Oxford University Admission: Requirements, Deadlines, FAQs

Imagine getting the chance to study at the university that inspired Hogwarts! That would truly be a magical experience. Aside from being the filming location for one of the most successful film franchises in the world, Oxford University is also one of the best universities in the world. The first step to applying is understating the Oxford University admissions process so you know exactly what you need to get started. 

About Oxford University

Oxford University is the oldest institution in the English-speaking world and has constantly ranked among the best universities worldwide. Oxford University was established in Oxford, a town in the United Kingdom's central south, England. The town has over 170,000 people and is 82 kilometres from London. Oxford University now consists of 39 colleges, including St Annes, Somerville, and Lady Margaret Hall, that were initially established as women-only colleges, but have since become co-ed. The university is termed a City University with no main campus; instead, colleges, departments, and other facilities are provided throughout the city centre.

Undergraduate admission process

The university has around 25,000 undergraduate students enrolled each year, pursuing one of their 48 different undergraduate degree programs. Here is an outline of the Oxford university admission process for undergraduate students, to give you an idea of what you’re signing up for. 

• Register for tests: the Oxford application deadline to register for tests is the end of September
• UCAS application:  the Oxford university admission process starts earlier than most with the final deadline for application being in October
• Written work submission: If any additional written work is required, it must be submitted by the second week of November

Top Undergraduate courses

The university has a range of undergraduate courses that you can apply for if you choose to study there. Remember, the oxford university admissions criteria for each of these courses will differ slightly so make sure to visit Oxford’s course list page to see specific admission requirements. Most of their courses are top-notch, so believe us when we say we hard a hard time narrowing down this list. 

• Philosophy: Besides its degree programmes, Oxford University also provides various short-term philosophy courses online. Most of their 10-week-long short-term online courses are conducted in an entirely virtual setting.
• Geography: Oxford University’s degree programme in geography focuses primarily on the interactions between societies and natural and built environments. 
• English Language & Literature: When you think Oxford University, you likely think English, so it's no surprise that Oxford is arguably the only institution in the world to provide an extremely extensive English language and literature curriculum.
• Mathematics: The mathematical institute at Oxford University offers various undergraduate and graduate programmes, including research degrees in fields like  algebra, geometry, topology, logic and more.
• Linguistics: Oxford University has one of the world's top linguistics course structures. The investigation of the structure and character of human language is introduced to students in the early stages. 
• History: The history course at Oxford combines in-depth studies of vast geographic areas over extended periods with more focused work on smaller social groups, shorter periods, and particular themes.
• Medicine: The pre-clinical course at Oxford University allows you to learn about the science underlying clinical practise while engaging with the fundamental scientific inquiry that drives medical advancement.

Postgraduate admission process

The Oxford University admissions process for postgraduate and master's degrees aren’t as streamlined as their undergraduate applications. The deadlines are different for each plan of study, with many courses even having rolling admissions. Each course on Oxford’s masters’ course list page will have the status of admissions. The different stages of the Oxford University admissions process for postgraduate students are:

• Open to applications: The admission process is accepting all applicants
• Closing to applications: The deadline is approaching soon 
• Closed to applications: No longer accepting any additional applications
• Admission via a separate process: This specific course requires a different set of steps to apply

Top Masters courses

The university is a very popular destination for both domestic and international student to pursue their postgraduate degrees. The Oxford University requirements for each masters course will differ, so make sure to check each course to learn more about what they offer, and what they require from students. 

• MA in Education: An MA in Education will help you advance your profession. In this course, you will learn advanced practitioner skills that you can use in various educational contexts. Additionally, you'll be free to investigate your passions and transform them into a professional speciality.

• MSc in Banking, Finance and FinTech: Who doesn’t love money? The Master of Science in Banking, Finance and FinTech programme not only equips students with a strong foundation in banking and finance but also fosters the development of practical FinTech (financial technology) skills.
• Master in Engineering Science: Oxford University bases its undergraduate degree on a single Engineering Science course that unifies the study of the subject across the conventional boundaries of engineering disciplines. This is because Oxford University believes that future engineering innovation will benefit from broad foundations and specialised knowledge.
• Master of Science in Organisational Leadership: Oxford and Northwood University jointly offer the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) degree program. The MSOL is intended for executives focusing on strategy, leadership and change, and globalisation as well as for young, dynamic, high-calibre professionals. It is made to assist you in maximising human potential inside your company and setting yourself up for career success.
• MSC in Biochemistry: Simply defined, biochemistry mixes biology and chemistry, but today the field is exceptionally vast and includes different sectors like pathology, pharmacology, physiology, genetics, zoology, botany, surgery, and even anatomy. The Oxford University course primarily focuses on the molecular elements of biological processes in the kingdoms of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• MA in Public History: The perfect course for history lovers; public history includes museums, documentaries, monuments, lectures, guided tours, and community events. It also looks at the connection between politics and history as well as the significant impact of history on modern society. 
• Master in Law: The Oxford University Law Degree offers a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue further legal education. It also engages students in challenging moral, philosophical, political, and social issues that help them become independent thinkers. You can strengthen your logical analysis and independent thought skills as a student through brief, discussion-based lessons that support your independent research and essay writing. 

Don't know what to pick? Check out our blog on the Best Majors for your Future.

How to Apply to Oxford University?

Once you’ve decided to bite the bullet and decided to apply to one of the hardest universities in the UK you’ll find the Oxford University admissions process is actually pretty straightforward. Here are the different steps to apply to Oxford University:

• Select the course you are interested in
• Complete your application form
• Pay the application fee of £75
• Register & appear  for any required admission tests 
• Submit your application by the deadline provided
• Appear for a round of interviews (if any)
• Await the results of your application

Documents required to apply to the University of Oxford

Before you begin your application, its a good practice to keep photocopies and soft copies of all your important documents handy, so you know exactly where you can find them. Scrambling to find important documents at the last second is a great way to miss your application deadline. Some of the major documents you will be required to submit during your Oxford university admissions process are:

• ID proof, like a valid passport of drivers license 
• Statement of Purpose for your desired course 
• Official academic transcripts 
• English language proficiency (for international students)

Oxford University notable alumni

Oxford Universtiy has a plethora of well-known alumni. Among Oxford's most renowned scientific alumni were 28 British prime ministers and numerous other foremost worldwide leaders. Some of Oxford University’s most  notable alumni are:

• Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland
• Rowan Atkinson, or more popularly known by his character Mr. Bean
• Hugh Grant, a very popular British actor known for his roles in films like Notting Hill, Love Actually
• Kate Beckinsale, a famous actress known for her roles in films like Van Helsing and Pearl Harbor

That was everything you needed to know about the Oxford University admissions process. Oxford is an extremely prestigious university and getting the chance to study here would be a dream come true for many. Once you’re accepted, you need a place to stay. So plan for success and start your search for student accommodation in Oxford sooner rather than later.