Oxford or Cambridge?

A look at the QS World University Rankings by Subject confirms both Oxford and Cambridge are among the world’s leaders across a comprehensive range of fields.  

As you can see by the table below, both universities boast top 10 positions for most of their subjects.

Both cities are relatively small and compact places to live and are easily navigable on foot, although many students choose to cycle. 

Highly picturesque, they’re both characterised by attractive historic architecture and rivers running through the city centres. In both schools, you’ll often students in training for inter-college rowing contests or the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race – the one day each year when Oxbridge rivalry becomes the most heated. 

Oxford and Cambridge are also both close to the UK capital. London is about an hour on the train from Oxford, and slightly under an hour from Cambridge. In terms of differences between the two locations, Cambridge is generally considered a little prettier, while Oxford has a bit more going on – but of course this will depend on who you ask. 

If you come from outside the UK, the amount you’ll pay in tuition fees varies massively depending on the programme you decide to study.  

The following table gives a rough overview of how much you can expect to pay for full time courses per year, depending on your study level and nationality.  

Check the university websites for exact rates, and bear in mind there is significant variation in the amount charged for postgraduate courses, and for non-EU students on undergraduate courses, depending on the subject. 

As well as tuition fees, Oxford advises students to allow between £1,290 and £1,840 for living costs, including accommodation, food, study resources, socializing and other items. Cambridge recommends a minimum of £11,020 per year for living expenses. You can find out more about the costs of studying in the UK here. 

Overall, the cost of studying at Oxford or Cambridge adds up, although it’s still less than the up-front price of a degree at most top universities in the US. For many students, some kind of financial support is needed. 

Undergraduate students from within the UK and from other EU countries can apply for financial support from the UK government in the form of student loans. These cover tuition fees and are paid back gradually once the student begins work and starts earning a certain amount. Full-time undergraduate-level UK students can also apply for additional loans and grants to help cover living expenses. 

Both Oxford and Cambridge also offer a range of scholarships and financial support schemes. At Cambridge, UK and EU undergraduates can apply for bursaries, in addition to a range of funding opportunities which are open to students of various backgrounds. Oxford’s website allows students to search for any scholarships they may be eligible for, based on their course and nationality. 

The individual colleges of which the two universities are comprised also offer scholarships and bursaries. Of course, scholarships to study at Oxford or Cambridge are among the most competitive in the world – as is gaining admission to begin with. But if you are successful in your application, you’re likely to be rewarded with an experience which is both academically challenging and aesthetically inspiring.