Imperial College vs Oxford: Which Is More Competitive in 2025?
Securing admission to Imperial College London is a dream for many Indian students looking to study in the UK, especially given its world-class reputation and exceptional STEM, business, and medical programs. For the 2025 intake, understanding every detail of the Imperial College admissions process—from eligibility to deadlines, cost, and post-study options—is crucial for a successful application journey.
Imperial College London Admissions 2025: Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Kensington, London, UK |
| Intake Months | September (main); limited January for select PG |
| Application Portal | UCAS (UG), Official site (PG) |
| Undergraduate Deadline | 31 January 2025 (except Medicine) |
| PG Final Deadline | 31 July 2025 (varies by program) |
| Acceptance Rate | Approx. 12–18% overall, ~6-10% for International |
| Indian Students Enrolled | 800+ (2024), growing each year |
| Contact Email | international@imperial.ac.uk |
Imperial College London is recognized globally for its academic excellence, ranking 6th in QS World University Rankings 2024 and 8th by Times Higher Education (THE). It attracts top students from India to its science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business streams thanks to cutting-edge research, diverse culture, and abundant employment opportunities in London.
Why Imperial College London is Popular for Indian Students?
- Prestigious global reputation—Top 10 university worldwide and 4th in the UK
- Exceptional STEM courses widely recognized by employers
- Opportunities for high-paying jobs and top research roles post-graduation
- Vibrant multicultural environment, strong Indian student presence
- Attractive scholarships and funding options for international students
Many top Indian students select Imperial for its close links with London’s industries and excellent post-study work visa opportunities, making it an ideal springboard for a global career.
Top Courses & Global Rankings at Imperial College London (2025)
| Subject/Course | QS Rank (2024) | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 16th (Global, by Subject) | 3–4 years (UG), 1 year (PG) |
| Mechanical Engineering | Top 20 (US News/Subject) | 3–4 years (UG), 1 year (PG) |
| Data Science | 16th | 1 year (PG) |
| Medicine (MBBS & BSc) | 8th | 6 years (UG+Intercalated BSc) |
| Business Administration (MBA) | 32nd (QS MBA) | 1 year |
You’ll find 130+ undergraduate and 200+ postgraduate courses in 16 academic departments, covering all major fields preferred by Indian students such as Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, and Medicine.
If you are interested in how other top universities compare, check out our list of top global universities.
Imperial College London Admission Requirements 2025 (Indian Students)
- 12th Standard with minimum 85% aggregate (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards); competitive courses may demand 90–95%
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 92+; Duolingo, PTE also accepted (see table below)
- Course prerequisites: e.g., Mathematics and Sciences for STEM degrees
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) and academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Valid passport, visa, academic transcripts
- Application fee payment and required test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT if applicable)
| Exam / Test | Minimum Score (Standard/Higher Level) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 / 7.0 (no band <6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 92 / 100 (min 20–22 in each) |
| PTE Academic | 62 / 69 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 / 125 |
| GMAT (MBA) | 600+ (GMAT Focus: 55%tile+) |
| GRE (PG STEM/Management) | Verbal 156, Quant 158+ |
For specific course prerequisites or to convert your Indian grades, see this guide on converting CGPA to GPA.
Some programs require an admissions test or pre-interview assessment. Applicants for Medicine (MBBS) will also need to take the BMAT or UCAT as specified.
Application Timeline & Step-by-Step Process
- Undergraduate (UG): Applications via UCAS open in September 2024, final deadline: 31 January 2025; MBBS deadline is earlier (15 October 2024).
- Postgraduate (PG): Deadlines vary; apply by 31 July 2025 for most programs (rolling admissions—early is best).
- Prepare documents—marksheets, SOP, LORs, test scores.
- Fill out UCAS (for UG) or Imperial online application (PG).
- Pay the application fee (waivers exist for eligible PG/PhD programs—see below).
- Track results on UCAS or Imperial portal; respond to offers as required.
- Apply for CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) once offer is accepted, to start your UK Student visa process.
For a detailed application walkthrough and requirements for academic transcripts or gap years, see our transcripts guide.
Imperial College London Fees for Indian Students (2025)
| Program | Duration | Annual Tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| BSc/BEng | 3–4 years | ₹40–44 L (approx. £40,000–41,650) |
| MSc/ME/M.Tech | 1–2 years | ₹36–48 L (course dependent) |
| MBA (Imperial Business School) | 1 year | ₹71.5 L (approx. £71,500) |
| MBBS | 6 years | Check on offer; higher for Medicine |
In addition, average living expenses in London are about ₹20–22 L per year (including accommodation, food, travel, and personal costs).
Scholarships for Indian Students at Imperial (2025)
- India Future Leaders Scholarship: Up to £10,000, merit-based for PG applicants
- International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship: £5,000 for top-performing UG entrants
- Departmental MSc/MBA scholarships: Full/partial tuition for select streams
- Government of UK Chevening Scholarships and GREAT Scholarships (external)
- Women’s and STEM-specific awards available
| Scholarship Name | Value (INR, approx.) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Anas M Tannir Scholarship | ₹14.9 L (£14,000) | April 19, 2024 (check updated dates for 2025 intake) |
| Ceres Scholarship | ₹5.32 L (£5,000) | January 31, 2024 |
| India Future Leaders | ₹10.7 L (£10,000) | May 11, 2024 |
Visit our scholarships guide for Indian students to explore more fully-funded opportunities in the UK and worldwide.
UK Student Visa & Post-Study Work Options after Imperial
- Apply for the UK Student Visa (Tier 4) with your CAS from Imperial
- Submit documents: CAS, passport, academic proof, English test, funds evidence
- Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route): 2 years for UG/PG, 3 years for PhD after graduation
- Work part-time up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time during holidays)
- Find job with UK employers—Imperial's name carries strong weight in STEM and business sectors
For a deep dive on UK student visas and job prospects, see our post-study work visa UK guide.
Career Outcomes for Indian Graduates of Imperial (2025)
- Average salary for Imperial graduates: £35,000–£55,000 (starting) in top UK/EU companies
- High recruiter demand: Google, Goldman Sachs, NHS, Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, BCG, Accenture
- Strong alumni network in India/UK for career mentorship
- Routes to PR or global mobility after Graduate Route visa
Imperial’s industry links offer a powerful graduate advantage, especially for STEM, MBA, and MBBS holders aiming for leadership roles in the UK, India, or worldwide.
If you want to know how Imperial’s career outcomes stack up globally, explore the highest paying jobs for graduates.
Summary: With an unbeatable reputation, excellent research and teaching, strong Indian student community, and outstanding career prospects, Imperial College London is a top choice for 2025. Ensure you meet eligibility, prepare your application early, research funding, and focus on your academics and extracurriculars to maximize your chances of joining this world-class university.
FAQs on Is It Hard to Get Into Imperial College? Admission Facts for 2025-26
1. Is Imperial College hard to get into?
Yes, Imperial College London is considered difficult to get into due to its high academic standards and global reputation. The acceptance rate is typically below 15%, and applicants must demonstrate strong academic records, relevant subject knowledge, and, in many courses, perform well in additional assessments such as admissions tests or interviews.
2. What GPA do you need for Imperial College?
For Imperial College London, international applicants should aim for an equivalent of at least a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, which generally corresponds to A*AA-AAA at A-level or a minimum of 90%-95% in CBSE/ISC for Indian students. Some programs may set higher requirements, so students should always check specific course pages for detailed entry criteria.
3. Is Imperial College as good as MIT?
Both Imperial College London and MIT are globally renowned for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). While Imperial ranks among the top universities worldwide, MIT consistently ranks higher in most global rankings, especially for research impact. However, Imperial is considered among the best in Europe for engineering, medicine and natural sciences.
4. Is Imperial harder to get into than Oxford?
While Imperial College London and Oxford University both have highly competitive admissions, Oxford typically has a slightly lower acceptance rate overall. However, competitiveness varies by course, so for some STEM subjects, Imperial may be just as demanding or even more selective than Oxford.
5. What admissions tests are required for Imperial College?
Some courses at Imperial College London require applicants to take additional admissions tests, such as the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) for Mathematics or the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) for Medicine. It is essential to check your chosen course's web page for specific test requirements and deadlines.
6. What is the admissions rate for Imperial College London?
The admissions rate for Imperial College London is typically between 10% and 15%, depending on the course and year. Highly competitive programs like Medicine, Computing, and Engineering may have even lower acceptance rates due to high demand and strong applicant profiles.
7. How do I access the Imperial College admissions portal?
Applicants must use the UCAS system for undergraduate courses. After applying, you can access the 'My Imperial' application portal to track your application's status, upload documents, and manage next steps. The official portal link is provided in the email after submitting your application.
8. What are the undergraduate admissions requirements for Imperial College London?
Imperial College London requires strong academic qualifications like A-levels (usually A*AA-AAA), the International Baccalaureate (38-40 points), or equivalent qualifications with high scores in relevant subjects. English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) is also required for non-native speakers. Some courses demand admissions tests or interviews as part of the selection process.
9. What is the 2024 undergraduate admissions deadline for Imperial College London?
For 2024 entry, most undergraduate courses at Imperial College London follow the UCAS deadline of 31 January 2024. For Medicine, the deadline is usually earlier, around mid-October. Always check the official website for the latest deadlines for your specific course.
10. How can I contact the Imperial College admissions team?
You can contact the Imperial College admissions team via email at admissions.enquiries@imperial.ac.uk for undergraduate queries, or check the official Imperial College London admissions contact page for postgraduate and international contacts. The main enquiry phone number is +44 (0)20 7594 8000.
11. When will Imperial College admission results for 2024 be released?
Imperial College London typically releases admission results for undergraduate applicants between March and May 2024, after all application reviews and interviews (where required) are complete. Postgraduate course decisions may be released on a rolling basis after the application is submitted.
12. What is the process for postgraduate admissions at Imperial College London?
Postgraduate applicants should apply directly through the Imperial College online application system. The process involves uploading academic transcripts, English language scores, a personal statement, and references. Some programs may also require interviews or additional assessments before a decision is made.
