qualifications, including:
- International A-levels offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA. These are recognised as equivalent to UK GCE A-levels on a grade-for-grade basis.
- International Baccalaureate, SATs, and APs: These qualifications are commonly taken by Canadian students alongside their Canadian qualifications and may be sufficient for admission to Oxford.
- Foundation year courses: In certain circumstances, a foundation year course may be accepted, provided it covers the same content as the required A-levels to the appropriate standard.
When applying, international students should not submit transcripts or certificates. Instead, they should self-report their qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under 'Education'. Predicted grades are required for exams that the applicant is yet to take, and these can be provided by an academic referee or teacher writing the reference.
It is important to note that Oxford University does not accept all international qualifications. For example, the Cambridge Assessment International Education A-levels in Global Perspectives and Research and Thinking Skills are not accepted. Additionally, MOOCs are not accepted as accredited qualifications.
Specific courses at Oxford may have additional subject requirements, particularly in the sciences. Therefore, it is essential for international students to carefully review the requirements for their chosen course and ensure they are on track to meet the expected grades.
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Application process
The University of Oxford is recognised as offering one of the best educations in the world, and competition for places to study here is intense. On average, the university receives over 23,000 applications for approximately 3,300 places each year.
- Choose a course: Oxford's courses require you to choose what you are going to major in at the time of applying. This means you will be spending several years studying this subject in-depth, so it is important to choose something you are deeply interested in. It is also worth bearing in mind that it is typically very difficult to change your course once you have started at Oxford.
- Check qualification requirements: All applicants must meet the qualification requirements of their course. Oxford accepts a range of UK and international qualifications, including A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and tests from the American education system (SATs and APs). However, if you have non-UK qualifications, you should check how these compare to the minimum entry requirements for your course.
- Decide on a college preference or make an open application: You can either state a preference for an Oxford college or make an open application.
- Check subject requirements: Many courses have specific subject requirements, so be sure to carefully read the requirements for your course.
- Prepare for admissions tests: Most Oxbridge applicants are required to sit a test at some point in their application process. These tests examine both subject-specific knowledge and general skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. They are typically taken in October and can be taken at official testing centres or online.
- Submit your application: All applicants to UK universities, including Oxford, need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). International applicants complete the same application form as UK applicants and must submit the same supporting documents. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and meet the university's requirements.
- Provide any required transcripts or certificates: If you are offered a place at Oxford, you will need to produce certificates or transcripts to confirm your qualifications.
- Consider funding options: An offer of a place at Oxford does not include a scholarship or financial support, so it is important to start thinking early about how you intend to fund your studies. Oxford's Fees and Funding section provides information on sources of funding available to international students, including scholarships.
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Course fees
The course fees for the academic year 2025/26 at Oxford University depend on whether a student is a UK (Home fee status) or international (Overseas fee status) student. The annual course fee for a UK student is £9,535 for 2025-26. The course fee for international students is higher, and the exact amount depends on factors such as their fee status, which is based on where they usually live, their nationality, and in certain cases, the level of any previous study. For example, international students on the six-year medicine course will have higher course fees in the clinical years of their course.
Home undergraduate and PGCE students can access a tuition fee loan from the UK government to cover their course fees in full. Additionally, around one in four UK students at Oxford receive a non-repayable bursary to help with their costs. For instance, the Crankstart Scholarship provides a non-repayable bursary of up to £6,090 per year towards study and living costs.
International students, on the other hand, have limited scholarships available to them. They are encouraged to explore funding options in their home country.
The course fees cover the costs of course teaching and facilities. Oxford colleges provide subsidised food and entertainment, and access to sports facilities which are usually free or subsidised for students. Students are also offered a college room for at least two years of their course, which helps to reduce the cost of rent.
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Scholarships and funding
The University of Oxford is not free for international students. The exact course fee depends on whether a student is a UK (Home fee status) or international (Overseas fee status) student. While a UK student’s annual course fees are £9,535 for 2025-26, international students are charged a higher fee. Medical students with Overseas fee status, for instance, are informed that the course fees for the clinical years of their course will be considerably higher.
The University of Oxford offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support international students with their studies. Here are some of the key scholarships and funding options available:
- College-specific scholarships: Many colleges at Oxford offer their own scholarships and funding opportunities for international students. It is recommended to check the websites of individual colleges to find out what funding may be available and how to apply.
- External scholarships: There are various external organisations that offer scholarships specifically for international students studying at Oxford. These may include government scholarships, embassy scholarships, or scholarships from private foundations. International students are encouraged to explore these options and apply directly to the relevant organisations.
- University scholarships: While Oxford does offer some scholarships specifically for international students, these are limited. One example is the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, which offers several full scholarships every year to international students demonstrating academic excellence and potential across a wide range of subjects.
- Country-specific scholarships: Oxford University has partnered with organisations in specific countries to offer scholarships exclusively to students from those countries. For example, the Oxford-Brazil Links Programme offers full scholarships to students from Brazil who wish to pursue a master's degree at Oxford.
- Financial aid and bursaries: In addition to scholarships, Oxford provides financial aid and bursaries to help international students with their living and study costs. These may be offered by individual colleges or through external funding bodies. It is worth exploring the university's financial aid page and contacting the relevant departments to enquire about any financial support that may be available.
- Funding from home country: Oxford also encourages international students to explore funding opportunities within their home countries. Many governments, organisations, or private institutions offer scholarships or grants to support students studying abroad. By researching and applying for these funding options, international students can help offset the cost of their studies at Oxford.
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English language requirements
The University of Oxford does not specify whether or not it is free for international students. However, it does mention that the fees for international students are different from those for UK students. International students at Oxford are required to pay Overseas fees. The exact course fee depends on whether the student is a UK (Home fee status) or international (Overseas fee status) student. A UK student’s annual course fees are £9,535 for 2025-26. The University also mentions that scholarships for overseas students following undergraduate courses are very limited.
International students applying to Oxford must meet specific English language requirements. The University of Oxford does not specify the exact English language requirements on its website. However, it is important for international students to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English to be considered for admission.
International students can showcase their English language proficiency through various standardized tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These exams evaluate an individual's ability to understand, speak, and write in English. Achieving a high score on these tests can be advantageous for international applicants.
Additionally, some academic departments at Oxford may have their own specific English language requirements. It is essential for applicants to consult the relevant department's website or contact them directly to inquire about any additional language proficiency standards that may be necessary for their desired course or program.
Furthermore, international students can strengthen their English language skills by engaging in preparatory courses or language training programs. These programs can provide intensive instruction in academic English, helping students improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. By enhancing their English language proficiency, international students can not only meet the requirements for admission but also ensure they have the necessary skills to succeed in their academic pursuits at Oxford.
To summarize, international students applying to the University of Oxford must meet certain English language requirements. While the specific standards are not explicitly stated, achieving a high level of English proficiency is crucial. Students can demonstrate their proficiency through standardized tests like the IELTS or TOEFL and refer to individual academic departments for any additional language requirements. Preparing in advance and investing in language training can also ensure that international applicants meet the necessary standards expected by the University of Oxford.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are required to pay fees at Oxford University.
The fees for international students are higher than for UK students. For 2025 entry, the annual course fees for UK students are £9,535, while international students are charged Overseas fees. The exact fee depends on the course and the student's fee status.
Yes, there are some scholarships available for international students, but these are limited. It is recommended that international students explore funding options in their home country.
International students must meet the same academic standards as other applicants, including qualification and grade requirements. International students may also need to meet English language requirements and obtain a visa.
No, the admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of their nationality. However, international students may need to provide additional documentation, such as predicted grades and qualification equivalencies.
