Oxford University Acceptance Rates & Admissions Statistics

Content:

• Understanding Oxford University’s acceptance rates
• Oxford undergraduate admissions statistics
• Oxford graduate admissions statistics
• Acceptance rates by Oxford college
• University of Oxford acceptance rates by course (2021–2023)
• Oxford acceptance rates for international applicants
• Oxford interview-to-offer success rate
• How admission tests affect Oxford acceptance rates
• Getting into Oxford: state vs private schools
• Get expert, one-to-one application support

Understanding Oxford University acceptance rates

Oxford is one of the most competitive universities in the world, so understanding how its acceptance rates work can help you apply strategically and confidently. 

Offer rate vs acceptance rate explained

It’s important to distinguish between offer rates and acceptance rates:

Offer rate refers to the percentage of applicants who receive an offer.

Acceptance rate refers to the percentage of applicants who are ultimately admitted (i.e., they meet the offer conditions and accept the place).

In many cases, students who receive offers do not meet their conditional requirements or decline the place in favour of another university.

What is the current acceptance rate at Oxford?

Among UK university statistics, the acceptance rate at Oxford is especially notable. In 2025, the overall undergraduate acceptance rate was 14.2%. This means that Oxford’s overall acceptance rate remains among the lowest in the UK, reflecting the intense competition faced by applicants during each admissions cycle.

How acceptance rates have changed in recent years

Oxford acceptance rates have remained relatively stable in recent years, with a steady increase in the number of applicants. In 2025, Oxford received over 23,000 undergraduate applications, making the admissions process highly competitive. Below is a comparison of application volume, offers made, and students admitted from 2021 to 2025:

Despite Oxford’s consistently low acceptance rate, the number of students admitted each year has remained stable.

The role of subject choice in acceptance rates

Subject choice is a major factor in acceptance outcomes. Some of Oxford’s most popular Oxford courses attract significantly more applicants per place than others, creating substantial differences in admission rates between subjects. For example, courses like Medicine, PPE, and Law consistently post the lowest acceptance rates. On the other hand, subjects like Modern Languages and Theology (among Oxford’s least competitive courses) tend to have higher acceptance rates.

Maximise your odds with tailored guidance from our Oxford Admissions Tutors. Our team includes former admissions staff who understand every part of Oxford’s admissions process, from application strategy to final decisions.

Oxford undergraduate admissions statistics

Now that you’ve got the overview, take a look at the admissions stats below. They reveal how Oxford’s applicant pool is evolving, and what this means for prospective undergraduate students.

Overview of 2025 undergraduate admissions data

In 2025, Oxford admitted 3,302 students from a pool of 23,329 applicants. This represents an overall undergraduate acceptance rate of 14.2%.

Trends in UK undergraduate acceptance rate (2021-2025)

• The percentage of students from state schools decreased slightly from 68.2% to 66.5%.
• The percentage of students identifying as Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) rose from 24.6% to 30.0%.
• The percentage from socio-economically disadvantaged areas fell slightly from 21.1% to 20.9%.
• The percentage of students eligible for Free School meals increased from 5.3% to 6.6%. 
• The percentage of students declaring a disability increased from 11.6% to 19.5%.
• The percentage of female students fell from 55.2% to 50.6%.

Most competitive undergraduate courses (2023-2025)

Competition remains fierce: in some courses, like Economics and Management, the acceptance rate can dip below 7%. Competitive courses consistently receive more applications per place, with some programmes seeing 10 or more applicants for each spot.

If you’re applying to a highly competitive Oxford course, your application will need to demonstrate not only an impressive intellectual grasp of your chosen subject, but also an ability to think differently from your peers. Admissions tutors are looking for students who can engage critically with new concepts and thrive in Oxford’s unique tutorial environment.

To prepare students for this, our University Admissions Tutors help applicants present the strongest version of themselves at every stage of the Oxford admissions process: from the UCAS form and personal statement to admissions tests and interviews. Book a free consultation and we’ll personally match you with the tutor best suited to your chosen course and academic profile.

Oxford graduate admissions statistics

Oxford’s graduate programmes are just as competitive as its undergraduate degrees, and often more so in specific departments. The statistics below reveal how acceptance rates vary significantly across divisions and specific courses.

Graduate acceptance rates by division

In the academic year 2024-2025, the university received 42,065 applications for graduate programmes and admitted 6,428, resulting in an acceptance rate of 15.3%.

Acceptance rates vary greatly by department and course. Based on the most recent 2024-2025 data:

Acceptance rates by Oxford college (2025)

Each Oxford college has its own unique acceptance rate. While all colleges follow the central admissions process, acceptance rates can differ for reasons we’ll explore below.

Comparing Oxford college acceptance rates

First, take a look at Oxford’s colleges listed below, along with their acceptance rates and number of applicants:

Oxford colleges with the lowest acceptance rates (2025)

These are Oxford’s most competitive colleges, often seeing the highest number of applications relative to places available. Applicants targeting these colleges should ensure their applications are exceptionally strong.

Oxford colleges with the highest acceptance rates (2025)

Some colleges consistently accept a greater proportion of applicants. These may be ideal options for students seeking a stronger chance of admission, particularly when aligned with their course preferences.

Strategies for smart college selection

Some Oxford colleges are more competitive due to their reputation or subject strengths, attracting far more applicants per place.

For example, Regent’s Park College typically offers just 4 places for Law, while Brasenose College admits around 10. However, Brasenose receives far more applications, making it significantly more competitive despite the larger intake.

Moreover, some colleges have additional requirements, such as submitting one or two pieces of written work as part of the application. These differences can affect your chances of receiving a life-changing offer. 

Our Oxford Tutors can help you navigate these hidden dynamics and choose a college where you’re more likely to succeed.  Many of our tutors have studied at Oxford and Cambridge, so they have insider knowledge of the entire college admissions process. 

University of Oxford acceptance rates by course (2021-2023)

Not all Oxford degrees are equally competitive, and the admissions statistics below reveal just how much this varies across disciplines.

Most competitive Oxford courses

These subjects had the lowest acceptance rates, meaning more applicants per available place.

Least competitive Oxford courses

These subjects had the highest acceptance rates, making them less competitive in comparison.

These Oxford courses tend to attract fewer applicants relative to available places, which contributes to their higher acceptance rates. While they may be statistically less competitive, admissions standards and minimum requirements remain rigorous, so your application to Oxford must be compelling. 

No matter which course you’re applying for, our expert Admissions Tutors can help you stand out. Receive an offer to study at Oxford with tailored guidance on personal statements, admissions tests, and interviews. 

Oxford acceptance rates for international applicants

Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK and across the globe, attracting thousands of applications from both domestic and international students each year.

The table below outlines Oxford University’s acceptance rate for EU students:

And here is a detailed breakdown of offer and acceptance rate data for non-EU students:

Key admissions requirements for overseas students

To be competitive, international applicants must:

• Achieve the equivalent of AAA or better at A-level (view international qualifications here).
• If required, complete an English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced).
• Submit a high-quality personal statement tailored to Oxford’s expectations.
• If required, score highly in admissions tests (e.g. TARA, TMUA, ESAT, LNAT or UCAT).
• Be fully prepared for the Oxford interview process.

No matter where in the world you are, The Profs are available to triple your chances of getting into Oxford. Our expert Admissions Tutors specialise in helping overseas students present strong, competitive applications tailored for Oxbridge.

Oxford interview-to-offer success rate

How many applicants get interviews?

Interviews are a crucial part of Oxford’s admissions process. Typically:

• Around 10,000 applicants are invited to interview out of ~23,000 undergraduate applicants.
• This represents roughly 40-45% of candidates.
• Overall offer rate post-interview is ~35–38% (though this depends on your chosen course).

Oxford interview preparation tips

Oxford interviews are academic in nature and test your ability to think critically. To prepare effectively:

• Read beyond your A-level syllabus and stay informed on your chosen subject, whether it’s through watching podcasts, (quality) Youtube videos, or Ted Talks.
• Research your interviewers and their interests. If you’ve read a text on a subject they’re known for, you may be able to guide the conversation onto this topic. This gives you the opportunity to build a rapport with your interviewers and show that you would be an ideal fit for your chosen course.
• Practice mock interview questions with our Interview Training Tutors. They can help you with the above, and give you extra tips and insights into the entire application process.

Tip: What you write in your personal statement can influence your interview. If you dedicate a few lines of your statement to a particular interesting topic or author, your interviewers may ask you to discuss this in your interview. If you can guide your interviewers to talk about your strongest topics, you’ll be at a huge advantage over the competition.

How admission tests affect Oxford acceptance rates

Oxford admissions data shows a clear pattern: strong performance in admissions tests is closely linked to being shortlisted and receiving an offer. Take a look at the average LNAT and UCAT scores below. We can see that offer holders consistently outperform the wider applicant pool at every stage of the process.

Almost half of all Oxford applicants are rejected before the interview stage, meaning your test result can make or break your application. Our expert Admissions Test Tutors can help you choose the right tests, manage your time effectively, and strengthen your weaker areas.

How to prepare for Oxford admission tests

To maximise your chances:

• Start early – preparation ideally begins 6–12 months in advance.
• Use official past papers and time yourself under real test conditions.
• Seek expert tutoring to sharpen your strategy, time management, and accuracy.

Getting into Oxford: state vs private schools

Acceptance rates by school type (2021-2025)

Despite independent school applicants generally having higher acceptance rates year-on-year, state school students now make up the majority of UK admissions to Oxford, accounting for over 65% of total UK students admitted in 2025.

Oxbridge outreach for state school students

Oxford has launched several initiatives to improve equity in admissions:

• UNIQ Summer Schools – giving state school students access to academic taster programmes.
• Target Oxbridge – supporting Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants.
• Regional outreach by colleges to connect with underrepresented schools.

These programmes aim to level the playing field, ensuring that students from state schools have access to information and resources traditionally more available to their private school counterparts.

For even more tailored support, book a free consultation with The Profs. We’ll connect you to one of over 400 University Admissions Tutors who offer insider knowledge, mock interviews, and a personal statement review to help you get into Oxford. 

Get expert, one-to-one application support

Applying to Oxford is a daunting challenge, but it’s one you can absolutely overcome with the right preparation and support. The competition is fierce, but by understanding the acceptance statistics and aligning your strategy accordingly, you can place yourself among the best-prepared applicants.

At The Profs, we’ve helped hundreds of students do exactly that. Our personalised, one-to-one approach means we focus on your end goal, your chosen course, and your unique strengths. We support applicants across a wide range of subjects, from Medicine and Law to English Literature, Economics and specialist humanities disciplines.

Our guidance covers every stage of the admissions process, including:

• Personal statement support.
• Interview coaching from Oxbridge graduates, experts, or former Oxbridge admissions tutors.
• Admissions test preparation.
• Specialist guidance on choosing the right Oxford college.
• Support with an independent research project (EPQ-style).

Ready to get started? Connect with our Oxford Admissions Tutors and triple your chances of success.