Oxford University has beaten its historic rival Cambridge in new rankings from The Times.

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 has been released with Oxford's institution finishing higher than its main competitor. 

Finishing third in the national rankings, Oxford placed above Cambridge by just one ranking.

Oxford University was also ranked as the number one university in the south east after it achieved triple gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework this year.

READ MORE: Oxford University encouraged to make significant admissions change

The University of Oxford ranked third nationally.The University of Oxford ranked third nationally. (Image: Oxford Mail)

Despite the praise, the Oxbridge universities lost out to the first-placed London School of Economics and Political Science with the University of St Andrews in second.

Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, said: “The best universities — whether they were founded in the 15th century or 2005 — are local and global powerhouses of intellectual thought and creativity, from the arts to science, that can power economic regeneration and lead the way to a better life.

“This year we have tweaked our methodology to keep up with contemporary concerns around climate change and careers and have added in a sustainability metric, teaming up with People and Planet, and boosted the weighting of graduate prospects.

READ MORE: Oxford University misses out on top spot in national university rankings

“See how the universities compare subject by subject, a guide on campus life, and what scholarships and bursaries may be on offer online.”

Oxford Brookes was ranked seventh on the south east list.

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