Oxford University marks 5th year of topping World University Rankings
Oxford University marks 5th year of topping World University Rankings -, Post a Comment
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[June 7, 2021June 4, 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/2021/06/07/)
United Kingdom’s Oxford University has once again retained the Number 1 spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021, making it a five-peat win on their end.
It could be noted that Oxford has garnered global attention for its dedicated efforts toward [finding a COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.research.ox.ac.uk/area/coronavirus-research/vaccine) early last year.
The research-intensive university first ranked top spot in 2016, effectively breaking California Institute of Technology (CalTech)’s five-year streak since [Academic Year 2011-2012](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2012/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/undefined).
With more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and regions being ranked, the THE World University Rankings is one of the largest and most diverse university ranking systems to date.
Times Higher Education makes use of [13 performance indicators](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/about-the-times-higher-education-world-university-rankings) that identify the respective institution’s core missions, across teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.
“Oxford excels across all of our indicators, but its international outlook scores, in particular, stand out against world top-ten peers in the United States,” Times Higher Education Chief Knowledge Officer Phil Baty explained.
Furthermore, Oxford has taken up a lead role in testing therapeutic drugs and antibodies for the vaccine. The institution also delved into novel virus detection methods, research about the impacts of the pandemic on parents as well as practical resources for families, and analysis on crisis response of global leaders.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, which has posed such a threat to higher education around the world, has also demonstrated the critical role universities play in addressing global challenges,” Oxford University Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson stated, as she expressed gratitude for the award.
[SEE: The full Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2021/world-ranking)
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Eligibility criteria
Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.
- Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible African country
- Willing to study in United Kingdom
- Strong academic record — typically a minimum GPA equivalent to a UK 2:1 / US 3.3
- English-language proficiency demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI letter
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Required documents
A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.
- Valid international passport (bio page scan)
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- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
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Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
- 6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
- 3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
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Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
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Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.
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Last checked 5/8/2026
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Who can apply for the Oxford University marks 5th year of topping World University Rankings?+
Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the the stated level level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to United Kingdom for the duration of the programme.
Is the Oxford University marks 5th year of topping World University Rankings fully funded?+
Funding model: Funding type varies — check the official site. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.
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The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
What documents do I need to apply?+
At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.
How can I improve my chance of winning?+
Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.