Oxford Vs Cambridge: Which One Should You Choose?

Cambridge University Vs Oxford University: For centuries, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge have reigned supreme in the academic world. Both these universities stand among the top and oldest universities in the UK. However, the difference between Cambridge and Oxford universities is hard to deduce for international students. 

Owing to their popularity, high standards of education and some similarities, Oxford University and Cambridge University are collectively referred to as “Oxbridge”. Although the answer to the question that which is better Oxford or Cambridge University differs for different students. However, there is no proper conclusion to this question as both of these universities have been ranked among the top 10 universities in the world for several consecutive years now. The summary of significant differences between the Oxford and Cambridge universities is given below. 

Oxford Vs Cambridge University: The History

Belonging to the Russell Group, both Oxford and Cambridge University were founded more than 800 years ago which makes them the oldest universities in the UK. However, Oxford University, founded in 1096 is believed to be the second-oldest university in the world that is still running and the oldest in the UK. However, Cambridge University, founded in 1209 is the fifth oldest in the world and the second oldest university in the UK. 

The University of Cambridge was established by some scholars who migrated from the University of Oxford over a dispute, which led to the rise of the soft rivalry known as the Oxford-Cambridge rivalry. Both these universities have been having tough competitions over games, academics, rankings, research and teaching pedagogies. 

University of Oxford vs University of Cambridge: Rankings

The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford have been ranked in the top 10 universities in the world list by several ranking agencies and universities. Both these universities keep exchanging their positions on several parameters each year. A visual representation of the comparison of rankings of both universities is given below. 

Oxford Vs Cambridge University: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements of both these highly competitive universities are pretty much the same but the accurate requirements differ across courses. 

The specific differences between Cambridge and Oxford universities’ admission requirements are given below.

Besides these differences, both universities require a personal statement and reference letters.

Overall:

• Both Oxford and Cambridge have extremely high entry requirements.
• Cambridge generally requires slightly higher grades than Oxford.
• Both universities emphasise interviews as a significant part of the selection process.

Cambridge versus Oxford: Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

The average cost of studying at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge differ slightly. Below we have tabulated the difference between the average costs of studying and costs of living in the city of Oxford (University of Oxford) and Cambridge (University of Cambridge).

Cambridge Versus Oxford: Locations

Cambridge University and Oxford University are located in the beautiful historical towns of Cambridge and Oxford respectively, in the UK. The city of Oxford is located to the northwest of London and takes about an hour to reach while Cambridge is located to the north of London and takes less than an hour to reach London. Both these cities are well connected and students can take a train to get to London. 

Oxford is a bigger city than Cambridge and has better places to hang out for students like bigger restaurants, shops and nightlife options. Oxford is a bustling city while Cambridge is a calm city settled on either side of the River Cam. 

Oxford offers a taste of city life with easy access to the capital, while Cambridge provides a more tranquil student experience surrounded by natural beauty. Consider which environment would best suit your study style and desired social life.