How to Get into Oxford University from India

Why Oxford University is a Top Choice for Indian Students

Besides being one of the top institutions in the world, the University of Oxford is an education hub which provides Indian students with world-class education, strong financial support, and cutting-edge opportunities for research.

At Oxford, students can learn from industry professionals who are at the top of their field and get a chance to be a part of ground-breaking research that can change the future of the world.

Global Recognition

Being an over 900-year-old university, Oxford has grown up to become one of the most prestigious and globally recognised institutions for higher learning. The university has a long history of academic excellence and world-changing research, but its global recognition and influence are not just limited to its ranking alone. Oxford has a vast alumni network, ground-breaking discoveries, and a significant contribution to policy, culture, and science worldwide.

Diverse Course Options

At the University of Oxford, students can choose from over 350 diverse academic programmes across various disciplines like Humanities, Health Sciences, and STEM fields. This wide range of programmes is offered across its four main divisions: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences, with additional offerings through the Department for Continuing Education"

Strong Alumni Network

For students, getting into Oxford University from India is more than being a part of a prestigious university and getting a highly quality education. The university provides access to a vast and influential alumni network that can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Oxford has a network of 375,000 alumni across 90+ countries and includes influential figures, including 30+ world leaders, 26 British prime ministers, 62 Nobel laureates, and prominent academics, writers, and public figures like Stephen Hawking, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Malala Yousafzai.

Scholarship Opportunities

Lastly, to make education more accessible and inclusive to Indian students, many Oxford University scholarships for Indian students cover full tuition and living expenses. Students are automatically considered for many of these scholarships once they get admission in Oxford University. However, some may require additional application.

Top Courses to Study at the University of Oxford

As mentioned above, Oxford offers more than 350 diverse courses, all of which are highly popular among Indian students. Most of them even rank at the top in QS and THE subject rankings. Below is a list of Oxford University courses and fees, along with their duration.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students to Get into Oxford University

The eligibility criteria for Indian students at Oxford go beyond just good grades. Oxford’s admission committee look for clear, demonstrated evidence of a student’s academic strength, critical thinking skills, and potential to succeed in a highly rigorous academic environment. Take a look at Oxford University requirements for Indian students below:

Academic Requirements

To get into Oxford University from India, students need to have excellent marks in their Year XII board exams, especially if they are applying from CBSE or CISCE boards. Here’s a breakdown based on the course requirements:

For courses requiring AAA (very high entry standard):

• CBSE: Four A1 grades and one A2 grade (A1 in any subjects related to the course you're applying for).
• CISCE (ISC): At least 90% overall, with 95% or above in four subjects (including relevant ones), and at least 85% in the fifth subject.

For courses requiring A*AA:

• CBSE: Three A1 grades and two A2 grades (with A1 in relevant subjects).
• CISCE: 90% overall, with 95% or above in three subjects (including relevant ones), and at least 85% in the other two subjects.

For courses requiring AAA:

• CBSE: Two A1 grades and three A2 grades (A1 in relevant subjects).
• CISCE: 90% overall, with 95% or above in two subjects (including relevant ones), and at least 85% in the remaining three.

Note: State board examinations, NIOS Year XII qualification, and NEET and JEE entrance exams are not accepted.

Entrance Test

To get admission in Oxford University, Indian students need to sit through a specific entrance test. These include:

Note: You can give all Oxford University entrance exams online, except UCAT & LNAT, digitally via Pearson VUE.

English Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is one of the major Oxford University admission requirements for international students whose first language is not English. Commonly accepted English language proficiency and its scores include:

Note: Pearson PTE Academic Online is no longer accepted by Oxford University.

Documents Required

The required documents mainly depend on whether the student wants to get admission in Oxford University in UG or PG programs. However, common documents include:

• Academic transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Oxford University entrance exam
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of recommendation (LORs)
• English language test scores
• CV/Resume
• GRE/GMAT scores (Business courses)

Intakes at Oxford University

To get into Oxford University, there is only one main intake in the autumn for Indian students. The academic term at Oxford University is divided into three terms and generally starts with the Michaelmas term in October.

Undergraduate Intake

There is a really high competition for getting into Oxford University from India, and the intake has a specific timeline that students need to follow. For the 2026 UK intakes, the key UG dates are:

• Application Deadline: Submit your UCAS application by October 15, 2025, to get into Oxford in 2026.
• Admissions Tests: Depending on the course, students will have to take entrance exams to study in Oxford in October.
• Written Work: Some courses ask for written work, which is usually due in November.
• Interviews: Shortlisted applicants are interviewed online in December.
• Decisions: Admission decisions are announced in January.

Postgraduate Intake

The postgraduate admission in Oxford University has a varied set of intake deadlines. The timeline for the 2026 intake includes:

• Application Deadline: Submit your application online between September and October 2025.
• Final Deadlines: Complete applications and scholarship submissions are due between November and January 2026.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed online in December 2025.
• Offers: College assignments and offer confirmations happen from February 2026.
• Final Documents: Submit any remaining documents by late August 2026.

Application Process for Oxford University for Indian Students

The Oxford University application process for Indian students is pretty simple; however, it does have strict deadlines. The application process includes:

1. Start by thoroughly researching the Oxford University courses and fees, and choose one you want to pursue. You can easily do this on the official university’s website.
2. Many Oxford University courses require pre-interview tests like MAT, TSA, and LNAT. You will have to register for it separately from the main application, and the deadline is generally late in September.
3. Submit the UCAS application for undergraduate Oxford University admission. Also include the Personal Statement and academic references.
4. If your course (especially in the humanities) asks for it, you’ll need to send in samples of your academic writing.
5. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll have an interview in December 2026. It’s more like a discussion than a test; tutors will explore how you think and respond to new ideas, not just what you already know.

Cost of Studying and Living at Oxford University

The cost to study in the UK from India, especially in a university like Oxford, can be a little high. It includes both tuition fees and living expenses, something which majorly depends on your living style and courses. However, below is a breakdown of how much it can cost a student to study in UK. Take a look:

Note: The average tuition fees for studying at Oxford University are around INR 42 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs per year.

Oxford University Scholarships for Indian Students

There are several Oxford University scholarships for Indian students which cover various levels of study. Some of the popular ones include:

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Oxford University

To increase your chances of getting into Oxford University from India, you can use these tips below:

1. The Oxford University puts high emphasis on grades, so it is really important that you get exceptional GCSE results and predicted A-level (or equivalent).
2. When you write your SOP for UK, try to showcase your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for the subject you want to pursue.
3. One of the Oxford University admission requirements is sitting through an interview. To ace it, you can try to engage with new ideas, solve problems, and articulate your thoughts clearly.
4. Your teacher’s letter of recommendation will highlight your academic skills and potential, so make sure they clearly know your strengths and why you’re a good fit for the course.

Conclusion

To get into Oxford University from India, you must have more than just excellent grades. You need to show a deep passion for your chosen subject, perform well in admissions tests, and stand out in interviews. Being one of the prestigious Russell Group universities, Oxford looks for intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and academic potential.

Are you someone who is struggling with navigating the Oxford University admission process? Connect with our expert study abroad consultants in India, and simplify your journey to one of the best countries to study abroad with personalised guidance and support every step of the way.

FAQ’s

Q.1 Is it Possible to Get Admission at Oxford after 12th from India?

Students can get admission to Oxford after 12th from India. However, the competition is really extreme and students need to fulfil requirements like:

• Academic excellence: 90%+ in Class 12, with 95%+ in relevant subjects.
• English proficiency: IELTS score of 7.0 - 7.5.
• Admissions test: Subject-specific tests like MAT, PAT, or TSA.
• Personal statement: Demonstrate passion and achievements.
• Interview: Online interview if shortlisted.
• UCAS: Submit applications by October, a year before the course starts.

Q.2 Does Oxford University Accept NEET Scores?

The NEET exam is specifically for Indian medical schools and is not accepted at Oxford University. To get into Oxford’s BM BCh (Medicine) program, students need to take the UCAT and fulfil academic requirements:

• A-levels: A*AA with Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Maths.
• IB: 39-42 points, with 766 or 776 at Higher Level, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Maths.
• International qualifications: Equivalent to above with a strong academic record.

Q.3 What is the Age Limit for Oxford University?

Oxford University does not have an upper age limit and welcomes students of every age. The university focuses more on academic merit and potential, not age, when assessing applications.