Harvard and Oxford are the two prestigious universities not only in the USA and UK but across the world. Harvard University hosts around 26.8% international students whereas Oxford University makes up 46% of the international students - including 23% of undergraduates and 65% of graduate students. It is difficult to choose between the two universities. This blog will help you understand the factors to be considered while selecting the university. It highlights whether Harvard is better than Oxford or vice-versa.
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Table of Contents |
Harvard vs Oxford: Overview
Let us look at both universities before moving to which university to choose.
Harvard University
Harvard University is amongst the top universities not only in the United States but also in the world. Harvard is known for its world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and high-quality research output. Over 20,000 degree candidates are enrolled in Harvard’s programs: undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses.
Harvard provides 3700+ courses, encompassing well-known undergraduate programs and graduate fields such as business, law, medicine, education, and the arts. The institution ensures high-quality education with a student-faculty ratio of 7:1. Spanning over 5,000 acres, the campus features a variety of libraries, laboratories, and research centers.
Oxford University
The University of Oxford is a world-renowned institution in the Oxfordshire county of England. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest universities in the world, and its reputation for academic excellence is second to none. Oxford is a research-intensive university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
Oxford is committed to making its world-class education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, and it remains one of the most popular choices for international students. The university's robust financial support packages and over £9.5 million scholarships feature numerous opportunities for international students. Outside the classroom, Oxford's extensive history and lively central setting offer chances to become part of a tight-knit college community and a dynamic local culture. Boasting 20 Nobel Prize laureates and 3 UK Prime Ministers among its graduates, Oxford continues its tradition of academic excellence and leadership.
Harvard vs Oxford: Factors to Consider
Deciding between Harvard and Oxford, two prestigious universities, involves considering several key factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine which institution better aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Harvard vs Oxford: Rankings
A reliable sign of a reputable college or university is its global reputation. Various organizations rank educational institutions worldwide, from best to worst. To find the top universities, you need to look into these rankings. Fortunately, we have already researched for you.
|
Ranking Agencies |
Oxford University |
Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
|
THE - World University Rankings (2024) |
#1 |
#4 |
|
QS - World University Rankings (2024) |
#3 |
#4 |
|
US News & World Report - Global Rankings (2023) |
#5 |
#1 |
Suggested: How to Get into Harvard From India
Harvard vs Oxford: Acceptance Rate
Let's examine the selectivity of Harvard and Oxford. We can understand how selective these universities are by analyzing the acceptance rate trends over the past five years.
|
Admission Years |
Harvard University |
Oxford University |
|---|---|---|
|
2022-23 |
3.59% |
16.8% |
|
2021-22 |
3.4% |
14.5% |
|
2020-21 |
3.2% |
13% |
|
2019-20 |
3.4% |
14.1% |
|
2018-19 |
4.9% |
14.1% |
The data indicates that Harvard’s acceptance rate is consistently lower than Oxford’s. This means Harvard is more selective, while Oxford has a relatively higher acceptance rate. Therefore, international students are likely to have a better chance of being admitted to Oxford than Harvard.
Suggested: How to Get Into Oxford University from India
Harvard vs Oxford: Popular Courses
Harvard offers 3,700 courses, while Oxford provides over 250 courses across its 18 constituent colleges. Both universities have a selection of highly sought-after programs. The MBA is the most popular course at both Harvard and Oxford. Here is a list of popular courses available at these prestigious institutions.
|
University |
Popular Courses |
|---|---|
|
Harvard |
|
|
Oxford |
|
Also watch: MBA vs MS in the UK
Harvard vs Oxford: Eligibility Criteria
Let's take a look at the eligibility criteria for Harvard vs Oxford.
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Harvard |
Oxford |
|---|---|
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Check out our YouTube video on Universities in the USA with No Application Fee!
Harvard vs Oxford: Admission Process
The admission process for both universities more or less remains the same. The admissions process at Harvard and Oxford involves the following steps:
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Application Submission: Ensure you submit a complete application by the specified deadline for your chosen program. This includes all required documents, such as transcripts, SOPs, LORs, and test scores.
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Review Process: Your application will be reviewed by the admissions committee. They will consider factors such as academic performance, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
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Interview Process: Some programs may require interviews as part of the selection process. Prepare for these interviews by familiarising yourself with the program and demonstrating suitability.
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Admission Decision: After the review process, you will be notified of the admission decision. If accepted, you'll receive further instructions on enrollment and any additional requirements.
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Confirmation of Admission: Upon acceptance, you may need to confirm your intention to enroll by a specified deadline and fulfill any remaining requirements, such as submitting financial documentation or visa applications.
Harvard vs Oxford: Tuition Fee
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The average tuition fee for a graduate program at Harvard University is around USD 60,000 (INR 49,97,580).
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The average tuition fee for a graduate program at Oxford University is around USD 39,000 (INR 32,00,000).
Harvard vs Oxford: Average Salary
|
Harvard |
Oxford |
|---|---|
|
USD 1,68,000 (INR 1,39,93,220) |
GBP 59,000 (INR 62,60,050) |
Harvard vs Oxford: Recruiters
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Harvard |
Oxford |
|---|---|
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Did you know that Sarah, a Yocket Premium student, received admission from Oxford University for a Master's in Genomic Medicine? With a bachelor's in biotechnology, Sarah made it to one of the most prestigious universities in the world! Watch this video to learn about her journey, interview process, and tips on how to make it to Oxford!
Choosing Between Harvard vs Oxford: How to Decide
Deciding to apply to either of these colleges is life-changing. It is influenced by their prestige and the significant costs involved. It's crucial to evaluate whether the investment in either institution is worthwhile.
The prestige, reputation, and respect these universities hold are unparalleled. However, considering the cost of education and return on investment, a Harvard degree may offer a better financial outcome. Ultimately, your decision should be based on available courses, alumni feedback, and other factors. When comparing Oxford and Harvard, consider their acceptance rates, the cost of education, and the programs offered to decide which investment is better for you.
From the Desk of Yocket
There's no universal answer when you have to decide between renowned academic institutions like Oxford and Harvard. Your decision depends on your interests, values, and preferred location. Consider whether you're drawn to Oxford's decentralized college system or Harvard's Ivy League campus. Despite the weight of tradition and fierce competition, both universities offer transformative experiences for those ready to embrace their challenges. Ultimately, your decision should reflect where you can fully engage in an enriching academic journey. So, choose between Oxford and Harvard wisely by aligning with your aspirations and passions.
If you’re overwhelmed with all the information and need help in your application process, Yocket is there for you! We will assist you from searching and shortlisting the university to the application process and applying for visas. With their end-to-end assistance, you will be on your way to pursue your academic goals! Schedule A FREE Video Consultation Call Today!
