Oxford Acceptance Rate
Admissions statistics
The University of Oxford is one of the best universities in the world, consistently ranked 3 among the top 5 globally. Its undergraduate acceptance rate is highly competitive, generally ranging between 13-17%, meaning only a small fraction of applicants are admitted each year. In 2024, over 23,000 people applied for undergraduate study, while almost 38,000 applied for graduate study in 2023. Oxford offers around 3,300 undergraduate places and about 5,500 graduate places annually. Compared to similar schools in the U.S., like Harvard with a 3% acceptance rate, Oxford’s 17.5% rate seems positive but the application process remains challenging and often viewed as less inclusive, making it unclear why the number of applicants is so high.
Looking at recent years, Oxford’s acceptance rate has stayed approximately 13-17%, which is higher than many top American universities. For example, in 2021, there were 24,388 applications with 3,298 offers made, resulting in a 13.52% acceptance rate, while in 2020, the rate was 15.78% with 23,414 applications and 3,695 offers. The acceptance rates vary by course, with some competitive courses like computer science, economics & management, medicine, and law having fewer places per applicant. The number of applicants per place ranges from about 8 to 19, depending on the subject. Factors like nationality, domicile, and government restrictions also influence admissions, especially in medicine courses where domestic and international students face different criteria. Overall, Oxford’s selectivity remains fierce, and understanding these details can help applicants better prepare for the rigorous admission procedures
Oxford Acceptance Rate 2026
1. Overall Acceptance Rate
Oxford University is highly competitive.
Only around 17–20% of applicants are admitted each year.
Acceptance varies by course: some programs like Medicine, Law, or Economics have lower acceptance rates due to high demand.
2. Undergraduate vs Postgraduate
Undergraduate Admissions: Highly selective, with strict academic requirements, personal statements, and reference letters.
Postgraduate Admissions: Still competitive, but acceptance often depends on research experience, relevant degrees, and references.
3. Factors Affecting Acceptance
Grades & Test Scores: Strong academic record is essential (A-levels, IB, SAT/ACT for U.S. students).
Personal Statement & Essays: Must be clear, compelling, and demonstrate passion for the chosen field.
Interviews: Oxford interviews are challenging and test problem-solving, reasoning, and subject knowledge.
Entrance Exams: Certain courses require additional exams like BMAT, LNAT, MAT.
4. Tips to Improve Your Chances
Start preparation early: plan grades, exams, and extracurriculars.
Research course requirements thoroughly.
Practice sample interview questions and past papers.
Show genuine interest and understanding of your subject.
Consider attending summer schools, workshops, or Olympiads to strengthen your profile.
5. Understanding the Numbers
For popular courses like Computer Science, PPE, Medicine, acceptance can be below 10%.
Less competitive courses may see acceptance rates closer to 25–30%, but academic standards remain high.
Acceptance rates fluctuate slightly each year depending on applications and available spots.
6. Additional Advice
Don’t focus solely on acceptance rate; focus on preparing a strong application.
Use resources like Oxford’s official website, department pages, and past papers.
Seek advice from mentors, teachers, or education consultants.
College Admission Statistics
5-Year Comprehensive Analysis (2020-2024)
| Academic Year | Total Applicants | Offers Extended | Acceptances | Offer Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 23,061 | 3,793 | 3,245 | 16.4% ↑ | 14.1% ↑ |
| 2023 | 23,211 | 3,721 | 3,219 | 16.0% ↑ | 13.9% ↑ |
| 2022 | 23,819 | 3,645 | 3,271 | 15.3% ↑ | 13.7% ↑ |
| 2021 | 24,338 | 3,555 | 3,298 | 14.6% ↓ | 13.6% ↓ |
| 2020 | 23,414 | 3,932 | 3,695 | 16.8% | 15.8% |
📊 Understanding Offer Rate
The percentage of applicants who receive admission offers. A higher offer rate indicates less competitive admission for that year.
🎯 Understanding Acceptance Rate
The percentage of applicants who actually enroll after receiving offers. This shows the final admission success rate.
📈 Application Trends
Application numbers have remained relatively stable, ranging from 23,000 to 24,000 applicants annually over the past 5 years.
🏆 Competition Level
With acceptance rates around 13-16%, this institution maintains highly competitive admission standards.
🔍 Key Insights for Prospective Students
- Competitive Environment: Only about 1 in 6-7 applicants receive admission offers
- Yield Rate: Most students who receive offers choose to enroll (85-94% yield rate)
- Recent Trends: 2020 had the highest acceptance rate (15.8%), likely due to pandemic impacts
- Recovery Pattern: Admission rates have been gradually recovering since the 2021 low point
- Stability: Despite fluctuations, the institution maintains consistent class sizes around 3,200-3,700 students
Final Thought
Oxford University remains one of the most prestigious and competitive institutions in the world. For 2026, prospective undergraduate applicants can expect an Oxford University acceptance rate 2026 of approximately 15–17%, highlighting the university’s selectivity and high academic standards. Graduate programs also remain competitive, with acceptance rates varying by course but averaging around 27%. These numbers emphasize the importance of strong academic records, well-prepared applications, and thoughtful preparation. While the Oxford University acceptance rate 2026 provides a general benchmark, each applicant’s success depends on the quality of their profile, personal statement, and interview performance. For accurate and updated figures, students should always consult Oxford’s official admissions statistics and plan their application strategy accordingly.