It is one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, dating back to the 12th century. Oxford, with its ancient colleges and libraries, has become a byword for privilege as well as scholarship. Long a target of top private schools like Eton and Westminster, in recent years its undergraduate intake has diversified to include a higher proportion of state school students as well as those from overseas countries such as China and India. It has produced a steady stream of British prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson, who were both members of the sometimes raucous dining society the Bullingdon Club as undergraduates. Oxford is prized for its teaching in one to one tutorials and the security students feel from belonging to one of the more than 30 colleges that are the university’s beating heart.
The hardest college to get into last year was Worcester College, where 11.7 per cent of applicants were admitted. The least competitive was St Hilda’s College, where 30.2 per cent were admitted. Whether you are seeking ivy-clad tradition with bowler-hatted porters or sporting success, or a scholarship, read our guide to each college to find one to suit you — and discover how competitive it is to gain a place.
Balliol
Undergraduates 393
Postgraduates 388
Acceptance rate 15.5%
Balliol undergraduates must beware the “triple threat” to study posed by the distractions of the bar, café and theatre run by students, for students. Accommodation is guaranteed for their first and final years.
Did you know? The medieval library has 70,000 volumes and its staff host popular quizzes and ghost tours.
undergraduate@balliol.ox.ac.uk; balliol.ox.ac.uk
Brasenose
Undergraduates 380
Postgraduates 251
Acceptance rate 14.4%
Friendly, accessible and forward-thinking, Brasenose offers an on-site counsellor as well as yoga classes and welfare walks. Results have soared in law, PPE and history, its traditional strengths, and last year every biochemist and physicist achieved a first-class degree. First and third-years live in college; second and fourth-years in nearby annexes.
Did you know? Its boat club is one of the oldest in the world.
admissions@bnc.ox.ac.uk; bnc.ox.ac.uk
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Christ Church
Undergraduates 451
Postgraduates 213
Acceptance rate 20.4%
Christ Church has the largest quad in Oxford and bowler-hatted porters showcase the accent on tradition — with formal and informal sittings each night in the Great Hall immortalised in the Harry Potter films. There is an impressive choir, as well as music and drama societies. Accommodation is available for all undergraduates.
Did you know? Student politics are active: the college broke away from the students’ union in 2021 in a move inevitably dubbed ChChexit.
admissions@chch.ox.ac.uk; chch.ox.ac.uk
Corpus Christi
Undergraduates 277
Postgraduates 100
Acceptance rate 23.2%
Small but mighty Corpus Christi offers a tight-knit community that has put a premium on philanthropy since its foundation in 1517. Manuscripts of Magna Carta and King James Bible are among the treasures from the 16th-century library, alongside modern reading rooms with 70,000 books. Academic expectations are high, especially in medicine, English, classics and PPE. Its bursary scheme is one of Oxford’s most generous.
Did you know? Extracurriculars include the Cheese Society and an annual tortoise race, as well as the Owlets drama club.
admissions.office@ccc.ox.ac.uk; ccc.ox.ac.uk
Exeter
Undergraduates 371
Postgraduates 295
Acceptance rate 18%
Exeter has occupied its city-centre Turl Street address since 1315 offering a spectacular view overlooking the Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College. A large postgraduate population lends the college, Oxford’s fourth-oldest, an international air. It is part of the Oxford for South West Consortium encouraging applications from Bristol and the southwest of England. Most undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation in college.
Did you know? Distinguished alumni include JRR Tolkien, Alan Bennett, Martin Amis and Phillip Pullman.
admissions@exeter.ox.ac.uk; exeter.ox.ac.uk
Harris Manchester
Undergraduates 104
Postgraduates 191
Acceptance rate n/a
Mature students from around the globe converge on the only Oxford college for over 21s. Jane Shaw, the principal, has a vision for an ethnically diverse community where age barriers are smashed to give everyone a second chance at higher education. It was founded in Manchester in 1786 then settled in Oxford in 1889 via York and London. All accommodation is on the main site.
Did you know? Extracurriculars include language nights, a liberation working group for black Asian and ethnic minority issues, as well as LGBT and disability events.
admissions@hmc.ox.ac.uk; hmc.ox.ac.uk
Hertford
Undergraduates 427
Postgraduates 268
Acceptance rate 18%
Hertford, which dates from 1740, is home to the Bridge of Sighs and prides itself on providing educational bridges recruiting more than three-quarters of its intake from state schools. It is a partner of Opportunity Oxford, which supports talented offer-holders from underrepresented backgrounds. There is college accommodation for all. Hertford’s strong music scene features jazz and wind bands, a choir and orchestra.
Did you know? A new residential course focuses on skills often left out of formal education, such as how to find purpose.
undergraduate.admissions@hertford.ox.ac.uk; hertford.ox.ac.uk
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Jesus
Undergraduates 389
Postgraduates 262
Acceptance rate 19.4%
The £40 million Cheng Yu Tung Building is the college’s biggest transformation since the 17th century. It has 64 en-suite rooms plus shops and event space, with an NHS primary care centre. The college is also leading the charge to demystify our digital future at the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub. A summer school encourages Welsh state school pupils to apply each year. Jesus has squash courts and playing fields as well as a boathouse.
Did you know? The college was founded by Elizabeth I at the request of a Welsh clergyman in 1571 and Welsh dragons guard the stairs in Second Quad.
admissions.officer@jesus.ox.ac.uk; jesus.ox.ac.uk
Keble
Undergraduates 468
Postgraduates 519
Acceptance rate 15.1%
Its “holy zebra” striped brickwork was intended to distinguish this Victorian upstart from the rest — and Keble is still at it. The annual Keble Ball is arguably Oxford’s most popular black-tie event, and facilities for football, cricket, tennis and squash match Keble’s exemplary sporting record. Rooms are provided for three years: students live out in their second or fourth year.
Did you know? Student productions are staged fortnightly at the O’Reilly Theatre, making Keble one of the best places for drama.
admissions@keble.ox.ac.uk; keble.ox.ac.uk
Lady Margaret Hall
Undergraduates 417
Postgraduates 300
Acceptance rate 19.5%
Nine women entered Lady Margaret Hall (LMH) in 1879, the first to receive an Oxford education. The principal Professor Stephen Blyth is committed to carrying on dismantling barriers to higher education. The college was the first to establish a foundation year for students from underrepresented groups and paved the way for Foundation Oxford, a new university-wide scheme. North of the city centre, LMH has an enviable expanse of green space backing onto the Cherwell River. Art and music are a strong focus. Accommodation is guaranteed.
Did you know? The college excels in PPE, counting the Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai among recent graduates.
admissions@lmh.ox.ac.uk; lmh.ox.ac.uk
Lincoln
Undergraduates 328
Postgraduates 352
Acceptance rate 20.3%
Rishi Sunak’s old college prides itself on its academic record as well as extracurriculars and a warm yet dynamic atmosphere. The dining hall serves three (excellent) meals a day — a rarity among the older colleges. Deep Hall, the college bar, is also popular, serving lighter food. The college offers generous subsidies, bursaries and hardship payouts, plus rewards for undergraduates who do well in exams, and a range of postgraduate scholarships. City centre accommodation is provided for all undergraduates. Drama and music are popular and students.
Did you know? “Cookie fairies” deliver treats and Lincoln’s tutors are known for checking in on students’ wellbeing.
admissions@lincoln.ox.ac.uk; lincoln.ox.ac.uk
Magdalen
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Undergraduates 429
Postgraduates 191
Acceptance rate 13.2%
Choirboys mark May Day by singing from the famous bell tower and Magdalen’s breathtaking grounds, with their deer park and riverfront, are thought to have inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia. One of Oxford’s largest and oldest colleges, it has tutors of world renown and tends to attract top students. More than a quarter of students receive financial aid, which includes travel grants or funding for creative projects. The Florio (poetry) and Atkin (law) societies have a keen following.
Did you know? Lovely living quarters are a huge draw, although Magdalen’s double “sets” — two rooms with a drawing room in between — can be austere.
admissions@magd.ox.ac.uk; magd.ox.ac.uk
Mansfield
Undergraduates 248
Postgraduates 193
Acceptance rate 22.6%
Helen Mountfield, Mansfield’s principal, likes to quote the poet Mary Oliver, asking: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This is an aspirational and exceptionally high-achieving college, with the highest intake of state-sector applicants from varied social and educational backgrounds. Undergraduates are housed throughout their studies.
Did you know? Proximity to the University Parks encourages everyone’s sporty side. “Entz reps” organise open mic and comedy nights, sports days and charity auctions.
registrar@mansfield.ox.ac.uk; mansfield.ox.ac.uk
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Merton
Undergraduates 322
Postgraduates 223
Acceptance rate 16.6%
A wide range of subjects explains the breadth of achievement at the college where, it has been said, “fun goes to die”. Merton’s alumni include the poet TS Eliot, Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Liz Truss. Students are guaranteed rooms and accommodation is some of the cheapest. The white-tie Merton Winter Ball and the annual Merton Society Garden Party are highlights of the social calendar.
Did you know? JRR Tolkien taught English at the college, and Merton houses Europe’s oldest academic library in continuous use.
undergraduate.admissions@merton.ox.ac.uk; merton.ox.ac.uk
New College
Undergraduates 436
Postgraduates 320
Acceptance rate 20.9%
Despite its name, New College is one of Oxford’s oldest, tucked inside the 13th-century city walls. As well as spectacular gardens, it has its own sports ground and pavilion. Built in 1379 by William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester, it provided a model for colleges through the ages with a hall, chapel, library and tower. Music and drama are prominent; a world-class male choir sings a choral evensong six nights a week.
Did you know? The 14th century Long Room featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
admissions@new.ox.ac.uk; new.ox.ac.uk
Oriel
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Undergraduates 335
Postgraduates 227
Acceptance rate 21.8%
Despite the objections of the JCR and years of protests, the college has insisted it will not remove its statue of the British imperialist Cecil Rhodes, a former student and donor. Formal dining in the small yet impressive medieval hall is popular, prefaced by a traditional grace in Latin. Oriel’s undergraduates have a strong presence in the university’s Conservative Association. Accommodation is guaranteed for the duration, at a range of rental price points.
Did you know? The college’s rowing prowess is its main claim to fame, but students can also try archery or cheerleading.
admissions@oriel.ox.ac.uk; oriel.ox.ac.uk
Pembroke
Undergraduates 396
Postgraduates 247
Acceptance rate 20.7%
Pembroke promotes a supportive and down-to-earth approach to college life in a quieter part of the city. Its community is nevertheless lively and ambitiously intellectual. Founded by King James I in 1624, history is a strong subject and strong presence around college. Applicants from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply and outreach work has expanded from London to northwest England. Rowing is strong, as are talks and panels by high-profile media figures. Living on site requires pre-payment for a minimum of six dinners a week.
Did you know? The McGowin Library is open 24/7 and its special collections include works by alumnus Samuel Johnson.
admissions@pmb.ox.ac.uk; pmb.ox.ac.uk
The Queen’s
Undergraduates 376
Postgraduates 180
Acceptance rate 22.5%
Located just off the High Street, the imposing neoclassical buildings and bell tower of Queen’s College create a grand entrance while the Upper Library is one of the most beautiful reading rooms in Oxford.
Queen’s is strong in a range of subjects and offers a diverse array of degrees including fine art, Asian and Middle Eastern studies, biomedical sciences and psychology. A budget of £90,000 is set aside each year for student support. Facilities are splendid.
Did you know? Queen’s Access Podcast provides excellent information about applications, teaching, welfare and sport.
admissions@queens.ox.ac.uk, queens.ox.ac.uk
St Anne’s
Undergraduates 470
Postgraduates 358
Acceptance rate 23.5%
St Anne’s aims to be the home of choice for the brightest and most ambitious students of every background. It gained full college status in 1952 but has been widening access since 1879, when it was founded as the Society of Oxford Home-Students — enabling women to study in affordable halls. Like its motto, Consulto et audacter (purposely and boldly), St Anne’s is bold and modern. The new library is a point of pride, with 2,000 books added every year. The college is particularly strong for music.
Did you know? Each year it funds 40 “Study Abroad” visiting students and it is also the only college to offer paid internships — based in the UK, India, Serbia and Japan.
admissions@st-annes.ox.ac.uk, st-annes.ox.ac.uk
St Catherine’s
Undergraduates 526
Postgraduates 402
Acceptance rate 19.6%
Up-and-coming “Catz” is the youngest Oxford college and has the most undergraduates. The college offers 36 undergraduate subjects and houses more than 60,000 books in its library. Established in 1962, its modern design and progressive JCR allow for a less traditional feel and laid-back atmosphere but it still achieves excellent results. Large student numbers and generous sporting funds bring strength in extracurriculars, particularly in men’s rugby, women’s football and drama.
Did you know? Increased welfare support in recent years has seen the appointment of a college counsellor and a fund for transgender students.
admissions@stcatz.ox.ac.uk; stcatz.ox.ac.uk
St Edmund Hall
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Undergraduates 414
Postgraduates 302
Acceptance rate 24.3%
St Edmund Hall’s medieval crypt, now a converted library beneath the church, is one of many hidden gems at Teddy Hall. Termly exhibitions are housed in the 17th-century Old Library. The college hosts a writer in residence, journalism prizes, weekly student-run writers’ workshops and an annual publication. Among the oldest Oxford colleges, dating at least to 1317, the undergraduate community is known for being lively, social and sporty. Food is excellent, though expensive. The college blog showcases the breadth of research fellowships and travel bursaries. Undergraduate accommodation is offered for two years.
Did you know? The college bar houses the buttery, a hub for sports teams or societies, and the lively Well bar — known for its darts matches.
admissions@seh.ox.ac.uk; seh.ox.ac.uk
St Hilda’s
Undergraduates 400
Postgraduates 195
Acceptance rate 30.2%
Founded in 1893 as an all-female college, Hilda’s started admitting men in 2006 and now has an equal gender split. It has excellent facilities: an exceptionally well-stocked library; one of the busiest JCR-run student bars; and the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building and recording studio. Round tables in the dining hall encourage a friendly atmosphere. The college prides itself on inclusivity: a class liberation officer represents those who self-identify as being from working-class backgrounds. Sport is particularly strong. Undergraduate accommodation is available for three years.
Did you know? The college now owns Radley Large Wood, and aims to improve the area’s biodiversity and its own carbon footprint.
admissions@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk; st-hildas.ox.ac.uk
St Hugh’s
Undergraduates 454
Postgraduates 477
Acceptance rate 27%
St Hugh’s extensive facilities, with 14 acres of green space, create a campus feel, and room for a croquet lawn, tennis courts, frisbee and football. Renowned for humanities subjects, there is an array of essay prizes for students, as well as for prospective applicants. Welfare is taken seriously and there is a range of support on offer. Undergraduate accommodation is guaranteed.
Did you know? Its Howard Piper Library is one of the best in Oxford, containing seven reading rooms and more than 70,000 books.
admissions@st-hughs.ox.ac.uk; st-hughs.ox.ac.uk
St John’s
Undergraduates 419
Postgraduates 246
Acceptance rate 13.5%
The wealthiest Oxford college, enabling cheaper rent and food for students, St John’s has a reputation for academic and sporting success. The college provides generous academic prizes and book grants, while the St John’s discount scheme is the envy of other colleges. John’s also enjoys a prime spot – a few minutes’ walk from the Bodleian and the High Street. The college buildings combine traditional limestone quadrangles with modern accommodation blocks and the spacious new Library & Study Centre. Women’s rowing is a particular sporting strength.
Did you know? Music practice rooms are equipped with keys, drums and piano. admissions1555@sjc.ox.ac.uk; sjc.ox.ac.uk
St Peter’s
Undergraduates 381
Postgraduates 244
Acceptance rate 25%
Granted college status in 1961, St Peter’s has since fostered an open community, averse to pomposity and stuffiness with a team of welcoming porters. The site is close to the Westgate shopping centre and its buildings are an eclectic mix of medieval, Georgian and 19th-century styles. Facilities are impressive given it has one of the smaller endowments: the recently renovated JCR and student-run bar are favourite haunts. Undergraduate accommodation is available for first and third years. The college library is open 24/7, with two floors and more than 53,000 books.
Did you know? Music is well represented, with a tuneful college choir and popular open mike nights every fortnight.
admissions@spc.ox.ac.uk; spc.ox.ac.uk
Somerville
Undergraduates 460
Postgraduates 239
Acceptance rate 24.9%
Somerville, named after Mary Somerville, the astronomer and pioneering academic, has committed to supporting sanctuary-seeking students and academics since the 1930s. It prides itself on progressive values, fierce intelligence and empathy, enshrined by its Sanctuary Scholarships and a visiting scholarship for black, Asian and ethnic minority early-career academics. The college has an impressive 100,000-volume library, and extracurricular activities include a baking society and boat club.
Did you know? Its X (formerly known as Twitter) page demystifies the undergraduate application process and encourages state school applicants, particularly those from the southeast.
academic.office@some.ox.ac.uk; some.ox.ac.uk
Trinity
Undergraduates 319
Postgraduates 145
Acceptance rate 18.9%
Minutes from the Radcliffe Camera and High Street, Trinity is in the heart of the city, although its long drive, friendly porters and renowned lawns lined with 14,000 flower bulbs make it a haven. Trinity food is renowned, especially Monday’s steak-and-brie night and weekend brunches. Trinity’s biochemistry, maths, English and history departments are strong, as are its extracurriculars from the boat club and the chapel choir. Access and outreach have gained momentum to counterbalance Trinity’s traditionally high public-school intake. Milton Keynes is a new link region.
Did you know? Trinity’s Commemoration Ball, held every third year, sells out in minutes.
admissions@trinity.ox.ac.uk; trinity.ox.ac.uk
University College
Undergraduates 425
Postgraduates 221
Acceptance rate 21.1%
Despite its ancient roots — thought to be the oldest Oxford college, and founded by King Alfred in 872 or more likely William of Durham in the 13th century — “Univ” is one of the most forward-thinking colleges. The Opportunity Programme, launched in 2016, paved the way for a university-wide scheme called Opportunity Oxford. Baroness Amos, the Labour life peer, became Oxford’s first black head of house in 2020. Strong in academic results and research, Univ excels in the sciences, PPE and law.
Did you know? College members have access to a chalet in the foothills of Mont Blanc.
admissions@univ.ox.ac.uk; univ.ox.ac.uk
Wadham
Undergraduates 471
Postgraduates 217
Acceptance rate 22.5%
Known for its leftist politics and activism, the college prides itself on a liberal and laid-back atmosphere, and offers more languages than any other college. Queerfest is a highlight of Wadham’s colourful social calendar, as is Wadstock, an open-air music festival. Weekday dinners are served in the 17th-century hall, although there are no gowned formal sittings. Undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation.
Did you know? The Holywell Music Room is the oldest purpose-built European music room.
admissions@wadham.ox.ac.uk; wadham.ox.ac.uk
Worcester
Undergraduates 449
Postgraduates 200
Acceptance rate 11.7%
One of Oxford’s most popular colleges, Worcester maintains beautiful grounds and a strong academic reputation. Undergraduates live in college for the duration and sports fields are on site. The famous Hall and Chapel, with interiors by James Wyatt, were completed in about 1770, while the Old Library houses European manuscripts and early printed books. The college hosts a popular Commemoration Ball every three years. Good food is served at the nightly formal hall accompanied by Latin grace.
Did you know? Worcester’s horticulture is the subject of a blog by its gardeners, and croquet on the extensive lawns is popular.
admissions@worc.ox.ac.uk; worc.ox.ac.uk
Good University Guide 2024
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