Oxford University remains one of the UK’s leading academic institutions in 2025 placed in the 2nd position in Complete University Guide rankings, renowned for its rigorous admissions processes and commitment to both excellence and inclusivity.
The 2024 Annual Admissions Report provides a detailed analysis of the undergraduate admissions cycles between 2019 and 2023. It not only reflects the university’s progress in fostering diversity but also highlights the challenges that lie ahead.
With 3,219 students admitted in 2023 (Oxford acceptance rate of 13.9%, derived from 3,721 offers out of 23,211 applications), this year’s report paints a comprehensive picture of Oxford’s evolving student body.
Understanding the Admission Landscape
1. Applications, Offers, and Acceptances
The competition for a place at Oxford remains intense, with applications hovering above 23,000 annually in recent years. In 2023:
- 23,211 applications were received.
- 3,721 offers were extended, resulting in an overall offer rate of 16.0%.
- 3,219 students were admitted, yielding an acceptance rate of 13.9% (offers to admissions).
The number of students admitted in 2023 has returned to pre-pandemic levels, maintaining Oxford’s position as a hub for global academic talent.
Read more: Oxford University acceptance rate
2. Diversity by Domicile
Oxford continues to attract students from the UK and around the world:
- 79.5% of admitted students (2,560) in 2023 were UK-domiciled, reflecting Oxford’s commitment to nurturing domestic talent.
- 16.8% were from non-EU countries, while 3.7% came from EU nations.
Applications from EU students have declined post-Brexit, but non-EU applications have steadily risen, with China (538 admits) being the largest single source of international students, followed by Singapore (247) and the United States (164).
Breaking Barriers: A Commitment to Inclusivity
Oxford’s commitment to widening participation is transforming its student demographics. Several key metrics from the 2023 admissions cycle demonstrate this progress:
1. State School Representation
- 67.6% of UK students admitted in 2023 came from state schools, a significant increase from 62.3% in 2019.
- Students from independent schools comprised 32.4%, a figure that continues to decline year-on-year.
2. Socio-Economic Backgrounds
- Students from socio-economically disadvantaged areas (ACORN categories 4 and 5) accounted for 14.4% of admissions, up from 12.2% in 2019.
- The Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility rate rose to 7.6%, compared to 5.3% in 2021, indicating better access for students from low-income households.
3. Regional Representation (UK)
Geographical disparities persist in applications; however, Oxford’s outreach programmes are beginning to address this:
- London and the South East remain overrepresented, contributing 48.2% of admissions between 2021 and 2023.
- Underrepresented areas such as the North East accounted for 2.5%, and Wales contributed 3.1% in 2023.
4. Ethnic Diversity
Oxford has significantly increased access for students from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds:
- 28.8% of UK-domiciled admits in 2023 identified as BME, compared to 22.0% in 2019.
- Within this group:
- Asian students comprised 13.1%, up from 9.6% in 2019.
- Black students represented 3.6%, marginally up from 3.2% in 2019.
- Mixed Heritage students made up 9.8% of admitted students, an increase from 8.1% in 2019.
5. Students with Disabilities
The number of students declaring a disability has more than doubled in recent years:
- 19.0% of UK-domiciled admits in 2023 reported a disability, up from 9.5% in 2019.
- The most common categories were mental health conditions (3.9%) and learning difficulties (3.2%).
Course Competitiveness and Gender Representation
1. Most Competitive Courses
Oxford’s courses vary widely in popularity and competitiveness. From 2021 to 2023:
- Computer Science attracted the most competition, with 20 applications per place.
- Economics and Management closely followed, with 19.7 applications per place.
- Medicine, a perennial favourite, saw 12.6 applications per place.
2. Gender Distribution
While Oxford continues to admit slightly more women than men overall, gender representation varies by subject:
- 52.2% of admits in 2023 were female.
- Women continued to dominate in subjects like Experimental Psychology (81.7%) and English Language and Literature (77.3%).
- Conversely, men remain overrepresented in Computer Science (26.7% female) and Engineering Science (22.4% female).
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Supporting Students Beyond Admissions
Oxford’s support doesn’t end with an offer of admission. Several initiatives help students from disadvantaged backgrounds thrive:
- Astrophoria Foundation Year: Launched in 2023, this programme admitted 22 students who faced significant disruptions in their education.
- Opportunity Oxford: Over 170 students transitioning from underrepresented backgrounds benefited from this academic bridging programme.
- Generous Financial Aid: Oxford provided over £9.5 million in financial support, with nearly 25% of UK undergraduates receiving non-repayable bursaries of up to £5,800 annually.
Challenges and Next Steps
While Oxford’s admissions policies have achieved impressive gains, challenges persist. Addressing these is central to the university’s future strategy:
- Regional Imbalances: Regions such as the North East and Wales still send disproportionately fewer students than London and the South East.
- Gender Balance in STEM: Engineering and Computer Science courses need targeted outreach to improve female representation.
- Cost of Living: Rising living expenses may deter low-income applicants. Oxford plans to expand financial aid and scholarships to mitigate this.
Looking forward, Oxford’s forthcoming Access and Participation Plan will set ambitious new targets for equity in admissions. Innovative outreach initiatives will aim to connect with students as young as 11 to build a broader talent pipeline.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Annual Admissions Report illustrates Oxford University’s sustained work to create an inclusive community while maintaining academic excellence.
The university’s success in increasing access for underrepresented groups is commendable, but the work is far from over.
By addressing persistent inequalities and expanding financial and academic support, Oxford is paving the way for a future where every talented student, regardless of background, can thrive.
