HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

University of Oxford vs University of Cambridge

University of Oxford Logo
University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

QS World: #417% Admit
University of Cambridge Logo
University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

QS World: #618% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Oxford (Saïd) and Cambridge (Judge) are globally elite in finance education, both commanding immense prestige. Oxford projects traditional academic gravitas; Cambridge emphasizes innovation. Both foster rigorous, competitive intellectual environments, ensuring graduates are globally competitive in finance-related management.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

Oxford offers a 1.0-year MBA ($78,500/yr). Cambridge provides a 1.0-year MBA ($64,000/yr) and a 1.0-year Master of Finance (MFin) ($55,000/yr). Oxford offers comprehensive scholarships (Rhodes, Chevening). Cambridge provides diverse partial-to-full funding (Trust, Judge Business School awards).

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Students prioritizing a specialized MFin or a more budget-conscious MBA should choose Cambridge. Conversely, applicants valuing Oxford's singular MBA brand and its comprehensive, full-funding scholarships might find Oxford better aligned for a prestigious, broader business education.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 2 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of OxfordUniversity of Cambridge
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#4 (2027)+2 places
#6 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#1 (2027)+4 places
#5 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#7 (2026)
#4 (2026)+3 places
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#4 (2027)+1 places
#5 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
17%More selective
18%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
£52,000
£52,000
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1096Lead
1209
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
26,595
24,912
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
90 / 100
92 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Oxford: 6 leads·Cambridge: 2 leads

Oxford · Specialist Subject Standings

Environmental Sciences#2
History#2

Cambridge · Specialist Subject Standings

Chemistry#2
Psychology#2
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Oxford vs Cambridge alongside annual international tuition.

Upper-Moderate Index

Oxford (Oxford)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$52,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$77,680/yr
Upper-Moderate Index

Cambridge (Cambridge)

$2,140/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,550/mo
Food & Groceries$480/mo
Local Transit & Personal$110/mo
Est. International Tuition$52,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$77,680/yr
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