Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The exact date of foundation is not known, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. Over 20,000 students study at Oxford, including 11,734 undergraduates and 8,101 postgraduates. Oxford has one of the lowest drop-out rates in the UK: figures published in summer 2009 by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that only 1.8 per cent of Oxford students dropped out, compared with the national average of 9 per cent.
International students
Oxford’s university community is truly international. Students currently come from 138 countries around the world and study a wide range of subjects. They make up one third of the student body, including 14 % of their full-time undergraduate students and 63 % of their full-time postgraduates.
The Student Information and Advisory Service is responsible for providing advice about issues affecting international students, including immigration questions, and assisting students needing to extend their visas. It coordinates a meet and greet service at Oxford bus station for students arriving at the start of the academic year, runs an annual Orientation Programme for new students.
Visit the homepage for international students
Studies
Oxford offers a distinctive form of undergraduate education, unique in the world to Oxford and Cambridge. It is an exciting place to pursue postgraduate/graduate education. They offer two types of programmes:
- Master’s: these are 1 or 2 year degrees. Many people take these degrees as a professional qualification, and then leave to work. For others, usually in the humanities and social sciences, these are the essential first step on the road to a doctorate and an academic or research-based career.
- Doctorate: their doctorate is known as a D.Phil not Ph.D. It is a research-intensive degree, lasting 3-4 years.
Funding
Oxford offers a variety of funding possibilities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding is available for undergraduate and graduate students at Oxford, including government support, the Oxford Opportunity Bursary Scheme, and extra support available from college funds, University hardship funds, funding for student parents and students with disabilities.
Use their Oxford Funding Search to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for!
Fees and Living Costs
Find out about the cost of University fees, college fees, living costs, and information on determining your fee status. A Fees Calculator is available to help new entrants determine the amount you are liable to pay. This section also has information about the Graduate Financial Guarantee, which all graduate students have to complete to provide proof of being able to finance the cost of your course and living expenses.
If you would like to discuss your funding options phone or send an email:
Phone: +44 (0) 1865 280487
student.funding@admin.ox.ac.uk
Address
University of Oxford
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford
OX1 2JD
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1865 270000
Fax: +44 1865 270708
