University of Oxford Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics (2026 Guide)
The University of Oxford is one of the oldest, most prestigious universities in the world, known globally for its academic excellence, rigorous admissions process, and historic tutorial system. Founded in the 12th century, Oxford has produced world-changing scholars, leaders, and innovators across every major field.
Unsurprisingly, the Oxford University acceptance rate is highly competitive and remains a key concern for prospective UK and international students. This guide provides a clear, data-driven, and trustworthy breakdown of Oxford admissions — including acceptance rates by year, course, background, and applicant region — to help you understand what it truly takes to get in.
Graduate Admissions Statistics (2023–24)
For the 2023–24 academic year, Oxford received an exceptionally large volume of graduate applications, reflecting its global appeal.
Key Graduate Admission Figures
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37,713 graduate applications were received
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11,726 applications (31.1%) were for graduate research degrees
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25,987 applications (68.9%) were for graduate taught degrees
Applicant Domicile
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28,006 applications (74.3%) came from candidates outside the UK
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3,572 (9.5%) from EU countries
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24,434 (64.8%) from non-EU countries
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9,707 applicants (25.7%) were domiciled in the United Kingdom
Acceptances
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32,073 individuals applied to one or more graduate programs
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6,702 total acceptances
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3,508 (52.4%) female
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3,192 (47.6%) male
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These figures highlight Oxford’s global diversity, while also underlining its highly selective admissions standards.
University of Oxford Acceptance Rate : The Numbers Behind the Dream
Oxford’s overall acceptance rate typically sits between 14% and 17%, depending on the year and subject. While this number may appear intimidating, it only tells part of the story.
Acceptance Rates by Course (Approximate)
Medicine: ~9%
Law: ~10–14%
Engineering: ~12%
Economics & Management: ~5%
Important insight:
Department-level acceptance rates do not determine individual chances. Your academic profile, subject fit, and application strength matter far more.
Oxford Acceptance Rate Trends (2021–2024)
| Year | Applicants | Offers | Acceptances | Offer Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24,338 | 3,555 | 3,298 | 14.61% | 13.55% |
| 2022 | 23,819 | 3,645 | 3,271 | 15.30% | 13.73% |
| 2023 | 23,211 | 3,721 | 3,219 | 16.03% | 13.87% |
| 2024 (Preliminary) | ~23,000 | — | — | ~14–16% | ~13–14% |
Despite yearly fluctuations, Oxford’s selectivity remains consistently high, reinforcing its academic standards and limited intake.
Most Competitive Oxford Programs
| Program | Applicants | Offer Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) | 1,864 | 14% | 12% |
| Medicine | 1,712 | 9% | 9% |
| Law | 1,858 | 12% | 10% |
| Mathematics | 1,807 | 11% | 10% |
| Economics & Management | 1,542 | 6% | 5% |
These courses attract large applicant pools, making them among the hardest Oxford programs to enter.
Easiest Oxford Courses to Get Into (Comparatively)
| Course | Applicants | Offer Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music | 169 | 54% | 48% |
| Modern Languages | 309 | 55% | 47% |
| Theology & Religion | 116 | 47% | 40% |
| Modern Languages & Linguistics | 91 | 45% | 43% |
| Asian & Middle Eastern Studies | 42 | 42% | 41% |
These programs typically have smaller applicant pools, not lower academic standards.
Acceptance Rates: State vs Private Schools
2024 Admissions Data
State Schools
Applicants: 10,150
Acceptances: 1,662
Acceptance Rate: 16.4%
Private Schools
Applicants: 3,797
Acceptances: 796
Acceptance Rate: 20.9%
67.6% of UK admits now come from state schools, reflecting Oxford’s continued commitment to access and equity.
International Acceptance Rates (2024)
| Applicant Group | Applicants | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 14,636 | 17.5% |
| EU | 1,572 | 7.6% |
| Non-EU | 7,003 | 7.7% |
International applicants face significantly higher competition, due to limited places and high global demand.
Why Oxford Is More Than Numbers
Oxford’s reputation extends far beyond acceptance rates. Its tutorial system — one-to-one or small-group teaching with subject experts — offers an intellectual apprenticeship unlike any other.
With 400+ clubs and societies, a historic college system, and access to world-class libraries and research facilities, Oxford provides a holistic academic and personal development experience.
What Oxford Looks For in Applicants
Academic Excellence
Typical offers: A*AA or AAA (A-Levels)
IB: 38–40 points
Strong subject-specific performance
Beyond Grades
Intellectual curiosity
Independent thinking
Subject passion
Analytical depth
Oxford seeks students who question, explore, and contribute, not just those with perfect transcripts.
Application Process Overview
Undergraduate
Choose course
Meet entry requirements
Apply via UCAS
Sit required tests
Attend interviews (if shortlisted)
Postgraduate
Choose program
Check specific requirements
Submit online application
Pay application fee (if applicable)
Key Tests & Requirements
TSA, MAT, BMAT (course-dependent)
IELTS / TOEFL for non-native English speakers
GRE usually not required for undergraduates
Deadlines
Undergraduate: Mid-October
Postgraduate: Typically November–January (varies by course)
Final Thoughts: Standing Out at Oxford
Getting into Oxford is challenging, but preparation itself is transformative. Whether through independent research, competitions, academic writing, or subject-focused projects, demonstrating authentic intellectual engagement is key.
Oxford seeks students who will be shaped by its tradition — and who, in return, will shape its future.