The University of Oxford has fallen to fifth position in the latest rankings released by The Times and The Sunday Times, placing it one spot behind its traditional rival Cambridge.
This marks the third consecutive year of decline for the institution, which held second place in 2024, dropped to third in 2025, and achieved joint fourth position in 2026.
The 2027 edition represents only the second occasion in the guide’s 33-year existence that both Oxford and Cambridge have failed to secure positions within the top three.
St Andrews claimed the leading position in the 2027 rankings, meaning Prince William’s former university sits four places ahead of Oxford.
Despite this placement, Imperial College London received the designation of Times and Sunday Times University of the Year for 2027.
Oxford itself was recognised as university of the year for the southeast region and finished as runner-up for scholarships and bursaries, with Manchester Metropolitan University taking that particular award.
Oxford Brookes University appeared at joint 110th position overall, while the London School of Economics and Political Science placed second and Imperial College London third in the institutional standings.
Oxford, established approximately 800 years ago as the oldest university in the United Kingdom, did not provide a formal response regarding its ranking position.
However, a spokesperson drew attention to the institution’s first-place positioning in The Guardian University Guide 2026.
Additionally, Oxford maintained its top position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the tenth consecutive year.
Lord William Hague serves as the university’s Chancellor.
Helen Davies, editorial lead for The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, observed that intellectual vitality, creativity, aspiration, and drive remain prominent features across British higher education institutions.
The editor noted an increased focus on equipping students for professional pathways, with universities redesigning facilities to support practical experience through simulated courtrooms, clinical environments, and trading facilities.
However, Davies acknowledged that the sector faces considerable difficulties, including institutional financial pressures and the most competitive graduate employment market in over a decade.
Prospective students confront significant considerations regarding affordability, degree value, and return on investment, areas where the guide aims to provide clarity.