University of Oxford

No university in the English-speaking world is older than the University of Oxford, where teaching is attested by 1096 and expanded rapidly from 1167. The foundation of University, Balliol and Merton colleges in the thirteenth century gave shape to its collegiate system, and today Oxford belongs to the Russell Group. It comprises more than 40 colleges and halls, and each student is a member of one. The colleges are responsible for undergraduate tutorials, accommodation and social life, whereas lectures, examinations and the awarding of degrees fall to the central University.

Undergraduates and postgraduates account for nearly equal shares of a student body of more than 26,000, and roughly 46 per cent of them are international students, coming from more than 160 countries. Undergraduate teaching centres on the tutorial, a weekly hour in which between one and four students discuss their essays or problem sheets with an academic. The Bodleian Libraries make up the UK's largest university library system, while the Ashmolean, dating from 1683, is the country's oldest museum. More than 300 spinout companies have emerged from Oxford, and its drop-out rate is among the lowest in the UK.

Information for International Students

Roughly one in five Oxford undergraduates is an international student, and overseas applicants go through the same admissions process as their UK counterparts. English language requirements must be satisfied by 31 July of the year of the offer. For most courses this means IELTS with a minimum of 7.0 in every component, although at least 6.5 per component is accepted for Mathematics, Computer Science and associated joint courses. Oxford has no pathway college or international foundation year, so applicants must hold qualifications satisfying its standard entry requirements. In the summer the Language Centre runs a pre-sessional course in academic English lasting six weeks, and it also offers academic English classes in term time.

First-year undergraduates are guaranteed college accommodation. Colleges organise arrival and induction, and international orientation events take place alongside Freshers' Fair. Because the CAS, issued by the University, confirms English ability, students at degree level do not need a separate SELT, and visa questions go to the Student Immigration team. The Reach Oxford Scholarship funds a small group of exceptional undergraduates from low-income countries, and graduates may apply for the Graduate Route.