2024 Comparison: University of Oxford Vs University of Cambridge
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The rivalry between the two eminent universities has been since their inception.
The two institutions are the top-ranked in the world, and they are always trying to stay ahead of each other in academics and sports. For 800 years, it continues, yet remains to have a brotherly bond.
It’s surprising how Oxford and Cambridge universities keep on thriving years after years.
And that’s why it’s interesting to see what makes them stand apart from each other.
About: University of Oxford
The history of Oxford University dates back its history to 1096 making it 922 years old. You will not be astounded by the fact that it’s also the oldest university in the world. The purpose for why the university was founded is to provide the best education to the people of East England and for the others who seek the opportunities to study. Most students who come to study in the university are from various countries like China, USA, Germany, Canada, India, etc (2022).
Economic impact made by University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has helped create 28,000 jobs transforming student’s life in UK by providing career opportunities. They have contributed over £3.4 billion to the UK’s economy. On a global scale, the university is working on the framework of the UN’s SDG programs and helping create over 52 companies to combat the issue.
University of Cambridge
The history of Cambridge university dates back to 1209 making it 815 years old. It is quite behind Oxford in terms of its historical records as it is the fourth oldest university in the world. The purpose of its initiation is to offer the best levels of learning, research and education. Most students that come to study in the universities from Australia, UK and Canada.
Economic impact made by University of Cambridge
It has made a huge impact on helping create over 86,000 jobs in the UK and contributed around £30 billion to the economy of the UK. On a worldwide scale, the university has extended its support to various industries like health, technology, environment, etc. One of the biggest projects of Cambridge university is its initiative on partnering with developing countries and many others.
Rankings comparison of both universities
These universities are two of the top-ranked universities in the world. They have a high competitive spirit, yet several factors make them rank differently. The table will give you the rankings of the two universities.
University of Oxford | University of Cambridge |
Ranks 3rd – QS World University Rankings 2024 | Ranks 2nd – QS World University Rankings 2024 |
Ranks 1st – Times Higher Education 2024 | Ranks 3rd- Times Higher Education 2024 |
Academics Rankings of Oxford and Cambridge Universities
The two universities take their presence academically in their subject specialties, resources, and teachings.
Oxford University has over 40 subjects featured on an international ranking.
The University of Cambridge, on the other hand, has 41 subjects featured on the worldwide ranking.
The table below will give a finer notion of their subject rankings.
According to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
Subjects | University of Oxford | University of Cambridge |
Accounting & Finance | 4th | 6th |
Anatomy & Physiology | 1st | 2nd |
Anthropology | =1st | =1st |
Archaeology | 2nd | 1st |
Architecture | —– | 11th |
Art & Design | 35th | —– |
Biological Sc | 5th | 3rd |
Business and Management | 9th | 8th |
Chemistry | 6th | 4th |
Classical Ancient History | 2nd | 3rd |
Computer Sc & Informations | 5th | 8th |
Development Studies | 3rd | 5th |
Earth Marine Sciences | 7th | 4th |
Economics | 8th | 10th |
Education Training | 3rd | 6th |
Engineering Chemical | 8th | 5th |
Engineering Civil | 14th | 5th |
Engineering ELectrical | 9th | 5th |
Engineering Mechanical | 12th | 3rd |
English Literature | 1st | 2nd |
Environmental Sciences | =6th | =6th |
Geography | 1st | 3rd |
Geology | 7th | 5th |
Geophysics | 8th | 5th |
History | =2nd | =2nd |
Law | 2nd | 3rd |
Linguistics | 4th | 3rd |
Mathematics | 6th | 3rd |
Material Science | 8th | 4th |
Medicine | 2nd | 4th |
Modern Languages | 1st | 2nd |
Performing Arts | 22nd | 21st |
Pharmacy | 3rd | 6th |
Philosophy | 6th | 7th |
Physics & Astronomy | 5th | 4th |
Politics | 2nd | 7th |
Psychology | 3rd | 4th |
Social Policy & Administration | 2nd | 5th |
Admission Process for students of Oxford and Cambridge
The University of Oxford and Cambridge have almost identical application requirements. Yet, they differ in many ways: the acceptance rate, test scores, grades, financial aid, etc.
How do you apply to the University of Oxford?
- Make an application through UCAS
- Log in and start to choose your course and university
- Work on your SOP
- Arrange all your academic papers
- Meet the test scores: English language and standardized test
- Register and check if you need any written test
- If you are shortlisted, you will be informed of the same
- Then, the final decision will be made
There will be a month’s gap between the process.
Requirements:
- GPA Test Scores: 3.0 out of 4
- Acceptance Rate: 17 %
How do you apply to the University of Cambridge?
- Apply on the main website (Applicant Portal)
- Meet the entry requirements (academic, test scores, financial proof)
- Submit all the required documents
- Select your college preference
- Submit and apply for the university
- Wait for decision-making
There will be a month’s gap between the process.
Requirements:
- GPA Test Scores: 3.5- 4.0
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
Location
Oxford and Cambridge are relatively small and walkable cities. Oxford is 52 miles from London and takes about one hour to travel by train. Cambridge is 58 miles from London and takes approximately an hour to travel by train.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships for University of Oxford
The tuition fee for international students at the University of Oxford is 33,050 – 48,620/ year.
The University of Oxford offers many scholarships, but they have their selection criteria.
One of the most prestigious scholarships is the Rhodes Scholarship. It is a fully funded type of scholarship which covers your tuition fees. Then, you also receive a small amount of fee, which will cover your monthly living expenses, including student rent in the UK. If selected, you will receive the Rhodes Trust, which will pay for your visa, ticket, and health insurance.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships for University of Cambridge
The tuition fee for international students at the University of Cambridge begins from 25,734 per year.
The University of Cambridge offers many types of financial assistance to international students. They have their criteria.
But the Cambridge Trust is one of the best yet the toughest to crack. Students are awarded 12,000 pounds annually.
This is based on strict selection criteria for only international students. You must be a full-time university student to apply for this trust.
Cost of living in Oxford
The cost of living in Oxford will be around 4,800 pounds per month. This will cover your rent, food, transportation, etc. The cost of your monthly expenses will depend on your lifestyle.
Oxford university accommodates students into university residences. Many students also prefer to stay in off-campus student accommodation.
Cost of living in the city of Cambridge
The monthly living expenses in Cambridge are a little less expensive than in Oxford. It will be incurred at a budget of about 4,500 pounds which will cover your student room rent, food, travel and many other expenses. The spendings will depend on your lifestyle.
Cambridge university has many residences for students who want to stay on-campus.Many international students prefer off-campus accommodation too.
5 Famous Alumni of University of Oxford
These are some of the most famous people in the world who’ve studied at university and made an impact on the world.
- Adam Smith- Father of Economics
- Tony Blair- Former UK Prime Minister
- Stephen Hawking- Top Physicist and Cosmologist
- Oscar Wilde- Irish Playwright and Poet
- J.R.R Tolkien – World Famous Writer
5 Famous Alumni of University of Cambridge
These are the top 5 Alumni of the University of Cambridge who have made an impact and contributed to the betterment of the world.
- Stephen Hawking – Top Physicist and Cosmologist
- Charles Darwin- World’s Famous Naturalist and Geologist
- Issac Newton – Famous Physicist
- Rajiv Gandhi – Former Prime Minister of India
- David Attenborough – Best Naturalist and Biologist
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