The very thought of studying at Oxford University evokes a range of emotions in the mind of students. The University carries an aura of its own as the oldest university in the English-speaking world that dates back to 1096. Situated about 60 miles (96 km) north-west of London, the university is spread in about 240 buildings in 13 sites in and around Oxford.
The community at Oxford University:
Oxford is a truly a modern international research-driven university with student enrolment of approximately 24000 which is evenly distributed among undergraduate and post-graduate students. It is ranked in the top six universities in the world in engineering, life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. It is famed for such famous alumnus as Albert Einstein
Admission for Indian students after 12th:
It is a dream of Indian students to pursue undergraduate studies in Oxford after the completion of schooling in India in Class XII. As an aspiring student seeking a place in Oxford, you must be familiar with the legacy and the procedures for realizing your dream.
Oxford – a place for International Students:
The University of Oxford is possibly one of the most sought after destinations for international students. As of now, one-third of the student community in Oxford comprises of international students coming from 140 countries. Of which 17% belong to undergraduate studies. . Even the history of welcoming international students has a long legacy at Oxford. The first international student who enrolled in the university in 1190 was Emo from Friesland.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students:
Oxford University imposes high eligibility criteria for its students. The plain fact is that only meritorious Indian students can dream of pursuing an undergraduate course at Oxford University.
The minimum criterion is plus two qualifications from CBSE (All India SSC) or CISCE (ISC) Boards. The percentile required in the chosen five subjects is:
- CBSE: CGPA of 9.8 (A1 A1 A A1 A2) of which A1 is the minimum for the subject applied for.
- CISCE: The overall grade must be a minimum of 90%. Four subjects including the one applied for, must have fetched 95% and the remaining fifth 85%.
Candidates aspiring to study science subjects may be additionally required to furnish JEE Advanced Score as a pre-requisite for admission into Oxford University.
Proficiency in the English Language:
The medium of instruction at Oxford University is English. As such Indian students are required to prove their proficiency in the language through any of the acceptable tests listed below:
- IELTS (Academic): At least a score of 7.0 in each of the four components with an overall score of 7.0 +.
- TOEFL (Paper Based): The minimum overall score of 600 with a Written English Test Score of 5.5.
- TOEFL (Internet Based): The minimum overall score of 110 with component scores of:
- Listening: Minimum 22
- Reading: Minimum 24
- Speaking: Minimum 25
- Writing: Minimum 24
- CAE (Certificate of Advanced English): Minimum score of 185 or Grade A if taken before 2015
- CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency): Minimum score of 185 or Grade B if taken before 2015
The minimum basic requirements for Indian students have been covered. But it is sensible for abundant precaution to check up the University Portal for specific subject requirements.
Application Process:
Oxford University follows a uniform process for application every year. The annual process is initiated exactly a year before the commencement of the course. In plain terms the process starts in September when the application form is made available through UCAS and the last date for submission is 15th of October. It is to be importantly noted that the process is only for the session starting October the following year.
Bottom Line:
Opting to study at Oxford University after the 12th standard is challenging in more ways than one. Your success will depend substantially on your preparation, motivation and passion to learn. You have to be meticulous in your application for successful admission at Oxford University.