As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities worldwide, the University of Oxford is renowned for its outstanding academic achievements and profound influence, making it a top choice for many students. For those considering studying in the UK, the latest University of Oxford rankings and tuition fees serve as crucial points of reference. Grove Education will outline the entry requirements for Hong Kong students, including DSE results and English language proficiency, to assist with planning their academic journey.
Introduction to the University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, located in Oxfordshire, England, is among the world’s oldest universities, with teaching activities dating back to 1096. As a collegiate research university, Oxford offers a wide range of academic programmes and research opportunities. It currently has over 26,000 students, of whom 46% are international, reflecting its truly global character.[1]
To date, Oxford has produced at least 55 Nobel Prize laureates, 28 British Prime Ministers, as well as numerous international leaders and distinguished scholars among its alumni and faculty.[2] Additionally, Oxford has made significant contributions to medical and computer science research, with its findings having a profound impact on global society.
The university is committed to fostering global academic collaboration and has established partnerships with leading universities worldwide, including the Australian National University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Tokyo, as part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), which comprises 11 research-intensive institutions.[3] These partnerships promote cross-border and interdisciplinary learning and research, offering abundant international exchange opportunities for students and researchers alike.
Oxford is not only celebrated for its academic excellence but also for its historic architecture and picturesque campus, attracting numerous visitors and scholars. As an institution that blends tradition with modernity, the University of Oxford continues to exert a significant influence in the global higher education landscape.
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University of Oxford Rankings
According to Times Higher Education, University of Oxford’s rankings are outstanding. The university consistently holds the top position globally, with its Medical Sciences division ranked number one worldwide for 14 consecutive years. Its Department of Computer Science within the Engineering faculty has also maintained the global number one spot for seven consecutive years, reflecting its academic excellence.[4] In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Oxford is ranked 3rd globally and places within the top three across disciplines including Law, Humanities, Engineering, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences and Management.[5] The Faculty of Law, in particular, has long been ranked second worldwide, receiving widespread academic recognition.[6]
Furthermore, Oxford’s Department of Education performs exceptionally well, ranked 6th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, with an average ranking of 4th over the past four years,[7] maintaining a leading position in the field of education. Both Oxford’s overall and faculty-specific rankings demonstrate its outstanding performance and profound influence within the international academic community.
University of Oxford Tuition Fees
Tuition fees at Oxford are a key consideration for international students. The university assesses students’ fee status independently in accordance with standards set by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). This classification primarily depends on the student’s nationality and their usual place of residence and study during the three years preceding application. Once established, the fee status remains fixed unless the student acquires indefinite leave to remain in the UK, refugee status, or humanitarian protection and meets residency requirements.
Oxford’s tuition fees cover tuition, supervision fees, academic services, and campus facilities but do not include accommodation or other living expenses. Below is an overview of the latest tuition fees:
| Fee Status | Tuition Fee (2025/26) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK Residents | £9,535 per year | Eligible to apply for full government tuition fee loans; No financial support available if already holding an equivalent or higher qualification (ELQ) |
| Overseas | £35,260 to £59,260 per year | Fees vary by course; self-funded, no eligibility for tuition loans; EU students treated as overseas unless holding settled or pre-settled status [8] |
Tuition fees for overseas students vary by course, with medical and computer science programmes generally charging the highest fees, while courses in the humanities are comparatively more affordable. For example, in the 2025/26 academic year, Hong Kong students applying for Biological Sciences pay £59,260, whereas courses such as Classics, Modern Languages, and History are priced at £41,130.[9]
As overseas students are not eligible for UK government tuition loans, it is advisable for prospective Hong Kong applicants to plan their finances well in advance and explore scholarship or third-party funding opportunities. For further assistance, students are encouraged to consult professional education advisors.
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HKDSE Requirements for Hong Kong Students Applying to University of Oxford
University of Oxford has clear entry requirements for each course, primarily based on UK A-level results. International applicants may apply using internationally recognised qualifications. For Hong Kong students, Oxford requires DSE results equivalent to the A-level standards for the respective courses, or a relevant diploma with a GPA of 3.8 or above. In addition to academic results, applicants may also be required to take admissions tests and submit written work.[10]
Detailed A-level, admissions test, and written work requirements for each course are available on University of Oxford’s official website. Below are the DSE entry requirements for Hong Kong students applying to Oxford:
A*A*A Courses:
| Course | HKDSE Requirements |
|---|---|
| Chemistry and Engineering | Core Mathematics and English Language at Level 5; Three elective subjects at Level 555 (or Level A in C subjects)- Required subjects for the course must be Level 5*; Mathematics Extended Modules (M1, M2) may be counted as one elective.[11] |
| Mathematics/Mathematics & Statistics/Mathematics & Philosophy | - Core Mathematics and English Language at Level 5; Mathematics Extended Modules (M1, M2) at Level 5*; Two elective subjects at Level 5*5 (or Level A in C subjects).[11] |
A*AA Courses:
- Core Mathematics and English Language at Level 5 .
- Three elective subjects at Level 5*55 (or Level A in C subjects), including required subjects for the course .
- Mathematics Extended Modules (M1, M2) may be counted as one elective.[11] .
AAA Courses:
- Core Mathematics at Level 4 and English Language at Level 5
- Three elective subjects at Level 5 (A-level equivalent) including required subjects for the course
- Mathematics Extended Modules (M1, M2) may be counted as one elective.[11]
English Language Requirements for Hong Kong Students Applying to University of Oxford
Apart from meeting the academic qualifications, Hong Kong applicants must also submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants who are native English speakers or residents of countries recognised by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may be exempt. Exemptions also apply if the applicant meets any of the following conditions:
- Currently studying or has completed an International Baccalaureate programme taught in English
- Currently studying the Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL)
- Completed at least three years of formal education taught in English prior to application[12]
Applicants who do not meet exemption criteria must submit valid English language test results. Below are some of Oxford’s language requirements; detailed and equivalent qualifications can be found on the university’s official website:
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 7.5, with no component below 7.0 |
| TOEFL/ TOEFL iBT | Total 110, with minimum scores of Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Overall 191, with no component below 185 |
| Cambridge C1 Proficiency | Overall 191, with no component below 185 |
| Trinity ISE | ISE III – all components ‘Pass with Distinction’; or ISE IV – all components ‘Pass’ |
| Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE) | Overall 76, with minimum 66 in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | English B HL with a score of 7 [12] |
Additional Requirements for Hong Kong Students Applying to University of Oxford
In addition to submitting their DSE results and proof of English language proficiency, Hong Kong students who wish to apply to the University of Oxford must also sit specific admissions tests, depending on the course they are applying for. These tests serve as key indicators of an applicant’s academic potential. For instance, applicants for Physics are required to take the PAT (Physics Aptitude Test); those applying for Mathematics, Computer Science, and related subjects must sit the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test); while applicants for Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Psychology, and similar courses need to take the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment). Other admissions tests include the MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test), UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), and LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law). All tests are conducted online, and Hong Kong students are advised to consult the University of Oxford’s official website for detailed information on test requirements and schedules for each course. [13]
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Consult a Professional Education Consultant for Oxford Applications
University of Oxford’s rankings and outstanding academic reputation make it one of the most sought-after institutions among students in Hong Kong. When applying to Oxford, it is essential for Hong Kong students to understand the university’s entry requirements, including English language proficiency and HKDSE academic performance.
In addition, tuition fees at Oxford vary by course and represent a significant consideration for international applicants. If you would like to learn more about the application requirements and tuition details for Hong Kong students, we welcome you to speak with Grove Education. Our experienced education consultants will support you in formulating a tailored application strategy.
Reference:
1. University of Oxford - Facts and figures
2. University of Oxford - Famous Oxonians
3. University of Oxford - International alliances
4. University of Oxford - Oxford comes first in Medicine and Computer Science rankings
5. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
6. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Law & Legal Studies
7. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Education & Training
8. University of Oxford - Course fees for 2025 entry
9. University of Oxford - A-Z of courses
10. University of Oxford - Admission requirements for 2026 entry
11. University of Oxford - International qualifications
12. University of Oxford - Visas and English language requirements
13. University of Oxford - Admissions tests