Oxford students population
Oxford University is one of the most prestigious and historic institutions in the world — but have you ever wondered: how many students are actually at Oxford? In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down Oxford’s student population by undergraduate, postgraduate, international, and college-wise data.
Let’s explore the numbers behind the legacy.
Total Student at Oxford in 2025
As of the latest available data for the academic year 2024–2025, the University of Oxford has approximately 26,500 students enrolled across all programs.
This total includes:
-
12,800 undergraduates
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13,700 postgraduates
Oxford maintains a near-perfect balance between undergraduate and graduate students — a sign of its strong commitment to research, teaching, and global academic leadership.
Undergraduate vs Postgraduate Students
Oxford is widely known for its undergraduate tutorials and the intellectual rigor of its postgraduate programs. Here’s a clearer picture:
| Category | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Undergraduates | ~12,800 |
| Postgraduates | ~13,700 |
| Total | ~26,500 |
Postgraduate numbers have been growing steadily, thanks to Oxford’s globally renowned master’s and doctoral programs in science, humanities, social sciences, and business.
How Many International Students at Oxford?
Oxford isn’t just a UK institution — it’s a truly global university.
In 2025, approximately 45% of Oxford’s students are from outside the UK, coming from over 160 countries and territories.
Here’s the international student split:
-
Undergraduates (Non-UK): ~3,800
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Postgraduates (Non-UK): ~8,100
That’s over 11,900 international students, many of whom are enrolled in programs such as Law, Finance, Medicine, and Philosophy — areas where Oxford leads globally.
How Are Students Distributed Across Oxford’s Colleges?
Oxford is made up of 39 independent colleges and 6 permanent private halls, each offering its own unique academic and social experience.
Each student at Oxford belongs to a college, regardless of their degree level.
Here’s a general estimate of student distribution:
Larger colleges (e.g., St Catherine’s, Magdalen): 600–900 students each
Smaller colleges (e.g., Corpus Christi, Harris Manchester): 250–400 students each
Each college supports its own community of students, professors, and facilities — which makes Oxford feel more personal despite its university-wide scale.
Oxford vs Cambridge – Who Has More Students?
A common question is how Oxford’s student population compares to Cambridge.
Oxford: ~26,500 students
Cambridge: ~24,500 students
Oxford slightly edges out Cambridge in total enrolment, though both maintain a similar balance of undergraduate to postgraduate ratios.
Oxford University Student Numbers 2025
| Segment | Approximate Count |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 26,500+ |
| Undergraduates | 12,800 |
| Postgraduates | 13,700 |
| International Students | 11,900 |
| Number of Colleges | 39 |
| Countries Represented | 160+ |
Final Thoughts
So — how many students are at Oxford? The answer is more than just a number. Oxford’s student body of over 26,000 minds from around the globe represents centuries of academic tradition, intellectual pursuit, and global impact.
Whether you’re planning to apply or just curious, these figures help paint a clearer picture of life at one of the world’s most respected universities.