University of Oxford Ranking

The University of Oxford continues to uphold its legacy as one of the most prestigious and influential universities worldwide. Known for its centuries-old tradition of academic excellence, Oxford is consistently recognized across major global ranking systems for its teaching, research, and international outlook. 

 In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Oxford achieved the 4th position globally, reaffirming its status as a leader in higher education. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 placed Oxford #1 in the world for the ninth consecutive year, highlighting its unparalleled strength in research quality and academic environment. 

 Similarly, the U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings 2025–26 ranked Oxford at #4 worldwide, reflecting its influence in scholarly output and global reputation. These consistent top-tier placements underscore Oxford’s dominance as a global hub for knowledge, innovation, and leadership. 

To get more details, checkout: University of Oxford Overview 

University of Oxford Rankings 2025-26 

Oxford has demonstrated remarkable stability at the top of international rankings, cementing its position as a global leader in higher education. The table below highlights Oxford’s performance across the three most influential university ranking platforms. 

Ranking Body	2024	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings	#3	#3	#4
Times Higher Education World University Rankings	#1	#1	#1
U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings	#4	#4	#4

Oxford’s consistency in the THE Rankings, where it has retained the #1 global position for nine consecutive years, reflects its unmatched research quality, teaching excellence, and international collaborations.  

The slight shift from #3 to #4 in QS Rankings (2026) is minor and still places Oxford firmly in the world’s elite universities. Meanwhile, its stable #4 position in U.S. News underscores its continued strength in research output, citations, and global reputation. 

Together, these results highlight Oxford’s dominance across ranking platforms, proving its academic excellence is both enduring and widely recognized.  After reviewing the prominent university rankings, let's explore the university's specific program rankings! 

Subject-wise Rankings of the University of Oxford 

Subject-wise rankings assess academic quality and program reputation, guiding students in making informed decisions about college and programs. The university's departments are consistently ranked among the best in the world, with law (#2) and medicine (#2) ranking among the top programs by QS rankings. 

Below is a detailed overview of Oxford's subject-wise rankings from three of the most prominent ranking bodies: QS, U.S. News, and THE rankings. 

QS Subject-Wise Rankings 2025 

Oxford’s subject-wise rankings for 2024–2025 highlight its dominance in traditional academic strengths such as Law (#2), Medicine (#2), and Biological Sciences (#4), where it continues to hold global leadership. The university also shows strong performance in Engineering and Technology, improving from #3 to #2, reflecting its growing research impact in applied sciences. In fields like Mathematics (#3) and Accounting and Finance (#4), Oxford remains among the world’s best, while the rise in Performing Arts (#15 in 2025) underlines its balanced excellence across STEM and arts disciplines. These results reaffirm Oxford’s reputation as a truly multidisciplinary institution, excelling across both professional and research-focused programs. 

Here are some top University of Oxford courses according to QS rankings: 

Subject	2024	2025	2026
Accounting and Finance	#4	#4	TBA
Architecture and Built Environment	#28	#33	TBA
Art and Design	#25	#27	TBA
Biological Sciences	#4	#4	TBA
Engineering and Technology	#3	#2	TBA
Global MBA	#18	#19	TBA
Law and Legal Studies	#2	#2	TBA
Mathematics	#4	#3	TBA
Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering	#9	#8	TBA
Medicine	#2	#2	TBA
Performing Arts	#19	#15	TBA

Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university. 

Next, let’s see Oxford’s rankings in the US News and Reports.  

U.S. News Subject-Wise Rankings 2025 

In the U.S. News subject rankings, Oxford demonstrates exceptional performance in a wide range of disciplines. It ranks #1 worldwide in Arts and Humanities and Infectious Diseases, alongside strong placements in Mathematics (#3), Psychiatry/Psychology (#3), and Social Sciences and Public Health (#2). Clinical Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology also feature within the top ten, reflecting Oxford’s extensive research output and impact. These rankings emphasize Oxford’s global influence not only in the sciences but also in health and social disciplines. 

Here are some top programs' positions according to US news rankings: 

Subject	Rank (2025–26)
Arts and Humanities	#1
Infectious Diseases	#1
Social Sciences and Public Health	#2
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging	#2
Medicine (Clinical Medicine)	#8
Biology and Biochemistry	#9
Environment/Ecology	#11
Economics and Business	#14
Psychiatry/Psychology	#3
Mathematics	#3

Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university. 

Further, let’s explore where Oxford stands in THE rankings. 

Times Higher Education (THE) Subject-Wise Rankings 2025 

The Times Higher Education (THE) subject rankings (2023–2025) highlight Oxford’s unmatched leadership in several fields. The university has secured the #1 position in Clinical and Health and Computer Science consistently, while ranking within the top three in Arts and Humanities and Business and Economics. Its performance in Engineering also places it in the global top five, underlining the institution’s capacity to lead across both sciences and humanities. This dominance across THE’s subject categories reinforces Oxford’s global standing as a multidisciplinary powerhouse. 

Here’s some top programs' position according to THE rankings: 

Subject	2023	2024	2025
Arts and Humanities	#4	#4	#3
Clinical and Health	#1	#1	#1
Engineering	#5	#4	#4
Law	#4	#7	#7
Life Sciences	#4	#3	#4
Business and Economics	#3	#5	#2
Computer Science	#1	#1	#1

Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university. 

These program-specific recognitions reflect the university's dedication to providing high-quality education and ensuring strong connections to employment opportunities in each region. 

Now, let’s take a look at how the University of Oxford performs in other diversified rankings. 

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025 

Beyond its top-tier global rankings, the University of Oxford has earned notable distinctions across various specialized and national assessments. The university's performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) was exemplary.  

Oxford submitted over 3,600 researchers across 29 subject areas, with the highest volume of world-leading research symbolizing a solid education system in the UK. These accolades showcase its comprehensive academic excellence and research impact. 

Here are some of the miscellaneous positions of Oxford in different areas:  

Ranking Category	Ranking Description
English Language and Literature	Ranked 1st globally by QS subject rankings, tied with the University of Cambridge.
Research Excellence Framework	Over 3,600 researchers were submitted across 29 subject areas, the largest submission in the UK.
QS Sustainability Ranking 2025	Ranked #199 globally, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Department of Education	High ratings for its research quality, with a significant percentage of its submissions rated as "world-leading."   Its Postgraduate Certificate in Education has also earned an "Outstanding" rating in every Ofsted inspection since 2005.
World-Leading Research	Achieved the highest volume of world-leading research in the UK.

These rankings and recognitions affirm Oxford's status as a leading global institution, offering students a diverse range of world-class academic programs and research opportunities. 

Now, let's explore the academic and extracurricular achievements Oxford promotes among student campus life and beyond. 

University of Oxford: Excellence and Achievements

Oxford's academic achievements are not just limited to rankings; the university's research output is regularly hailed as pioneering. With over 70 Nobel Prize winners among its notable alumni and faculty, Oxford's impact is deeply felt in medicine, economics, law, and humanities courses.  

The University of Oxford is more than just a top-ranked institution, it is a hub of innovation, inclusivity, and creativity. Its strong academic frameworks encourage critical thinking, while its global research collaborations generate practical solutions to pressing challenges. Let’s explore Oxford’s achievements across three core areas: academic excellence, student community, and cultural creativity. 

Academic Excellence and National Recognition 

Oxford consistently ranks among the world’s best universities in international rankings such as QS, THE, and U.S. News. Its reputation is built on cutting-edge research, world-class teaching, and pioneering discoveries across multiple disciplines. From sciences to humanities, Oxford provides students with access to departments that set global standards. 

Here are some major recognitions:  

Category	Recognition
Research Excellence	In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 69% of submissions from the Department of Education were rated as "world-leading," highlighting Oxford's strength in educational research.
Engineering Science	The Department of Engineering Science was ranked 2nd globally in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2025, with a score of 96.7 in global engagement and 1st worldwide for its international research network.
Nobel Laureates	Oxford has educated 73 Nobel Prize laureates, underscoring its role in producing groundbreaking research across various disciplines.

Next, let's see how Oxford has been developing its student community as an inclusive one. 

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions 

Beyond academics, Oxford prioritizes the well-being, inclusivity, and personal development of its students. Through dedicated support services, community initiatives, and student-led organizations, Oxford fosters a supportive environment where every student can thrive. 

The university places great emphasis on student life and daily well-being, providing mental health services, financial aid, and career counseling. Initiatives such as the "Oxford Students’ Union" show Oxford’s commitment to inclusivity and supporting a diverse student body.  

Here are some of Oxford's community development initiatives: 

Category	Recognition
Diversity Initiatives	The Vice-Chancellor's Diversity Awards celebrate individuals and groups who promote diversity and inclusion within the university community.
Community Engagement	The Community Partnership Fund supports meaningful and sustainable collaborations between the university and local organizations, aiming to create a genuine impact.
Student Life	Oxford offers a variety of societies and activities, providing students with opportunities to engage in diverse interests and build a supportive community.

Now, let’s explore how the university promotes creative and cultural initiatives for international students. 

Cultural and Creative Excellence 

Oxford isn’t just about academic rigor, it is also a hub for creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. The university’s rich traditions combine with modern initiatives to support writers, artists, performers, and designers. Students gain access to fellowships, exhibitions, and international events that nurture their creative ambitions. 

Programs like the “Creative Writing Fellowship” and regular cultural events allow students to develop their artistic skills and engage with Oxford's rich cultural history. 

Some notable creative initiatives include: 

Category	Recognition
Creative Journalism	Dr. Charlie Lee-Potter, a College Lecturer in English, was awarded the Créateurs Design Award for excellence in creative journalism, recognizing her contributions to art and culture writing.
Curatorial Excellence	Professor Paul Basu received the Curatorial Excellence Award for his exhibition "Entanglements: Colonial Collections in Decolonial Times," showcasing Oxford's commitment to innovative cultural presentations.
Architectural Recognition	The Blavatnik School of Government's building won a National Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects, highlighting Oxford's dedication to architectural excellence.

Through a balance of academic rigor and cultural enrichment, Oxford offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both intellectual and creative pursuits. 

Now, let's understand the relationship between ranking and acceptance rates. 

University of Oxford: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate 

At the University of Oxford, a clear correlation exists between a course's global ranking and acceptance rate. Highly ranked programs often attract a larger pool of applicants, leading to increased competition and consequently lower acceptance rates.  

With only around 17% acceptance, this lower percentage shows the selective nature of Oxford’s admissions, where prestige and demand influence the likelihood of approval. 

Here are some of Oxford's top courses, their global rankings, and corresponding acceptance rate trends, illustrating the inverse relationship between prestige and selectivity: 

Course	QS Subject Ranking	Approximate Acceptance Rate
Computer Science	#5	6.4%
Law (including Law/Legal Studies)	#2	10.3%
Mathematics	#3	9.3%
Archaeology & Anthropology	#2	15.4%
Modern Languages	#2	48.7%

While aiming for highly ranked courses can be aspirational, it's essential to consider personal aptitude and the realistic chances of acceptance to make informed application choices. 

Next, let's explore the methodology of the rankings. 

Ranking Methodologies 

University of Oxford rankings are shaped by the methodologies used by different ranking bodies. Each platform focuses on distinct indicators such as research output, teaching quality, global engagement, and student outcomes.  

Understanding these frameworks helps you interpret what a high or low ranking reflects. Knowing how each ranking is calculated will help guide your decision whether you target global exposure or strong graduate outcomes. 

Let’s now examine how major ranking agencies evaluate institutions like Oxford. 

QS World University Rankings 

The QS World University Rankings focus on academic reputation, global research impact, employability, and international diversity. Oxford's standing on this list reflects its strengths in research and global presence.  

For example, academic reputation and citations per faculty together make up 50% of the total score, which heavily influences the university's position. 

Here’s how QS measures university performance: 

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty–Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

Next, explore how THE Rankings evaluate institutions differently, with more weight on teaching and research quality. 

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 

THE Rankings prioritize teaching, research quality, and international outlook. Oxford performs strongly in citation impact and teaching reputation; these contribute to more than 30% of the score. This methodology helps compare universities focusing on academic excellence and research leadership. 

Below is the complete breakdown of THE ranking criteria: 

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15%
	Staff-to-student Ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-Bachelor’s Ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff Ratio	5.5%
	Institutional Income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research Reputation	18%
	Research Income	5.5%
	Research Productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation Impact	15%
	Research Strength	5%
	Research Excellence	5%
	Research Influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of International Students	2.5%
	Proportion of International Staff	2.5%
	International Collaboration	2.5%
Industry	Industry Income	2%
	Patents	2%

Now, take a closer look at the U.S. News & World Report Rankings, which center more on student outcomes and financial strength. 

U.S. News & World Report Rankings 

U.S. News & World Report Rankings emphasize student success, graduation outcomes, and faculty quality. Peer assessment and graduation rates are major contributors, making up 36% of the score combined. This methodology suits applicants focused on long-term academic performance and career planning. 

Check the full set of indicators used by U.S. News: 

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Student Success
Graduation Rates	16%
First-Year Retention Rates	5%
Graduation Rate Performance	10%
Pell Graduation Rates	5.5%
Pell Graduation Performance	5.5%
Graduate Outcomes
College Graduates Earning More Than a High School Grad	5%
Borrower Debt	5%
Reputation & Resources
Peer Assessment	20%
Financial Resources	8%
Faculty Salaries	8%
Full-Time Faculty	3%
Student-Faculty Ratio	4%

Now, let's bring this section to a close and summarize what we know. 

Conclusion 

The University of Oxford has consistently demonstrated why it is a global leader in higher education. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Oxford is ranked #4 globally, while it proudly holds the #1 position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 for the seventh consecutive year. Similarly, the U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025 ranks Oxford at #4 worldwide, affirming its academic reputation across research, teaching, and innovation. 

These achievements, combined with Oxford’s strong performance in subject areas such as Law (#2), Medicine (#2), and Computer Science (#1), reflect its unmatched strength across disciplines. Beyond numbers, Oxford’s emphasis on inclusivity, cultural creativity, and community engagement ensures that students gain both intellectual excellence and a vibrant campus life. 

Want to be sure if Oxford University aligns with your academic and career goals? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad expert advisors and receive personalized guidance on programs, eligibility, tuition, and scholarships!