Join a free event
Learn from top coaches and industry experts in live, interactive sessions you can join for free.
Table of Contents
The University of Oxford acceptance rate typically falls in the mid-teens, but this figure masks wide variation by course. Highly competitive programs such as Computer Science and Economics admit only a small fraction of applicants, making Oxford one of the most selective universities in the world by subject.
This guide breaks down Oxford’s acceptance rates and admissions criteria across programs. It explains how the application process works, compares undergraduate and graduate admissions, examines outcomes for international students, and shares expert tips to strengthen your Oxford application.
University of Oxford Acceptance Rates
While Oxford’s overall acceptance rate remains relatively stable from year to year, admissions have become increasingly competitive over time. Growth in global applications, particularly for undergraduate programs, has led to lower offer rates, even as class sizes have remained largely consistent. As a result, receiving an offer from Oxford reflects not only strong academic performance but also success within a highly selective applicant pool.
Oxford Acceptance Rates Over Time
Oxford’s acceptance rate has shown modest year-to-year variation over the past decade, including a brief fluctuation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the data reflect a relatively stable offer rate driven more by changes in application volume than by major shifts in admissions policy.
| Year | Number of Applications | Number of Offers | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 23,061 | 3,793 | 14.1% |
| 2023 | 23,211 | 3,721 | 16.0% |
| 2022 | 23,819 | 3,645 | 15.3% |
| 2021 | 24,338 | 3,555 | 14.6% |
| 2020 | 23,414 | 3,932 | 16.8% |
| 2019 | 23,026 | 3,895 | 16.9% |
| 2018 | 21,516 | 3,841 | 17.9% |
| 2017 | 19,953 | 3,786 | 18.9% |
| 2016 | 19,164 | 3,771 | 19.7% |
Since 2018, the total number of applications to Oxford has increased by more than 10%, while the number of offers has remained relatively consistent. This growing gap between applicants and available places has contributed to increased competition across most programs, particularly at the undergraduate level.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Acceptance Rates
Acceptance rates at Oxford differ between undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate offer rates typically fall in the mid-teens, while graduate acceptance rates are slightly lower overall and vary widely by program. Graduate admissions are more specialized, particularly for PhD programs, which often require applicants to secure a potential supervisor before applying. This additional screening makes doctoral programs significantly more selective than the overall graduate average.
Acceptance Rates by School
Acceptance rates at Oxford vary widely by subject, driven primarily by differences in applicant demand rather than changes in academic standards. Though Oxford does not publish official acceptance rates by course, it does release data on the number of applicants per available place, which provides a reliable indicator of relative selectivity.
The table below compares some of Oxford’s most competitive undergraduate courses based on applicants per place, with estimated offer-rate ranges included for context.
| Subject | Number of Applicants Per Place | Estimated Offer Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Management | 19.1 | 5.2% |
| Computer Science | 17.2 | 5.8% |
| Maths & Computer Science | 11.9 | 8.4% |
| Biomedical Sciences | 11.7 | 8.5% |
| Medicine | 11.1 | 9.0% |
| Mathematics | 10.5 | 9.5% |
| Law | 10 | 10.0% |
| History & Politics | 8.6 | 11.6% |
| Physics | 8.6 | 11.6% |
| Biochemistry | 8.5 | 11.8% |
Note: This table reflects admissions data compiled from the 2022 to 2024 cycles. The figures are estimates based on Oxford’s published applicants-per-place data and represent approximate offer rates rather than official acceptance statistics.
Acceptance Rates by International vs. Domestic Applicants
In recent admissions cycles, international applications to the University of Oxford have generally increased, while UK applicant numbers have fluctuated. Oxford does not publish separate acceptance rates for international and domestic applicants, but University of Oxford admissions reports note that UK-domiciled applicants are substantially more likely to receive an offer than applicants from outside the UK. Since Brexit, EU applicants are classified as international, which has further intensified competition for non-UK candidates.
Expert Tip: For international applicants, strong admissions test performance and interview results carry even more weight due to the larger applicant pool and limited course places.
What Factors Influence Admission at Oxford?
The university’s acceptance rate is influenced by many factors that admissions committees consider when evaluating applicants. Understanding these factors can help prospective students strengthen their applications and improve their chances of admission to this prestigious institution.
Academic Performance
At the heart of Oxford’s admissions process is a commitment to academic excellence. The university requires applicants to meet or exceed stringent grade requirements tailored to their chosen course. For most programs, this means achieving grades of A*AA or AAA at A-level (or their international equivalents).
Subject-Specific Requirements
Some courses have additional prerequisites based on subject relevance. For example:
- Medicine: Requires A*AA, including Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.
- Mathematics: Demands AAA, with an A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
- Chemistry: Applicants typically need AAA, with strong performance in Chemistry and either Maths, Physics, or Biology.
High academic performance signals to admissions committees that an applicant is prepared for the university’s demanding curriculum. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate consistency in achieving top marks throughout their academic career.
Admissions Tests
Oxford uses admissions tests to evaluate applicants' academic potential and subject-specific knowledge. These tests are often tailored to the applicant’s chosen field of study and are a critical factor in the initial selection process.
Examples of Oxford Admissions Tests:
- Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT): Required for Law applicants, assessing critical thinking and reasoning.
- MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test): Evaluates mathematical ability for Maths and related courses.
- UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test): This assessment is part of Oxford’s Medicine admissions process and measures cognitive skills, decision-making ability, and situational judgement needed for a healthcare career.
Strong performance on these tests often determines whether an applicant is shortlisted for the next stages of the application process.
Note: The BMAT was discontinued after 2023 and is no longer used in Medicine admissions, including for applicants to Oxford.
Extracurricular Activities
While extracurricular activities are not a central focus for Oxford, they can still play a role if they are relevant to the applicant’s chosen course. For example:
- A student applying for Computer Science might include participation in coding competitions.
- A Law applicant could highlight debate experience to demonstrate analytical thinking.
Expert Tip: Oxford admissions are less about checking boxes and more about demonstrating that you already think like a scholar in your field. Every element of your application should echo that.
Expert Tips on How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Oxford
Think in Terms of Academic Ranking, Not Holistic Balance
Applicants are ranked primarily on academic indicators within their subject, including grades, admissions test scores, and interview performance. Strong extracurriculars cannot compensate for weaker academic signals. The goal is to demonstrate that you would rank near the top of your subject cohort, not simply that you are a well-rounded student.
Depth Beats Breadth in Subject Engagement
Admissions tutors look for evidence that you already think like a university student in your chosen discipline. One or two sustained academic interests, explored deeply over time, are more persuasive than a long list of activities. Extended reading, original analysis, or self-directed research carries more weight than participation in unrelated leadership or service roles.
Admissions Tests Are Used as a Sorting Tool
Oxford uses admissions tests to separate academically capable applicants from those who are likely to excel under tutorial-style teaching. Test scores are often reviewed before interviews and can determine who is shortlisted. High scores signal readiness for Oxford’s pace and teaching style, while average scores can limit interview opportunities regardless of grades.
Interviews Measure How You Think, Not What You Know
Oxford interviews are designed to assess reasoning in real time. Tutors are not looking for polished answers but for applicants who can engage with unfamiliar problems, adapt their thinking, and respond constructively to feedback. Practicing how to explain your reasoning clearly is more valuable than memorizing content.
The Personal Statement Is a Supporting Document, Not a Deciding Factor
While important, the personal statement carries less weight than many applicants expect. Tutors use it to confirm academic motivation and subject alignment, not to be persuaded emotionally. Clear evidence of intellectual curiosity and independent thought matters more than storytelling or personal background.
Course Choice Strategy Matters
Applicants compete only within their chosen course, not against the entire applicant pool. Some courses are far more competitive than others, even within the same department. Understanding applicant-to-place ratios and test requirements for your specific course can help you set realistic expectations and prepare more strategically.
Consistency Signals Reliability
Oxford values consistency across your application. Grades, test scores, personal statement, and interview performance should all point toward the same academic narrative. Large gaps between components raise concerns, while aligned strength across areas increases confidence in an offer decision.
The Bottom Line
Oxford’s admissions process is built to identify students who can thrive in a highly academic, subject-focused environment. Decisions are driven by depth of knowledge, reasoning ability, and readiness for tutorial-style learning within a specific discipline. Applicants who succeed focus less on building a broad profile and more on showing consistent academic strength across grades, admissions tests, and interviews. Understanding this structure and preparing with subject mastery in mind is what most often separates successful applicants from the rest.
Get Expert Coaching with Leland
Targeted admissions guidance can help you prepare strategically for Oxford’s course selection, tests, and interviews. If you’re serious about applying and want guidance tailored to how the university actually evaluates candidates, working with an experienced admissions coach can help you approach the process with clarity and confidence. You can also join our free events to expand your understanding before applying.
Deepen your understanding by exploring these related reads:
- Top 10 College Essay Tips From Former College Admissions Officers
- How to Write the "Why Us?" / "Why This School?" College Essay
- 5 Tips for Making the Most of Your College Years
- Top Questions to Ask a College Admissions Officer
- Top 25 Free Resources for Your College Application
FAQs
What GPA do you need to go to Oxford?
- Oxford does not set a minimum GPA. Successful U.S. applicants usually have top grades in advanced courses, often equivalent to a near-perfect unweighted GPA. Admissions decisions also depend heavily on subject tests and interview performance.
Is Oxford or Harvard harder to get into?
- Harvard is harder statistically due to its lower overall acceptance rate. Oxford is more demanding academically because it requires subject-specific tests and interviews. Difficulty depends on whether you measure selectivity by numbers or academic assessment.
How many Americans get into Oxford?
- Oxford admits a limited number of U.S. students each year, typically in the low hundreds across all programs. Undergraduate places are especially competitive due to strict academic requirements and limited course capacity.
What is the hardest school to get into?
- There is no single hardest school to get into. Universities with very low acceptance rates or strict academic selection processes are often considered the most competitive, depending on how admissions difficulty is measured.
What is Oxford’s acceptance rate?
- Oxford’s overall acceptance rate varies by year and course, usually falling in the mid-teens. Some programs are significantly more competitive due to admissions tests, interviews, and limited available places.
Browse hundreds of expert coaches
Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.
