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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

U
University of Oxford

Oxford · QS World #4

U
University of Reading

Reading · QS World #196

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

10/11

Oxford

scored higher in 10 categories

VS

1/11

Reading

scored higher in 1 category

Quick Verdict

University of Oxford leads in 10 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary, courses). University of Reading is ahead on employment.

University of Oxford vs University of Reading at a glance

University of Oxford and University of Reading both teach 46 subject areas, the largest being History, Classical Studies and Childhood & Youth Studies. University of Oxford offers 642 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £43,600 a year at University of Oxford and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £17,750 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £38,430 a year at University of Oxford and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £11,980 a year cheaper.

Of the 15 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Oxford is higher in 15 and University of Reading in 0. The widest gap is in Law: £52,500 three years after graduating from University of Oxford, against £27,500 from University of Reading. Of the 14 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Oxford is higher in 9 and University of Reading in 5.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#4
QS World
#196
#1
THE World
#201
#1
Guardian UK
#33
1096
Established
1892
Yes
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

University of Oxford

University of Reading

92.5%
85.1%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

£50,000
£35,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

76.6%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

37.2%
18%

International

International student share

642
448

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

1
1

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Oxford

118 countries · 37.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China18.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States16.8%
  • 🇩🇪Germany5.6%
  • 🇮🇳India5.2%
  • 🇨🇦Canada4.6%
VS

Reading

96 countries · 18% international

  • 🇨🇳China26%
  • 🇮🇳India6.9%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria4.2%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.9%

Subjects

46 subjects you can study at both

Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

University of Oxford

University of Reading

Also taught at both: Chemistry, Sociology & Criminology, Archaeology, English Literature, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Business Studies, Information & Library Studies, Management, Design & Fashion, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Biology, Fine Art, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Ecology & Conservation, English Language, International Development, Pharmacology, Physical Geography & Climate, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Civil Engineering, Education Studies, Social Policy & Public Policy, Social Sciences (General), History of Art & Design, Media & Film Studies, Clinical & Health Psychology, Film Production & Cinematography.

Only at University of Oxford

Only at University of Reading

Fees

What it costs international students

The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

Undergraduate

University of Oxford
£43,600
University of Reading
£25,850

University of Reading is about £17,750 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Oxford
£38,430
University of Reading
£26,450

University of Reading is about £11,980 a year cheaper.

Outcomes

Graduate outcomes by subject

Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

University of Oxford

University of Reading

  • History

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    96%Satisfaction95%

  • Classical Studies

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    95%Satisfaction97%

  • Economics

    £46,000Salary (3 years)£32,500
    93%Satisfaction82%

  • Law

    £52,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    No dataSatisfaction86%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £38,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
    89%Satisfaction92%

  • Ancient Languages

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    85%Satisfaction92%

  • Mathematics

    £43,000Salary (3 years)£30,500
    91%Satisfaction86%

  • Psychology (General)

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    94%Satisfaction83%

  • Philosophy

    £38,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    94%Satisfaction86%

  • Chemistry

    £43,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    85%Satisfaction77%

  • Computer Science

    £51,500Salary (3 years)£35,000
    92%Satisfaction76%

  • Biochemistry

    £39,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
    85%Satisfaction88%

Showing the 12 largest of 15 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship

100%

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

University of Reading

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Oxford vs University of Reading: common questions

Is University of Oxford or University of Reading cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £43,600 a year at University of Oxford and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £17,750 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £38,430 a year at University of Oxford and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £11,980 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

What subjects can you study at both University of Oxford and University of Reading?

Both universities teach 46 subject areas: History, Classical Studies, Childhood & Youth Studies, Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science, Law, Business & Management (General), Politics & International Relations, Ancient Languages, Building & Construction, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Mathematics and 34 more.

Is University of Oxford or University of Reading better for History?

History graduates earn a median £33,000 three years after graduating from University of Oxford, and £25,000 from University of Reading. Student satisfaction with teaching is 96% at University of Oxford and 95% at University of Reading. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Oxford or University of Reading offer more courses?

University of Oxford lists 642 courses on CourseOptions and University of Reading lists 448 courses.

What can you study at University of Oxford but not at University of Reading?

University of Oxford teaches 33 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Spanish & Portuguese, Eastern European Languages, English Studies, German & Scandinavian Studies, French, Italian, General Engineering, African & Middle Eastern Studies and 25 more.

What can you study at University of Reading but not at University of Oxford?

University of Reading teaches 24 subject areas that University of Oxford does not, including Marketing, Agriculture & Land Management, Food Science, Teacher Training, Accounting, Biological Sciences (General), Nutrition & Dietetics, Pharmacy and 16 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

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University of Oxford642 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses
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University of Reading448 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses