Oxford vs Cambridge University: How the world’s top two universities compare

The UK is a country renowned for its historic past. Oxford University and Cambridge University count amongst two of its most famous and historic institutions. These revered universities, together known as Oxbridge, are two of the best universities in the world.
The positioning of Oxford and Cambridge universities in world rankings is always at the very top with Oxford rated the best university in the world and Cambridge 6th. The UK has some of the world’s top universities and Oxford and Cambridge have always been the best establishments in the country.
Dating back over 1000 years for Oxford and over 800 for Cambridge, these are two of the oldest universities in the world with the most distinguished past students of any institution. Revered across the globe, both deliver unrivalled levels of personal tuition, sought after courses and spectacular, iconic campuses located in stunning surroundings.
So which to choose? Let’s take a closer look at how Oxford and Cambridge universities compare. Here’s all you need to know about Oxford and Cambridge.

Oxford vs Cambridge University: How the world’s top two universities compare

12 quick stats: How Oxford and Cambridge differ

1. The best university in the world:

Oxford is consistently ranked as the best university in the world whereas Cambridge teeters between second, fourth and sixth place in world rankings.

2. Most respected university in popular opinion worldwide:

: When people are asked which university is better, Oxford is named more often than Cambridge.

3. Most iconic university (in terms of references in popular culture):

Oxford features more widely in popular culture with references in everything from film to music.

4. Oldest university in the world:

: Oxford is the second oldest surviving university in the world whilst Cambridge is the fourth.

5. Which is better in terms of year on year rankings:

Oxford University has held the first position in world rankings for the last 5 years. Cambridge University on the other hand, has ranked second in the world only twice in the last 5 years with positions in third, fourth and sixth place for remaining years.

Where Oxford University has not ranked first in the last eleven years, it has most commonly held second position for the best university in the world.

6. Subjects known for:

Although both offer similar world-class courses in everything from science to mathematics, Oxford University is most famous for its political studies via its Politics, Philosophy and Economics course whilst Cambridge University is renowned for its comprehensive Natural Sciences degree.

7. Which is more fun:

The immediate areas of Oxford surrounding Oxford University offer a greater number of bars, clubs and restaurants aimed at students. Additionally, Oxford’s internal student life is known to be more vibrant than Cambridge.

8. Which is bigger:

Oxford University has a much bigger campus with a network of colleges each with its own distinct character whilst Cambridge is a smaller campus which feels more intimate in comparison.

9. Which is harder to get into:

Oxford has a slightly lower acceptance rate although Cambridge conducts a higher number of applicant interviews. Cambridge also accepts a marginally higher number of students from state schools however the difference is only a few percent because both universities accept a low percentage of students from state schools overall.

10. Most famous former students:

Oxford University is known for turning out almost all of the UK’s Prime Ministers, most of its MPs and a range of other world leaders in all fields. Cambridge University on the other hand, is more well-known for its world-famous scientists such as Charles Darwin and top UK comedians including Stephen Fry.

11. Most expensive:

Tuition fees at Oxford and Cambridge universities are the same for UK students but for international students some courses at Cambridge are more expensive than those at Oxford.

However, the courses at each university are not exactly the same and there are some subjects you’ll find at one at not the other so it’s important to check which course you want to study first.

12. Oxford vs Harvard:

If you look at rankings alone, Oxford University is better. However Harvard offers far more courses and its students go on to earn much more although employability rates for Harvard and Oxford are exactly the same.

The statistics for Oxford and Harvard are hard to compare because Harvard and Oxford are located in two completely different countries where earnings, culture and education differ greatly. Oxford is the best, most established and oldest university of the two. For traditional university life, Harvard can’t compare – the question is really about which country you want to study in.

13. The best university in the UK:

: Oxford tops the UK’s list of top universities every year.

Oxford vs Cambridge University: In summary

Oxford University:

Dating back to 1096, Oxford University is a dynamic institution known for its research and world-famous former students. Located in beautiful Oxford city centre in the midst of the English countryside, you’ll find yourself in a magnificent, lively setting with spectacular period buildings in which to study and live.
From Winston Churchill to Hugh Grant and Bill Clinton, past students of Oxford University include: world leaders, prime ministers, Nobel Prize winners, medal-winning Olympic athletes, famous actors, game changing scientists, writers and more.
For the best teaching, facilities, opportunities, student life and life-long connections, Oxford University is the place to go.

Cambridge University:

With a history spanning over 800 years, Cambridge University is a resplendent place to study and live. With its majestic position alongside the River Cam in the heart of Cambridge city center, Cambridge University offers an idyllic rural setting for your studies.
Dazzling historic university buildings housing world-class facilities surrounded by Cambridge’s fine period city center, make Cambridge University a sensational tranquil place to study in the heart of the English countryside.
Former students include world famous scientists, world leaders, mathematicians, comedians and actors including: Prince Charles, Stephen Hawking, David Attenborough and Arianna Huffington
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