Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge for PhD?

Yes, you can apply to both Oxford and Cambridge for a PhD (postgraduate) degree, as the restriction of applying to only one in the same year applies to undergraduate (UCAS) applications; graduate applications for Oxford and Cambridge are separate, allowing you to apply to both for doctoral studies. For undergraduates, the "one Oxbridge university" rule is strict, with the only exception being organ scholarships, but for PhDs, you can apply to both independently.

Can you apply to both Cambridge and Oxford for postgraduate?

Yes. There are no restrictions on applications from graduates: the UCAS regulation limiting applications to Oxford or Cambridge applies only to school-leavers. Please contact UCAS directly if you are unable to select both Universities. Graduate-Entry Medicine: Which college?

Can you apply to Cambridge and Oxford in the same year?

You cannot apply to Cambridge and Oxford in the same year. You can only submit one application to Cambridge in a year. Make sure you're happy with the course you're applying for and with your College choice.

Can you apply for Oxford and Cambridge Uni?

Before you start:

You can only apply to one course at Oxford, and you can't apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Read more information on all our courses. Check the admission requirements for your course. Specific grades and subjects required are also shown on each course page.

Can you apply to both Oxford and Cambridge if you play the organ?

Organ award applicants may apply to both Oxford and Cambridge. The timetables of the auditions at the two universities are designed in order that this is possible.

PhD Applications | Powerful tips to get into Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial etc

Why can't you apply to Cambridge and Oxford?

Both universities rely on resource-intensive admissions processes that involve reviewing personal statements, conducting admissions tests, and running interviews. If applicants could apply to both universities, admissions teams would have to handle an even larger number of applications.

What is the hardest UK university to get into?

What Are the Hardest Universities to Get into UK? University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are frequently regarded as the most competitive and hardest universities to get into in the UK.

What are the golden triangle universities?

The golden triangle is a term used to describe the science, technology and innovation cluster in the southeast of England which is made up of Oxford, Cambridge and London.

Why do Oxford and Cambridge have sister colleges?

Most of the pairings reflect similarities between the two colleges concerned, often parallel histories. For example, University College, Oxford (an ancient and prestigious college, founded 1249) is paired with Trinity Hall, Cambridge (of equivalent reputation, founded 1350).

Do you need all 9s to get into Oxford?

First, let's look at what GCSEs you will need to get into Oxford. Oxford has explained its stance on GCSE results in multiple places. In all instances, the same message is made fairly clear; there are no set GCSE requirements but it is recommended that applicants have a high proportion of 7, 8 and 9 Grades.

Is it easier to get into Oxford or Cambridge as an international student?

The success rates for international students are even lower, with only 7.6% of applicants accepted at Oxford and 11.1% at Cambridge in 2024.

What is more prestigious, Oxford or Cambridge?

University Rankings and Global Reputation

Both Oxford and Cambridge consistently rank among the top universities globally. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Oxford holds 1st place worldwide, while Cambridge ranks 5th.

Is Cambridge harder than Oxford?

Oxford vs Cambridge Academics

Oxford is slightly stronger at the humanities and social sciences. However, if you choose to study science, you have to pick one subject. There are no flexible science degrees available. However, you can get a joint degree.

Can I apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year?

Their history, academic excellence, and competitive nature make them a dream destination for many students. But if you're thinking about applying, there's one crucial rule to be aware of: you can't apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same academic year.

Is Magdalen College Oxford or Cambridge?

Magdalen College (pronounced “maudlin”) was founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester. It was one of the largest and wealthiest Colleges in Oxford, supporting many Fellows and scholars, as well as a chapel choir. Its buildings and gardens are among the finest of any College in Oxford.

Is it harder for international students to get into Oxford?

Based on the total number of applicants (23,061), Oxford's acceptance rates are very low for international applicants. However, even the acceptance rate for UK applicants is low, and the overall Oxford acceptance rate sits at just above 14% out of all applicants.

What is the #1 most prestigious university in the world?

There's no single #1, as it depends on the ranking system, but Harvard University, MIT, Stanford, and Oxford/Cambridge consistently dominate, with Harvard often leading in reputation/general rankings (like U.S. News/CWUR) and MIT often topping QS, while Oxford leads THE rankings. These prestigious institutions are recognized globally for academic excellence, research, and influence.
 

Which is the hardest Cambridge college to get into?

While it varies slightly by year, Trinity College, St John's College, and King's College consistently rank as the hardest Cambridge colleges to get into due to extremely low acceptance rates (often 12-15%), high applicant numbers, and intense competition, especially for subjects like Law or Medicine, though specific courses and colleges can shift in competitiveness. 

Where do the 1% go to college?

The 1% of the wealthiest Americans disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities, particularly Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Columbia) and other top institutions like MIT, Stanford, Duke, and UChicago, where they make up a large percentage of the student body, often outnumbering students from the bottom 60% of income earners combined. Liberal arts colleges and prestigious public universities also attract many wealthy students, with specific examples including WashU St. Louis, UVA, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.
 

What is the poshest university in the UK?

Obviously, the universities located in London like LSE, UCL, and KIng's college are the most posh because London is the most expensive city in UK, but Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are also very posh because of their image and rankings.

What is the most elite university in America?

As of 2025, the top ten colleges, according to "America's Top Colleges", are:

• Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
• Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Maryland)
• Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

What is the Harvard of England?

The University of Oxford is a federation of self-governing colleges, which are analogous to the house system here at Harvard, but also take on both academic and administrative functions.

What is the most elite university in England?

All of the league tables also rank universities in individual subjects. As of 2025, the top-five ranked universities in the United Kingdom are Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), St Andrews, and Durham, with Imperial College London, Bath and Warwick also appearing in the top ten of all three rankings.

What is the easiest Russell Group to get into?

Based on offer rates and entrance standards, universities such as Liverpool, Queen Mary (QMUL), Nottingham, Newcastle, and Cardiff emerge as the easiest Russell Groups to get into. These institutions tend to have either higher offer rates or lower entrance standards – or both.

Does applying early increase my chances?

Students who apply early—whether through binding or non-binding admissions programs—tend to matriculate at higher rates, so admitting a sizable percentage of students early can increase a school's yield.