Oxford University Admission Rates & Statistics
The University of Oxford is amongst the most famous, rigorous and competitive universities in the world. It’s a sought-after choice for international students both for undergraduate and graduate courses — with programmes ranging from Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Jurisprudence/Law and Classics to Medicine and English Literature. Oxford is generally difficult to get into, but it’s also worth knowing that Oxford admissions rates and statistics vary significantly between different course types and departments, as do grade requirements. It’s best to be strategic when selecting your course to find a balance of good probabilities, while still making sure you’re applying to a course that you like and are well suited to.
For applicants seeking specialist Oxford University Admissions Consulting Services, do reach out to J&J Education to see how we can help.
Oxford Undergraduate Admissions Statistics
Oxford remains amongst the most competitive universities in the world, both in terms of the admissions rates and also the calibre of candidates applying. Besides the overall general admission rate, you can see below some acceptance rates for a range of popular Oxford University undergraduate courses:
1. Oxford PPE Admission Rate: 12.8%
2. Oxford Economics and Management Admission Rate: 5.5%
3. Oxford Mathematics Admission Rate: 9.5%
4. Oxford Modern Languages Admission Rate: 40%
5. Oxford Medicine Admission Rate: 10.7%
6. Oxford Computer Science Admission Rate: 6.4%
7. Oxford Geography Admission Rate: 27.6%
8. Oxford Biology Admission Rate: 14.9%
9. Oxford Law Admission Rate: 9.7%
10. Oxford Physics Admission Rate: 11.4%
A note of caution: make sure to take these statistics with a grain of salt and see them as only one piece of contextual information in part of a broader pattern. Admissions statistics alone, for example, tell you little about the quality of other candidates you are competing against. What’s more, there is a qualitative dimension to course selection, as well. For example, if you are a strong candidate in economics who loves economics, you may come across better in that application than you would for another, ostensibly easier-admit programme. Different subjects will also have different grade requirements and subject specific requirements, so all of this takes a lot of parsing.
FAQ
Q: What is the easiest programme for Oxford undergraduate admission?
A: Oxford undergraduate programmes with ostensibly ‘easier’ admission tend to be the double digit admit rates, with some programmes approaching 40%, such as BA Modern Languages.
Q: What is the hardest programme for Oxford undergraduate admission?
A: In recent cycles, the Oxford undergraduate programmes with lower admit rates tends to be Economics and Management, which has a low single digit admission rates.
Oxford University Graduate Admissions Statistics
In recent cycles, Oxford received more than 37,000 applications for graduate entry, with an average offer rate of around 17.7%. You can see below some admission rates and number of places/applicants, for a range of Oxford graduate programmes:
1. Oxford BCL Admission Rate: 22% (681 applications for an intake of roughly 150)
2. Oxford MPhil International Relations Admission Rate: 10.9% (274 applications for an intake of roughly 30)
3. Oxford MPhil Development Studies Admission Rate: 12.4% (249 applications for an intake of roughly 31)
4. Oxford MSt English Admission Rate: 39% (192 applications for an intake of roughly 75)
5. Oxford MPP Admission Rate: 12.6% (1183 applications for an intake of roughly 150)
6. Oxford MSc Sustainability: 4.8% (618 applications for an intake of roughly 30)
7. Oxford MSt History Admission Rate: 45.5% (79 applications for an intake of roughly 36)
8. Oxford MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy Admission Rate: 6.6% (393 applications for an intake of roughly 26)
9. Oxford MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience Admission Rate: 12.8% (156 applications for an intake of roughly 20)
10. Oxford MSc in Economic and Social History Admission Rate: 13.1% (91 applications for an intake of roughly 12)
A note of caution: as we mentioned for undergraduate statistics above, do make sure to take these Oxford graduate admissions statistics with a grain of salt and see them as only one piece of contextual information in part of a broader pattern. Admissions statistics alone, for example, tell you little about the quality of other candidates you are competing against. What’s more, there is a qualitative dimension to course selection, as well. For example, if you are a strong candidate in economics who loves economics, you may come across better in that application than you would for another, ostensibly easier-admit programme. Different subjects will also have different grade requirements and subject specific requirements, so all of this takes a lot of parsing.
FAQ
Q: What is the easiest programme for Oxford graduate admission?
A: In recent cycles, the Oxford undergraduate programmes with higher admit rates would tend to be the double digit admit rates, with some programmes approaching 45%, such as MSt History.
Q: What is the hardest programme for Oxford graduate admission?
A: In recent cycles, the Oxford undergraduate programmes with lower admit rates tend to be programmes clustering around sustainability, economics, environmental science and diplomacy, all of which are known to be very competitive.
Final Thoughts
Oxford is a top school with outstanding programmes that will bolster your career prospects and CV, as well as provide a personally and intellectually enriching experience. Oxford offers enriching and rigorous programmes geared to your interests and some of the most demanding but rewarding graduate and undergraduate courses in the world. If you would like expert support on your Oxford applications— from course selection to personal statements—consider working with J&J Education for specialist Oxford University Admissions Consulting Services.
