Oxford University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Established even before 1096, the University of Oxford is the oldest English university in the world. In reputable ranking bodies, Oxford has maintained its position in the top 5 universities worldwide for over a decade now. Some of the notable Oxford University Ranking include #4 in Best Global Universities, #1 in Best Global Universities in Europe, #1 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom, and #4 in World University Rankings. Furthermore, it has consistently ranked #1 since 2017 among 2,092 universities in the World University Rankings of another top-publisher.

Students across the globe apply for Oxford University admissions. However, only a fraction of candidates secure enrolment due to the extremely competitive nature of the university. The university usually houses 3,300 UG students and 5,500 graduates per year.

Almost 350,000 alumni from Oxford University, located in nearly every nation, make up the university's impressive network of notable alumni. Oxford has been producing famous leaders for the past eight centuries, including Hugh Grant, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and Albert Einstein. Some of the notable Indian alumni from Oxford include Indira Gandhi (former PM of India), Dr. Manmohan Singh (former PM of India), Amitav Ghosh (writer), Vikram Seth (writer), and Sujata Vasant Manohar (former judge of the Supreme Court of India).

University of Oxford Acceptance Rate 2025

The University of Oxford received more than 23,000 applications for the class of 2028, of which the university offered admission to almost 3,800 students. In the end, around 3,200 students ended up enrolling. This suggests that the criteria for the University of Oxford admissions are extremely selective. The Oxford acceptance rate usually ranges between 14-17%, pointing to tough competition to secure a seat in this prestigious university. The Oxford University acceptance rate for graduates is typically a little higher, but the criteria are extremely selective nevertheless. Check the table given below for a comparative analysis of Oxford undergraduate vs postgraduate acceptance rates:

The top 5 courses at the University of Oxford with the largest number of applications for the admission cycles for the years 2022-2024 are given below: 

University of Oxford Acceptance Rate for International Students

As per the data provided by UCAS for 2024 undergraduate admissions, the University of Oxford received applications from more than 8,600 prospective international UG students, of which around 650 students were admitted by the university. This suggests that the University of Oxford acceptance rate is around 7% for international students, making the competition much harder for non-resident applicants, since this is around half of the general acceptance rate of Oxford. 

As per the official data provided by the university, around 16.3% of the total students admitted by the University of Oxford for the class of 2028 are of non-EU origin. Moreover, the international crowd at the university represents 175 different countries and territories and makes up 43% of Oxford’s student body. India is among the top 5 countries of origin with a total of 565 students housed on the campus grounds. The enrollment data for the top 10 countries of origin for 2022-2024, along with more information on Oxford University acceptance rate for Indian students, can be checked out from the table given below: 

University of Oxford Acceptance Rate Trends

The number of applications received has stayed consistently around 23,000, with the number of admission offers sent ranging between 3,500 – 4,000. Whereas the number of students admitted has ranged around 3,200 for the last few years. This suggests that the Oxford University acceptance rate typically ranges around 14-17%. The admission trends at Oxford University, as well as the trends for the acceptance rate of Oxford University for the last five years, can be checked out from the table given below: 

Also read about Oxford University Placements

University of Oxford Admission Requirements for International Students

In order to secure admission, all overseas applicants must fulfill certain Oxford University admission requirements for international students, which are listed below:

• Official academic transcripts;
• Minimum GPA 3.0-3.7 (as per the choice of course);
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS: 7.0 - 7.5 | TOEFL: 100 - 110);
• Statement of purpose (SOPs);
• Letters of recommendation (LORs);
• GRE/GMAT score (if applicable);
• Work experience (if applicable); and
• Interview.

University of Oxford Admission Requirements for Indian Students:

Also check Oxford University Cost

Tips to get selected in the University of Oxford

Oxford University is extremely competitive to get into, and hence, students must be academically outstanding while participating extensively in activities outside class in order to boost their chances of getting selected during the admission process. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acquiring strong letters of recommendation from their teachers/professors.

Oxford University Acceptance Rate vs Harvard University Acceptance Rate

The Harvard University acceptance rate of 3.6% makes it globally one of the toughest universities to get into. Compared to the acceptance rate Oxford University of 14-17%, Harvard is considered to be much more selective in its admission process.

Harvard University admissions require students to be all-rounders as they accept students on the basis of their overall character and personality and take a holistic approach. Candidates must be academically at the top of their class and participate in co-curricular activities as well.