How to get into Oxford University from India?

How to get into Oxford University from India?

Ananya Saikia Undergraduate

For many students, gaining admission to one of the world’s top universities is a dream, and How to get into Oxford University from India? is often at the top of that list. With a legacy of over 920 years, Oxford University has continuously adapted through various eras of change and innovation, securing its status as […]

For many students, gaining admission to one of the world’s top universities is a dream, and How to get into Oxford University from India? is often at the top of that list. With a legacy of over 920 years, Oxford University has continuously adapted through various eras of change and innovation, securing its status as one of the top universities globally. While known for its academic prestige, Oxford also embraces diversity- international students account for around one-third of its total enrollment.

 

If you are wondering, “How to get into Oxford University from India ?” This article is for you. It provides a realistic overview of the steps needed to be admitted to Oxford University and outlines the specific course requirements!

 

Oxford University- Key Highlights

 

Attribute Details
Foundation Year 1096
Acceptance Rate 16% for Undergraduate courses, 30% for Postgraduate courses
Location Oxford, UK
QS World University Ranking 2025 3
Average Annual Fee UG Courses: INR 29.49 L – 47.81 L, PG Courses: INR 29 L – 90.54 L
Number of Courses 250+ Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses
Number of Available Scholarships 1000+ (100+ for international students, including fully-funded scholarships)
Required Exams Language Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Aptitude Tests: GMAT, GRE
Top Courses Biology, Clinical and Health, Business Economics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Politics, Finance, Social Science, Life Science, Law, Mathematics
Application Medium Online (via UCAS portal or university website). Specific portals for UG, PG, and MBA courses.
Application Fee for 2025 Entry UG: £28.50, PG: £75, MBA: £150
Application Deadline for 2025 15 October 2024, via the UCAS portal

 

Read Also: MBA Application Tips

 

How to get into oxford university from India?

 

Category

Requirement / Information

Details / Notes

Academic Requirements

Class 12 Qualification

Must have completed Class 12 from a recognized Indian board (CBSE, ISC, or State Board)

Academic Grades

High scores are essential. Typically, 90–95%+ in Class 12 in relevant subjects

Standardized Test Scores (for some courses)

Some courses require entrance exams like the MAT, TSA, PAT, ELAT, or LNAT

A-Levels / Equivalent

Indian applicants are assessed for equivalency. Some courses prefer A-levels, IB, or AP scores if available

Course Selection

Choose a Course

Oxford offers over 50 undergraduate courses. Choose based on academic interest and future goals

College Selection

Choose a College (Optional)

Oxford offers over 50 undergraduate courses. Choose based on academic interest and future goals

Entrance Tests

Oxford Admission Tests

Required for most undergraduate courses (e.g., TSA, MAT, PAT, etc.) — held in October

English Language Proficiency

IELTS / TOEFL

IELTS: 7.0+ overall (with 6.5+ in each component) or TOEFL iBT: 100+

UCAS Application

Apply via UCAS

Oxford applications go through the UCAS portal (UK application system)

Deadline

15th October of the year before entry (e.g., apply by Oct 15, 2025 for 2026 entry)

Personal Statement

Crucial to demonstrate academic passion, achievements, and suitability for the chosen course

Academic Reference

From a school teacher who knows your academic strengths well

Interviews

Shortlisting & Interview

If shortlisted, you will be interviewed (online or in person) in December

Results

Offer Status

Offers are usually conditional, based on final exam scores

Visas

Student Visa (Tier 4)

Required for studying in the UK; issued after securing an offer and CAS from Oxford

Financial Aid

Scholarships for Indian Students

Clarendon Scholarships, Reach Oxford, Rhodes (for postgrad), Inlaks, and college-specific scholarships

Postgraduate Applicants

Entrance Exams & SOP

GRE (if required), CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and strong academics are necessary

 

Why Study at Oxford University?

 

How to get into oxford university from India? Gives a taste of a perfect blend of traditional teaching practices amalgamated with best-in-class research and modern university practices, because of which students prefer Oxford University:

 

  1. Top Rankings: According to the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Oxford University has been ranked the world’s best university for eight consecutive years.
  2. Diverse Student Body: Over 25,000 students are enrolled at Oxford, with nearly one-third coming from international backgrounds.
  3. World-Class Research Facilities: Known for its exceptional research and state-of-the-art labs, Oxford has produced distinguished researchers such as Sir Robert Robinson, John Elliot, and others.
  4. Graduate Student Support: Oxford provides a supportive environment for graduate students, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the university’s excellent research programs.
  5. Extensive Library Collections: The university is home to over 100 libraries with vast collections of books, manuscripts, and more, which are housed in historical buildings that attract scholars worldwide.
  6. Financial Assistance: Oxford offers various non-repayable bursaries and scholarships to help highly talented students manage their expenses.
  7. Outstanding Career Opportunities: Graduates, known as “Oxonians”, are highly sought after by employers across diverse industries globally.

 

Read Also: How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Consultant

 

Why Study at Oxford University?

 

How to get into oxford university from India? Gives a taste of a perfect blend of traditional teaching practices amalgamated with best-in-class research and modern university practices, because of which students prefer Oxford University:

 

  1. Top Rankings: According to the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Oxford University has been ranked the world’s best university for eight consecutive years.
  2. Diverse Student Body: Over 25,000 students are enrolled at Oxford, with nearly one-third coming from international backgrounds.
  3. World-Class Research Facilities: Known for its exceptional research and state-of-the-art labs, Oxford has produced distinguished researchers such as Sir Robert Robinson, John Elliot, and others.
  4. Graduate Student Support: Oxford provides a supportive environment for graduate students, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the university’s excellent research programs.
  5. Extensive Library Collections: The university is home to over 100 libraries with vast collections of books, manuscripts, and more, which are housed in historical buildings that attract scholars worldwide.
  6. Financial Assistance: Oxford offers various non-repayable bursaries and scholarships to help highly talented students manage their expenses.
  7. Outstanding Career Opportunities: Graduates, known as “Oxonians”, are highly sought after by employers across diverse industries globally.

 

Eligibility Requirements for International Students

How to get into oxford university from India? a question many aspiring students ask, given the intense competition. Oxford University receives approximately 20,000 international applications for over 3,250 seats, making the admissions process highly competitive. The University emphasizes that meeting the eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee admission. Below are the key requirements for international students applying to study at Oxford University.

 

Requirements for UG Courses

 

How to get into Oxford University from India? Here are the general eligibility requirements for the Indian students aspiring to study at the University of Oxford:

 

If your qualifications do not meet the specific requirements for the chosen course at Oxford, you must pursue additional studies. For a list of acceptable courses, visit the course requirements page.

 

Students must have completed their class 12th exams from either the CBSE (All-India SSC) or CISCE (ISC) boards. State board exams or NIOS Year XII qualifications are not accepted.

 

For CBSE or CISCE students, achieving specific grades is required to gain admission to Oxford. Generally, courses at Oxford require A4A, A*AA, or AAA. It may be challenging to understand how your class 12th grades align with these requirements. CBSE students who receive grades and CISCE students who receive percentages can refer to the equivalence of their marks to AAA grades needed at Oxford University:

 

Grades Required CBSE Equivalence CISCE Equivalence
AAA A1 A1 A1 A1 A2 in 5 subjects, A1 in relevant subject Overall 90%, 95%+ in 4 subjects (including relevant), 85%+ in 5th subject
A*AA A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 in 5 subjects, A1 in relevant subjects Overall 90%+, 95%+ in 3 subjects (including relevant), 85%+ in 2 other subjects
AAA A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 in 5 subjects, A1 in relevant subjects Overall 90%+, 95%+ in 2 subjects (including relevant), 85%+ in 3 other subjects

 

Requirements for PG Courses

 

Here are the general entry requirements for Indian students pursuing a master’s degree at Oxford. Please note that these are not the complete requirements, and you should refer to the specific course page for detailed subject-specific requirements. The following table outlines the general criteria for a master’s degree at Oxford University, which may vary depending on the course:

 

Course Requirement Qualifications Accepted
Strong Upper Second-Class Undergraduate Degree – Professional bachelor’s degree (4 years) with 60% (Institute of National Importance) or 70% (other universities) or GPA 3.3/4.0, 5.0/7.0, 6.0/8.0, or 8.0/10.0.

– Standard bachelor’s degree (3 years) with 65% (Institute of National Importance) or 70%+ (other universities).

First-Class Undergraduate Degree – Professional bachelor’s degree (4 years) with 65% (Institute of National Importance) or 75% (other universities) or GPA 3.5/4.0, 5.5/7.0, 6.5/8.0, or 8.5/10.0.

– Standard bachelor’s degree (3 years) with 70% (Institute of National Importance) or 75%+ (other universities).

Master’s Degree (UK system) – Master’s degree with 55% (pass grade), 60% (merit grade), or 70% (distinction grade) from a recognized institution.

 

How do you apply to Oxford University from India?

 

One can apply for Oxford University from India in the following manner:

  1. Check Deadlines: Verification of the application deadline for your specific course. Deadlines are mostly on a Friday.
  2. Completion of the application form: Fill in your personal details, educational history, qualifications, and address.
  3. Provide references: Submit 2-3 references as required for your course.
  4. Funding and language requirements: Check the funding options and ensure you meet the language requirements, taking any necessary test.
  5. Attach supporting documents: Include the documents in PDF, .jpg, or .png format with a file size below 4 MB.
  6. Making Payment: Pay the application fee
  7. Important note: Do not attach transcripts or exam scores with the application. Oxford will request these later after shortlisting. Ensure all qualifications and test score details are included under the section “Education” in the UCAS form.

 

Oxford University Application Deadlines for 2025

 

The 2025 application timelines, as well as the things to do during these timelines to get into Oxford University, are as follows:

 

Events Dates Things to Do
UCAS Application Window Opens June 2024 Choose a course and university, prepare your personal statement, organize academic references, check the required tests, and register for English exams.
UCAS Application Window Closes 15 October 2024 Submit your completed application form by 6 PM on 15 October 2024.
Test Preparation and Registration 15 August 2024 to 4 October 2024 Choose and register for the required tests within the application window.
Take the Tests 21 October 2024 to 31 October 2024 Take the required tests (except for law and medical courses, which have different timelines).
Submission of the Written Work 10 November 2024 Submit any written work required for your course to your college by the deadline.
Student Interviews December 2024 If shortlisted, attend an interview in December.
Release of Offers January 2025 Oxford University will release final offers in January 2025.

 

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