Oxford Vs Cambridge: Which One Should You Choose?
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Cambridge University Vs Oxford University: For centuries, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge have reigned supreme in the academic world. Both these universities stand among the top and oldest universities in the UK. However, the difference between Cambridge and Oxford universities is hard to deduce for international students.
Owing to their popularity, high standards of education and some similarities, Oxford University and Cambridge University are collectively referred to as “Oxbridge”. Although the answer to the question that which is better Oxford or Cambridge University differs for different students. However, there is no proper conclusion to this question as both of these universities have been ranked among the top 10 universities in the world for several consecutive years now. The summary of significant differences between the Oxford and Cambridge universities is given below.
| Universities’ Highlights |
||
|---|---|---|
| Particulars |
Oxford University |
Cambridge University |
| Founded in |
1096 |
1209 |
| QS World University Rankings 2024 |
#3 |
#2 |
| THE World University Rankings 2024 |
#1 |
#5 |
| Number of Courses Available |
52 undergraduate courses 416 graduate courses |
30 undergraduate courses 300+postgraduate courses |
| Total Students Enrolled in 2024-25 |
26,500+ |
24,000+ |
| Number of Colleges |
43 |
31 |
| Number of Noble Laureates |
79 |
121 |
| Number of Scholarships |
1000+ |
500+ |
| Average Cost of Studying |
INR 25 to 80 L |
INR 24 to 73 L |
| Minimum Grades Required |
A level |
A level |
| Required Minimum IELTS Scores |
7+ |
7+ |
| Best Courses |
Anatomy and Physiology, English language and Literature, Law and Legal Studies, Marketing, Medicine, Life Sciences, etc. |
Archaeology, Modern Languages, Anatomy and Physiology, Arts and Humanities, English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Chemistry, etc. |
Oxford Vs Cambridge University: The History
Belonging to the Russell Group, both Oxford and Cambridge University were founded more than 800 years ago which makes them the oldest universities in the UK. However, Oxford University, founded in 1096 is believed to be the second-oldest university in the world that is still running and the oldest in the UK. However, Cambridge University, founded in 1209 is the fifth oldest in the world and the second oldest university in the UK.
The University of Cambridge was established by some scholars who migrated from the University of Oxford over a dispute, which led to the rise of the soft rivalry known as the Oxford-Cambridge rivalry. Both these universities have been having tough competitions over games, academics, rankings, research and teaching pedagogies.
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University of Oxford vs University of Cambridge: Rankings
The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford have been ranked in the top 10 universities in the world list by several ranking agencies and universities. Both these universities keep exchanging their positions on several parameters each year. A visual representation of the comparison of rankings of both universities is given below.
Oxford Vs Cambridge University: Admission Requirements
The admission requirements of both these highly competitive universities are pretty much the same but the accurate requirements differ across courses.
The specific differences between Cambridge and Oxford universities’ admission requirements are given below.
| Difference Between Oxford University and Cambridge University based on their Admission Requirements |
||
|---|---|---|
| Criteria |
University of Oxford |
University of Cambridge |
| Typical A-Level Grades |
AAA - AAA |
AAA - AA*A (Some colleges may ask for higher) |
| IB Diploma Score |
38-40 points |
40-42 points |
| Written Tests |
Required for most subjects |
Required for ~half of courses (others have written tests during interviews) |
| Specific Tests |
MAT (Mathematics), BSAT (Biomedical Sciences), HAT (History), MLAT (Modern Languages), TSA (Thinking Skills), PAT (Physics), etc. |
TMUA (Computer Science and Economics), ESAT (Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine), LNAT (Law), UCAT (Medicine and Graduate Medicine), etc. |
Besides these differences, both universities require a personal statement and reference letters.
Overall:
- Both Oxford and Cambridge have extremely high entry requirements.
- Cambridge generally requires slightly higher grades than Oxford.
- Both universities emphasise interviews as a significant part of the selection process.
Cambridge versus Oxford: Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
The average cost of studying at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge differ slightly. Below we have tabulated the difference between the average costs of studying and costs of living in the city of Oxford (University of Oxford) and Cambridge (University of Cambridge).
| Oxford v Cambridge: Cost of Living and Studying |
||
|---|---|---|
| Particulars |
University of Oxford |
University of Cambridge |
| Average Cost of Studying |
INR 25 to 80 L per year |
INR 24 to 73 L per year |
| Average Cost of Living in the Respective Cities |
INR 1.41 to 2 L per month |
INR 1.3 L per month |
Cambridge Versus Oxford: Locations
Cambridge University and Oxford University are located in the beautiful historical towns of Cambridge and Oxford respectively, in the UK. The city of Oxford is located to the northwest of London and takes about an hour to reach while Cambridge is located to the north of London and takes less than an hour to reach London. Both these cities are well connected and students can take a train to get to London.
Oxford is a bigger city than Cambridge and has better places to hang out for students like bigger restaurants, shops and nightlife options. Oxford is a bustling city while Cambridge is a calm city settled on either side of the River Cam.
Oxford offers a taste of city life with easy access to the capital, while Cambridge provides a more tranquil student experience surrounded by natural beauty. Consider which environment would best suit your study style and desired social life.
Oxford University Vs Cambridge University FAQs
Q. University Of Oxford Vs Cambridge - which is better to study an MBA?
A. While there is not much difference between the standards of education between these two universities, choosing between Oxford's Said Business School and Cambridge Judge Business School for your MBA as an international student depends on your specific goals and preferences.
While both these business schools stand among the best ones in the UK, they boast strong alumni networks and career services to help you land your dream job. However, some differences in these two top B-schools in the UK can help you make an informed decision. A few points of differences are given below.
- Rankings: Oxford's SAID Business School has been placed at number 18 in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2024 list while Cambridge's Judge Business School has been placed at number 9 (=9).
- Program Focus: Oxford Business School has a slight edge in Social Entrepreneurship, while Cambridge Business School leans towards Technology and Innovation. Consider making your decision based on your desired career path.
- Work Experience: Oxford accepts students with an average of 2 years of work experience, while Cambridge prefers 3 years. If you have less experience, Oxford might be more suitable.
- Living Costs: While there is only a slight difference in the tuition fees of both these universities, living expenses in Cambridge might be slightly lower than those in Oxford. However, scholarships and financial aid options are available at both universities.
- City Life: Oxford offers a more bustling city atmosphere with a wider range of shops and nightlife. Cambridge provides a calmer, more scenic setting ideal for nature lovers.
Q. University Of Oxford Vs Cambridge - which is better to study Physics?
A. Choosing between Oxford University and Cambridge University for Physics as an international student depends on your learning style and research interests. Both universities are world-renowned for Physics, so a wrong choice is not really possible.
Below are a few points on differences between Oxford and Cambridge universities for studying Physics to help you decide:
- Rankings: The Oxford University is placed at number 3 and the Cambridge University at number 5 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Physics & Astronomy.
- Oxford University offers a traditional single-honours Physics degree, allowing deep specialisation in Physics from the start. However, Cambridge University offers a Natural Sciences program where you study Physics alongside other sciences in Year 1, then specialise in Physics from Year 2.
- Physics coursework at Oxford University focuses on in-depth concepts in Physics making a strong foundation and understanding of its concepts. However, Cambridge University allows students to learn the related sciences along with Physics.
- Oxford University focuses on subjects like Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Particle Physics, etc. While Cambridge University focuses on Cosmology, Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience and more
Q. University Of Oxford Vs Cambridge - which is better to study Mathematics?
A. Both Oxford and Cambridge Universities are excellent choices for studying Mathematics. The first point of difference between the two universities is the QS World University Rankings for Subject Mathematics 2024 which is #4 for Oxford University and #2 for Cambridge University.
If you crave a structured program with a potential research focus along with enjoying a bustling city vibe, Oxford University might be an ideal choice. However, if you prefer flexibility in choosing Maths pathways and a more traditional exam style then, Cambridge University could be a great fit.
Ultimately, the best university depends on your preferred learning style, desired research area, and whether a lively city or a serene riverside setting appeals to you more. Research each department's strengths in your specific Maths interest for the edge.
Q: Is Oxford University better than IIT?
Historically, Oxford has been ranked higher than IITs in India. Oxford has been ranked among the top 10 global universities and compared with universities like Harvard, Stanford and Cambridge. When it comes to ranking comparison, Oxford has always remained way ahead of the IITs. However, IITs are also considered the top higher education institutes in India. Ranked globally, the acceptance rate of both Oxford University in UK and IITs in India are considered to be highly competitive.
Acceptance Rate & Eligibility: On an average while 18 students are selected out of every 100 students that apply to Oxford University, only 1 student out of 100 is likely to be selected in top IITs in India.
Apart from SOP and SOP and LORs. However, for IITs, the admission is based on scores in national-level entrance exams such as JEE Main and CAT, followed by a Counselling round. Hence, the process of selection at IITs is comparatively competitive in nature.
Fee: Course fee of some of the prominent courses such as BTech and MBA at Oxford University are comparatively higher when compared to IITs in India.
Below table compares Oxford University with the top ranked IIT, i.e., IIT Bombay, based on their global rankings, acceptance rate, tuition fee and average package:
Category | University of Oxford | IIT Bombay |
|---|---|---|
QS Global Rankings 2024 | #3 | #149 |
Acceptance Rate* | 18% | < 1% |
Tuition Fees (BTech) | INR 38.2 L - INR 46.8 L | INR 8 L - INR 20 L |
Average Salary Package* | INR 24.87 L | INR 32 L |
Q: Is Oxford cheaper than Harvard?
Let us compare the tuition fees range of Harvard University and the University of Oxford for UG and PG courses:
University | 1st-Year Fee Range for UG Courses | 1st-Year Fee Range for PG Courses |
|---|---|---|
INR 29 Lacs – INR 47 lakh | INR 26 Lacs – INR 83 lakh | |
INR 41 Lacs – INR 45 lakh | INR 18 Lacs – INR 72 lakh |
The starting range of the tuition fees at Oxford for UG course is less than Harvard, whereas, the upper range of the fees is roughly same. However, studying PG courses at Oxford University is costlier than Harvard University.
Q: Which one is better for studies, Harvard or Oxford?
Harvard is the top university in the USA while Oxford is the top university in the UK. Both of these universities offer world ranked programs to their students with better placement oppurtunities. A comparison of the two universities with reference to their world ranking, fees and placements is mentioned below:
| Universities | First-year Fees | QS Ranking 2024 | Placements (MBA graduate MBA salary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard | INR 16 L to INR 72 L | 4 | INR 1.5 Cr |
| Oxford | INR 14 L to INR 83 L | 3 | INR 88 L |
Q: Is Imperial College London better than Oxford University?
Oxford University has a ranking of #3 according to the QS World Rankings and Imperial College London has a ranking of #6 in 2024. The comparative QS rankings of Oxford University and Imperial College London are given as follows:
| Category | Oxford University | Imperial College London |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rankings 2024 | #3 | #6 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% | 15% |
| Tuition Fees (MBA) | INR 29 L - INR 82 L | INR 17 L - INR 65 L |
Q: Which is better for MBA - University of Oxford or Oxford Brookes University?
Both Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University are among the top 100 universities in the UK. The University of Oxford is the oldest in England with most of its buildings in the historic centre of the city of Oxford. Whereas, Oxford Brookes University was founded as Oxford Polytechnic. The below table includes the differentiation between Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University:
| Particular | Oxford University | Oxford Brookes University |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | 3 (QS 2024) | 413 (QS 2024) |
| Fees | INR 14 L - INR 19 L | INR 13 L - INR 73 L |
Q: Which University is harder to get into Harvard or Oxford?
Both, Harvard or Oxford, have a prestigious reputation and are considered among the best universities in the world. However, when it comes to entry requirements, then Oxford University has an acceptance rate of 17% whereas, Harvard has acceptance rate of just 4-5%, however, GMAT/GRE score requirement for Oxford is higher than Harvard. Similarly, applicants need to have a GPA of 4.5 out of 5 for getting into Oxford, whereas, one can secure admission at Harvard with a GPA of 4 out of 5.
Q: What is the difference between Oxford University and Brookes University Oxford?
Both Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University are among the Oxford2 100 universities in the UK. The University of Oxford is the oldest in England with most of its buildings in the historic centre of the city of Oxford. Whereas, Oxford Brookes University was founded as Oxford Polytechnic. The below table includes the differentiation between Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University:
| Particular | Oxford University | Oxford Brookes University |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | 3 (QS 2024) | 413 (QS 2024) |
| Fees | INR 14 L - INR 19 L | INR 13 L - INR 73 L |
Q: What distinguishes Cambridge University from Oxford University?
Both Cambridge University and Oxford University are among the top 10 universities in the world by QS ranking 2024. Check the below points that distinguishes Cambridge University from Oxford University:
| Universities | First-Year Tuition Fees | QS Rankings in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge University | INR 26 L to INR 73 L | 2 |
| Oxford University | INR 14 L to INR 83 L | 3 |
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