What is “Stoxbridge”? A Guide to the Top Three UK Universities

The 2025 Guardian University Rankings named the University of Oxford as the best university in the UK in September 2024, with the Oxbridge university narrowly seeing off competition from last year's first-placed University of St Andrews (2nd) and University of Cambridge (3rd).

What is “Stoxbridge”?

"Stoxbridge" refers to three of the leading universities in the UK and the world - the University of St Andrews, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. As the gulf between these universities and the rest of those in the UK grows in the Guardian University Guide, the newspaper dubbed the trio "Stoxbridge", a shorthand for referring to the top three.

Learn more about each university below, and if you would like to apply, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.

"Stoxbridge" Universities

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and comprises 44 colleges and over 100 libraries. More than one-third of Oxford’s student body is international, and the University has a strong international profile with its presence in most countries of the world through international research collaborations and global partnerships. Oxford students enjoy substantial support for international internships, study abroad exchange programmes and independent research.

• Eligibility Criteria: A-levels: A*AA including Mathematics at grade A or above; Advanced Highers: AA/AAB; International Baccalaureate (IB): 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL
• Scholarships: Academic Futures Scholarships, Oxford Saïd-HEC Montréal Scholarship, and Rewley Scholarships
• Accommodation: Oxford University provides an extensive array of accommodation options for graduate students, with both the colleges and the University itself offering various choices. Furthermore, many graduate students successfully find accommodation in the private sector.

University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews is the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland, founded in 1413. St Andrews is a multiple Times University Guide University of the Year winner and has also been consistently voted the best student experience available in the UK for 14 out of the last 16 years in the National Student Survey.

A dedicated careers centre provides support and development opportunities for all students from day 1 until well after graduation, offering career support and advice, as well as being able to put you in touch with a network of alumni around the world already working in your field.

• Eligibility Criteria: SQA Highers: AAAB, IB Points: 36 (HL 6,6,5), GCE A-Levels: AAB
• Scholarships: St Andrews BA International Honours Scholarship: Scholarship for Excellence, Global Merit Award, Cheng Scholarship, Davis United World College Scholarship, and International Undergraduate Scholarship.
• Accommodation: St Andrews University offers a wide range of accommodation options with over 4,000-bed spaces available. Whether students have specific preferences or budget constraints, diverse choices exist to meet their needs.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge offers many courses and has a reputation for intellectual achievement and groundbreaking research. The University attracts thousands of international students worldwide each year for courses in Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology.

• Eligibility Criteria: A Level: A*AA; IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
• Scholarships: Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge Trust Scholarships, Cambridge International Scholarships, Cambridge Commonwealth, and European & International Trust Scholarships.
• Accommodation: Cambridge University provides a diverse range of accommodation options, encompassing rooms of various styles from medieval to modern. Regardless of the architectural aesthetics, each student is ensured a personal room and access to shared facilities such as kitchens and laundry rooms.

Study in the UK

Are you interested in studying at one of the top three universities in the UK? Arrange a free consultation to begin your journey today.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements at top UK universities?

The admission requirements for the top UK universities, including St Andrews, Oxford, and Cambridge, generally involve excellent academic qualifications, a compelling personal statement, letters of recommendation, and sometimes interviews. Standardised tests like the SAT, ACT, or IB may also be necessary.

What are the top three universities in Britain?

St Andrews, Oxford, and Cambridge are widely regarded as the top three universities in Britain, celebrated for their exceptional academic standards and esteemed reputations. These institutions have a rich heritage of providing rigorous and comprehensive educational experiences. St Andrews University in Scotland is celebrated for its strong focus on undergraduate teaching and research. With a history of over nine centuries, Oxford University is renowned for its world-class faculty and diverse disciplines. Similarly steeped in tradition, Cambridge University is recognised for its intellectual rigour and groundbreaking research contributions.

Which university ranks the happiest students in the UK?

Universities known for their positive student experiences and well-being initiatives include the University of St Andrews, the University of Sussex, the University of East Anglia, and the University of Birmingham.

How do I find the best university in the UK?

To find the best university in the UK, consider what you want to study, your goals, where you prefer to be, and what you like. Look at QS, Times Higher Education, Guardian, and Times rankings. These rankings show how good universities are based on things like reputation, research, student satisfaction, and job prospects.