Oxbridge in the UK: Popular Courses, Admission Process & Scholarships
The UK is the world’s 2nd most popular study destination, after the USA. As of November 2024, 1.11 Lakh Indian students are enrolled in UK universities. The UK is home to the Russell Group, a highly renowned group of universities.
Among its members, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are collectively referred to as Oxbridge. Know why Oxbridge can be a perfect choice for international students, along with its popular courses, application process, and more.
- What is Oxbridge?
- Where Does Oxbridge Come From?
- Why Study at Oxbridge Universities?
- Why are Oxbridge Universities Prestigious?
- Popular Courses at Oxbridge Universities
- Why is Admission to the Oxbridge Universities Tough?
- How to Apply to Oxbridge Universities?
- Some Important Tips for Strengthening Your Application Profile for Oxbridge Universities
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
What is Oxbridge?
- Oxbridge is a term that refers to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge collectively. Together, they combine to form ‘Oxbridge universities’.
- The legacy of these universities is more than 800 years old. The University of Oxford was founded in 1096, and the University of Cambridge in 1209.
- Despite their friendly rivalry, they share some common objectives and features that bring them together.Â
- Academic rigour, preserving cultural values, and promoting innovation are the common themes on which these universities work upon.Â
- The Oxbridge universities were once the home to notable world leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, Lewis Carroll, etc.
Where Does Oxbridge Come From?
The term Oxbridge was first coined by William Makepeace Thackeray in his novel Pendennis in the year 1849. Although this term was used by Thackeray in a fictional sense, over time, people have become accustomed to using it collectively to describe the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Why Study at Oxbridge Universities?
Studying at Oxbridge universities exposes students to a world-class education system, rich cultural heritage, and the best minds from all over the globe. We have briefly discussed how prestigious it is to study at Oxbridge universities in the UK.
High Ranking Universities
- According to QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are currently ranked #3 and #5, respectively.Â
- Similarly, Times Higher Education has listed these universities at #1 and #5 spots in the global rankings.Â
- Both of these universities have produced 100+ Nobel Prize winners and world leaders so far.
World Class Faculties
- The teachers and faculties at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are top contributors in their fields, having deep conceptual and practical subject expertise.
- Many of the faculties hold recognitions, certifications, and fellowships from the Royal Society, British Academy, and other prestigious organisations.
Cutting Edge Research & Innovation
- Oxbridge universities are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and discoveries in the fields of artificial intelligence, climate change, cloud computing, healthcare sciences, quantum computing, humanities, etc.
- Various Nobel Prize winners often conduct research and teach at these universities.
Exceptional Learning Experiences
- The tutorial system at the University of Oxford and the supervision system at the University of Cambridge are unique teaching methods that set them apart from other UK universities.
- In these systems, one-to-one or small group discussions are arranged between students and a tutor (subject expert).
- These systems offer students highly personalised and intellectually challenging education.
Why are Oxbridge Universities Prestigious?
The following are some of the important key factors that have built the prestige and reputation of Oxbridge universities over several years.
- Having a degree from either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge is globally recognised and highly appreciated.
- Oxbridge universities consistently ranks among the top universities of the world in the QS, THE, and ARWU rankings.
- Low acceptance rate, nearly 15-20%, making these institutions a dream for many young minds.Â
- It requires strong academics, personal statements, and interviews to demonstrate a passion for the academic program, ultimately getting entry into these universities.
- The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are home to the world’s best research centres in the field of engineering, science, technology, healthcare, and humanities.
- The unique collegiate system at Oxbridge universities allows students to study, live, and connect within their colleges while actively engaging in local events, all while earning a prestigious degree from Oxford or Cambridge.
- Oxbridge institutions in the UK hold a strong alumni network of 70+ noble prize winners, prime ministers, authors, business leaders, etc.
Popular Courses at Oxbridge Universities
Some of the popular courses to study at Oxbridge Universities are listed below.
- Architecture
- Arts
- Business Management
- Computer Science & AI
- Data Science
- Economics
- English Classics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Law
- History
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Psychology
Why is Admission to the Oxbridge Universities Tough?
Getting admission to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge is relatively tough as compared to other UK universities due to the following reasons.
High Competition and Low Acceptance Rate: Because of the high reputation of Oxbridge universities, the application process is very competitive. The acceptance rate is around 15-20%.
Requirement for Exceptionally Good Academic Background: Beyond academics, Oxford and Cambridge evaluates applicants on the basis of skills they possess, extracurricular achievements, and strong motivation, which should be reflected through their personal statements and interviews.
Challenging Interviews: Academic entrance interviews conducted at Oxford and Cambridge are aimed to analyse the real-life problem-solving skills and subject understanding of the applicants.
Unique Collegiate Systems: While applying to Oxford and Cambridge, candidates compete at both college and university level. The stronger their profile, the better the college they are admitted to.
How to Apply to Oxbridge Universities?
Now, let’s discuss the admission timelines, eligibility criteria, documents checklist, and application process for Oxbridge universities.
Study Intakes in Oxbridge Universities
- The admission to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge is conducted for fall (September) and spring (January) intakes.
- While fall intake in the Oxbridge universities offers international students a lot of variety in choosing the desired study program, spring intake has few options.
- The application process for the fall intake lasts between September and March, and September and November are used for the spring intake.
| Intakes | Application Cycle | Commencement of Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (September Intake) | Sep/Oct 2024-Feb 2025 | Late August/September 2025 |
| Spring (January Intake) | Sep 2024-Jan 2024 | January/February 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria to Study at Oxbridge Universities
The eligibility criteria to study at Oxbridge Universities (Oxford and Cambridge) generally depends on the level of course and study program.
| Entry Requirements | For Undergraduate Programs | For Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirements | CBSE/ISC: 85-95% State Boards: 90-95% | 70-75% (First-class or 2:1 Equivalent) |
| Entrance Exams/Standardised Tests | Yes, depends on the courses | GRE GMAT IELTS TOEFL Duolingo PTE |
| Work Experience | No | Preferably 1-2 Years 3-5 Years for an MBA |
Application Process for Oxbridge Universities
The application process for the Oxbridge universities should commence at least 1 year before the onset of fall/spring intake because it gives you sufficient time to prepare for your study abroad journey. Below are the step-by-step admission processes for Cambridge and Oxford universities.
- Visit the official website of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
- Choose the course which you like based on your academic background and interests.
- Check the admission requirements for your course.
- Check the tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, class profile, and other relevant details for these universities and the desired course.
- Register at the UCAS hub by completing the registration questions
- Click ‘start’ to begin your application process.
- You can only apply to one course at a time, and you cannot apply for both Cambridge and Oxford simultaneously.
- Fill out the mandatory fields, such as personal details, academic details, and family details.
- Enter your employment history if you have pursued any paid job.
- Select your course choices
- Review the details and pay the application fee
- Submit the details
- You will be provided with a date to appear for the admission test, if applicable.
- Appear in the virtual interview
- Results are usually declared within 4-7 weeks of the final interview.
Some Important Tips for Strengthening Your Application Profile for Oxbridge Universities
- Score high academic grades in the subjects relevant to your chosen field of study.
- Select the right course or academic program that suits your interest or passion and aligns with the desired program’s prerequisites.
- Start preparation for the application process at least 1 year ago to avoid last-minute chaos. This involves
- Preparation and appearance in the standardised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, UCAT, etc.
- Arranging university application documents like academic transcripts, SOPs, LORs, CVs, work experience letters, standardised test scorecards, etc.
- Applying for a passport (in case you don’t have one)
- Craft a compelling and strong personal statement or essay
- Choose recommenders who know you well and write specific and detailed recommendations.
- Gain relevant extracurricular and professional experience by participating in clubs, competitions, and community projects.
- Stay updated with the university application deadlines and application process.Â
- Start applying as soon as the application window opens.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Studying at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge is considered socially prestigious because of the rich heritage and proud legacy that these universities carry.
These universities are world-renowned for their unique collegiate and tutorial system, which differentiates them from other UK universities. Oxbridge universities have strict entry requirements, which ensures that only deserving candidates can make their way into them.
FAQs
What does Oxbridge stand for?
Oxbridge is a term that is commonly used to refer to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge collectively. This term was coined by William Makepeace Thackeray in his novel Pendennis in the year 1849.
How much are Oxbridge tuition fees for international students?
The average tuition fees for international students to pursue higher studies in Oxbridge universities lie in the range of GBP 30,000-60,000, depending on the university, course level, and study programs.
Can I reapply for Oxbridge universities?
Yes, you can reapply for the Oxbridge universities if you fulfill the eligibility criteria and appear for the interview but are not considered for admission. It demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to higher education.
What is the minimum GMAT score required for pursuing an MBA at the University of Oxford?
The minimum GMAT score required for pursuing an MBA at the University of Oxford is between 680-750, which can be considered highly competitive.
What are the top popular courses at the University of Cambridge?
Some of the popular courses at the University of Cambridge include law, political science, medicine, natural sciences, journalism, engineering, and business management.
