What is Oxbridge?

The UK is a popular study destination for international students because of its top-ranking universities, which include the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. Collectively the two institutions are known as “Oxbridge”. 

Here we explain the term, the unique features of each university, and how international students can apply. 

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What is Oxbridge? 

Oxbridge collectively refers to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and is a combination of the two universities’ names. These institutions are known for their rigorous academic programmes, historical significance and influential alumni. 

Both regularly rank highly in global university and subject rankings and are globally renowned. Both institutions are often compared with the Ivy League in the US. 

Why is it called Oxbridge? 

“Oxbridge” has been in use since the 19th century in recognition of the close ties and distinct qualities of these two ancient universities.

Despite their friendly rivalry, Oxford and Cambridge share many similarities in terms of structure, traditions and their tutorial system of teaching.

Which universities are part of Oxbridge and where are they located? 

University of Oxford: Located in Oxford, England, it comprises 39 colleges and six permanent private halls. Each college is self-governing, offering a close-knit community and personalised academic support. 

University of Cambridge: Situated in Cambridge, England, it consists of 31 colleges, each providing a unique environment and fostering a sense of community. 

What makes Oxbridge unique? 

Collegiate system

Oxford and Cambridge are structured around a collegiate system where students belong to both the university and a specific college. 

Students can choose to apply to a particular college or make an open application, letting the university allocate them. Even if students specify a certain college in their application, they may well be allocated to a different college based on where the university thinks they will fit best. Regardless of which college you are affiliated with, you will graduate with a University of Oxford or University of Cambridge degree.

Colleges comprise students studying across different disciplines and at different academic levels. 

Colleges provide accommodation, dining, social spaces and academic support and facilities including libraries and computer suites. 

Tutorial and supervision system

Both universities teach in similar ways, with lectures, seminars and lab work if that is required in your course. 

Both also offer personalised teaching sessions with tutors and lecturers. Oxford calls them tutorials while Cambridge calls them supervisions. Students are required to complete essays or other work in preparation.

Traditions and culture

Because of their long histories, both universities have rich traditions, including formal dinners, black-tie balls and historic ceremonies. 

How do you apply to an Oxbridge university? 

The application process for Oxbridge is highly competitive. It’s important to be aware that students are only able to apply to one of these universities in the same year. However, should you be accepted you can complete your undergraduate degree at one and study at postgraduate level at the other. 

Applications for Oxford or Cambridge can be done through the UK’s central application system, Ucas. Students will need to submit their predicted or expected grades (Oxbridge usually only accepts top grades in relevant subjects) and a strong personal statement and academic references. 

The deadline for Oxbridge is earlier than for the rest of the universities in the UK. It is usually in the October prior to the academic year you are planning to begin your studies. The deadline for all other universities will be the following January. Students are able to first submit an application to one of the Oxbridge universities and then apply for other institutions in the UK. 

If an Oxbridge university is considering your application, you will be invited for an interview and you may be asked to take subject-specific admissions tests.

What I learned from applying to Oxbridge 
Applying through Ucas as an international student 
Common grammatical errors to avoid in your university application 

How much does it cost to study at Oxbridge? 

Tuition fees for international students at Oxbridge are typically high, with costs varying depending on the course and level of study. Annual tuition fees can range from about £30,000 to £50,000. 

Tuition fees for undergraduate students from the UK are £9,250 per year. 

Additionally, living costs in the cities of Oxford and Cambridge are relatively high. Cambridge is slightly cheaper at approximately £1,026 per month (excluding tuition fees), whereas living in Oxford can cost between £1,345 and £1,955 per month (excluding tuition fees). 

Each academic year typically consists of three eight-week terms. 

What financial aid can I receive for Oxbridge? 

Both universities offer various financial aid options, including scholarships, bursaries and grants. International students can apply for need-based and merit-based funding, which can help offset tuition fees and living expenses. Some of the scholarships available are listed below, however it is always a good idea to check with your chosen institution.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships: These scholarships are offered to students intending to pursue postgraduate studies in any discipline at the University of Cambridge. They cover the full cost of study and provide additional discretionary funding. 

Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford: The Clarendon Scholarship Fund awards graduate-level scholarships based on academic excellence. These cover tuition and college fees, along with a substantial grant for living expenses. Each year, 140 scholarships are awarded to both international and domestic students.

Rhodes Scholarship: The Rhodes Scholarship offers exceptional individuals worldwide the chance to study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1903 and now open to applicants from any country, it covers tuition fees, provides a generous living stipend and supports a diverse community of scholars committed to intellectual excellence and leadership. 

What is the acceptance rate at Oxbridge? 

The acceptance rates at Oxford and Cambridge are low, reflecting their highly selective admissions processes. On average, Oxford has had an acceptance rate of between 13 and 15 per cent over the last few years, while Cambridge’s acceptance rate was approximately 20 per cent in 2023. These rates vary by course and level of competition.

What reputation do Oxbridge universities have? 

Oxbridge is globally renowned for academic excellence, cutting-edge research and its influential alumni. Graduates often become leaders in various fields, including politics, science, literature and business. 

Oxford’s numerous notable alumni include 28 British prime ministers, 30-plus international leaders, and prominent figures in various fields such as literature (J. R. R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde), science (Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins) and entertainment (Hugh Grant and Emma Watson). 

Cambridge also has a prestigious list of alumni, including 15 prime ministers (Margaret Thatcher and David Lloyd George), multiple heads of state, authors (Sylvia Plath and Zadie Smith), and actors (Hugh Laurie and Eddie Redmayne). 

Oxford is associated with 72 Nobel laureates across many disciplines including physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. Winners include Dorothy Hodgkin in chemistry (a graduate of both universities), Malala Yousafzai in peace and T. S. Eliot in literature.

Cambridge has 122 Nobel laureates in areas including physics, literature, peace and economic sciences. Winners includeIsaac Newton in physics, Frederick Sanger in chemistry and Elizabeth Blackburn in medicine. 

Where do the universities of Oxford and Cambridge rank? 

Oxford and Cambridge consistently achieve top-tier positions in Times Higher Education rankings. As of the 2024 World University Rankings, Oxford holds the top spot overall, while Cambridge is ranked fifth globally. Moreover, both universities maintain their prominence by securing top five positions across all subject-specific rankings. 

Do Oxbridge universities include graduate schools?

Both Oxford and Cambridge offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes, including master’s, doctoral and professional degrees. These graduate schools are highly respected and provide opportunities for advanced study and research across various disciplines.

While some courses might allow direct departmental applications, especially for research degrees (like PhDs), many postgraduate programmes, particularly taught courses and certain research programmes, require applicants to apply to a particular college.

This involves selecting a college that aligns with the student’s academic interests and where there is availability and supervision for their chosen course of study. Each college has its own application procedures and deadlines.

What is the difference between Oxbridge and other universities? 

Oxbridge stands out from other UK universities in several ways. First is the collegiate system. While a few other universities operate under a collegiate system, it is still mainly associated with Oxbridge.

The teaching style is unique too. Instead of large lectures, students attend small group tutorials with expert tutors. This approach fosters deeper learning and critical thinking compared with the lecture-based teaching at many other universities. 

Oxbridge also has long-standing traditions that add to its distinctive character. Rituals such as formal dinners and ceremonies conducted in Latin create a strong sense of history and community within each college. 

Academically, both universities have high entry standards, often higher than other UK universities, and they require specific entrance exams or interviews. This ensures that students admitted not only excel academically but thrive in the challenging academic environment. 

FAQs   

Q. What is Oxbridge? 
A. Oxbridge refers to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK. 

Q. Why is it called Oxbridge? 
A. “Oxbridge” is a combination of Oxford and Cambridge.

Q. Which universities are part of Oxbridge and where are they located? 
A. Oxbridge includes the University of Oxford in Oxford and the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. 

Q: How do you apply to an Oxbridge university? 
A: Applying to Oxford or Cambridge involves achieving top academic grades, taking admissions tests, writing a strong personal statement and securing references. Interviews are also a crucial part of the selection process, focusing on academic aptitude and critical thinking skills. 

Q. How much does it cost to study at Oxbridge? 
A. Tuition fees for international students range from about £30,000 to £50,000 per year, with additional living costs.   

Q. What financial aid can I receive for Oxbridge? 
A. Both universities offer scholarships, bursaries and grants to help international students.

Q. What is the acceptance rate at Oxbridge? 
A. Oxford’s acceptance rate is around 17 per cent, and Cambridge’s is approximately 21 per cent. 

Q. What reputation do Oxbridge universities have? 
A. Oxbridge is renowned for academic excellence, high-profile alumni and influential research, consistently ranking highly in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. 

Q. What is the difference between Oxbridge and other universities? 
A. Oxbridge’s collegiate system, tutorial teaching and rich traditions create a unique educational experience. 

Q. Do Oxbridge universities include graduate schools? 
A. Yes, both universities offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes. 

Please note that all financial costs were correct at the time of publication. These may vary over time.