The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious and renowned institutions around the globe. Its illustrious alumni(oxonians) include celebrated thinkers and leaders in history, like Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, and William Golding, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist.
Like all top universities, Oxford is expensive. You have to budget for tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other associated expenses. These costs can be even higher for international students due to the added expense of living in a foreign country.
Whether you are a prospective student or just curious about the cost of attending Oxford, this comprehensive guide will give you a breakdown of the costs associated with studying at the University of Oxford for international students.
Study Costs at the University of Oxford
International students wanting to pursue their academic dream at Oxford should understand the costs involved in the process of study. Apart from tuition, you also need to understand what other expenses you are likely to incur from application to study costs and other living expenses.
Application Costs
The application fee to the University of Oxford is £75 (GBP) for each course applied for, no matter the program or level of study. Some students may be lucky to have this waived if they meet the criteria. It is non-refundable and supports the application process, including all the systems involved, and the delivery of Graduate Access Programs.
Some courses have a November deadline which is ideal for those looking for Oxford scholarships. You can also go for the December and January deadlines, which apply to most courses. Alternatively, you can go for the March deadline for specific classes. However, you will not be considered for any scholarships.
Tuition Costs
Tuition fees at the University of Oxford differ at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Also, the program of study informs the amount of tuition paid. Here is a breakdown of the tuition fee expenses at the University of Oxford for international students.
Bachelor’s Tuition
Oxford offers a variety of undergraduate programs across its different colleges for international students. Bachelor’s tuition varies with the program of study, with some courses having high fees.
If you plan to take an undergraduate degree as a full-time student, expect to pay around £41,130 annually for a bachelor’s degree in English and Modern Languages. On the other hand, an undergraduate degree in Computer Science will cost you £59,280 annually.
Master’s Tuition
A master’s degree from the University of Oxford is revered by many across the globe. There are various programs in Business Administration, Mathematics, Global Health, and Leadership. The tuition, however, varies with the type of program and length of study. There may be other additional costs related to travel, research, and field trips not covered in the tuition money.
For example, a Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management annual fee is £34,120. The program has an additional optional cost of around £200 for a field trip to Brussels. On the other hand, other programs have higher tuition annual course fees, like the Master of Science in Applied Digital Health, which costs £46,060.
Ph.D. Tuition
The University of Oxford offers quality postgraduate degrees in various fields, including Anthropology, Cardiovascular Science, and Mathematics. The tuition fees for these programs vary depending on program-related costs.
For example, a Doctor of Philosophy in Classical Language and Literature annual fee costs £34,980. On the other hand, a Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology costs £31,090.
Other Academic Costs at the University of Oxford
Apart from tuition and application costs, you will incur other expenses like books, accommodation, transport, and personal expenses. The actual cost of your studies at the University of Oxford will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
It will cost you between £35 and £80 per month in study costs which cover books, printing, stationery, and other program-related materials or equipment. Programs in the engineering and medical field and those that require you to take field trips may require you to cover the equipment or facilitation of the trips.
Additionally, you should budget around £20 and £35 per month for miscellaneous expenses.
Fortunately, Oxford University has an extensive and well-resourced library network allowing you to borrow as many books and academic resources as possible to help reduce study costs.
Accommodation and Transportation
The cost of room and board at Oxford varies depending on the chosen accommodation and individual preferences. The university offers a range of housing options, from dormitories to private apartments. Fortunately, the university provides first-year undergraduates accommodation in all its colleges.
Accommodation costs range between £715 and £860 per month, with Jesus College being the most expensive and St. John’s College the cheapest.
For transportation, international students can utilize the discounted bus services available to move around London or connect to the airport. The university offers a 10% discount off the standard price for bus tickets with the Oxford Bus Company. Cycling is a popular and safe mode of transport for many students, with the option to hire bicycles, electric bikes, and e-scooters. Other options include the Science Transit Shuttle and rail, which offer discounts to full-time students.
Living Expenses
In addition to the cost of studying at the University of Oxford, the living costs in Oxford can be relatively high for international students. According to Oxford’s website, you should budget for £1,425 and £2,035 per month for the current academic year to cater to your living expenses.
For example, food expenses should cost you between £330 and £515 per month, depending on where and what you eat. You should also budget for social activities with around £45 and £100 per month, and an additional £200 and £335 for personal expenses.
While attending the University of Oxford as an international student can be thrilling, it can also be costly, with tuition fees ranging from £20,000 to £44,000 per year and additional expenses for housing and other necessities. However, you can find financial aid options and scholarships to help offset these costs. Prospective students should carefully weigh the financial implications before deciding on attending Oxford.
We hope that this article was helpful! You may also find more information about the universities and scholarship opportunities in the United Kingdom on our Study in the UK and Available Programs for International Student pages.
