Lana Oconnell
International students hoping to study in the UK may consider applying to Oxford or Cambridge, two of the most prestigious universities in the world. Both universities have a collegiate system, where admissions and student life are handled by individual colleges. Applicants must choose a college in their application form. While international students can apply to both universities, there is a restriction on applying to both universities in the same academic year for undergraduate admissions. This restriction does not apply to graduate programmes or certain specialist courses. Applicants to either university must meet high qualification requirements and submit supporting materials, including a personal statement and reference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same academic year? | No |
| Is there a restriction on applying to both universities? | Yes, but only for undergraduate admissions |
| Can international students apply to both universities for graduate programs? | Yes, depending on the specific course requirements |
| What is the application process for international students? | Applicants need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) and provide supporting material, including a personal statement and a reference |
| Are there specific qualification requirements for international students? | Yes, international students need to meet the qualification requirements for their chosen course, which may include specific subject requirements and grade expectations |
| Are there any additional steps in the application process for Oxford and Cambridge? | Yes, both universities may require admissions assessments and interviews as part of their selection process |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge in the same admissions cycle
- Applicants must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
- Applicants must meet the qualification requirements of their course
- Applicants must submit supporting materials, including a personal statement and a reference
- Both universities conduct interviews as part of their selection process
International students can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge in the same admissions cycle
International students applying to universities in the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge, need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). While Oxbridge applicants can apply to up to five universities, they are not allowed to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same admissions cycle. This restriction only applies to undergraduate applicants. International students applying for graduate programs or certain specialist courses may be able to apply to both universities, depending on the specific course requirements.
Both universities receive a high number of applications annually. If students were allowed to apply to both, the admissions process would become even more challenging, with more applicants to assess for a limited number of places. Additionally, both institutions conduct interviews as part of their selection process. Allowing applications to both universities could result in wasted interview slots for students who could only attend one.
Oxford and Cambridge have some of the highest grade requirements in the UK. There is a large variation in grading schemes across the world, so both universities have pages dedicated to explaining the grade requirements for different countries. For instance, the average requirement for Oxford is 38-40 points, while Cambridge tends to require 40-42 points. In addition to general admissions tests, both universities offer a range of subject-specific tests, such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA).
The decision between Oxford and Cambridge can be challenging, as both institutions offer an outstanding education. However, their courses and structures differ slightly. Cambridge students tend to have more contact hours, especially in science subjects, while Oxford emphasizes independent learning. If an international student prefers structured guidance, Cambridge may be a better fit.
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Applicants must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Applicants to UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The process for creating a UCAS application is the same for UK and international students. However, it is important to note that applicants are not permitted to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge simultaneously, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. This restriction is in place due to the high volume of applications received by both universities and the subsequent strain on the admissions process.
When applying through UCAS, applicants must submit a range of supporting materials, including a personal statement and a reference. The standard for these materials is notably higher for Oxbridge applications due to the competitive nature of admissions. Applicants must also meet the qualification requirements for their chosen course, which can vary between the two universities. For instance, Oxford requires an average of 38-40 points for the International Baccalaureate diploma, while Cambridge typically asks for 40-42 points.
In addition to these general admissions requirements, Oxford and Cambridge often require applicants to take specific admissions tests. These include subject-specific tests, such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for Cambridge Natural Sciences. There are also tests designed to evaluate general skills, such as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). It is essential for applicants to stay informed about changes to admissions tests, as these occur frequently.
The collegiate system at Oxbridge means that admissions and student life are largely managed by individual colleges rather than the universities themselves. Applicants must select a college of their choice as part of their UCAS application, so it is recommended that students thoroughly research the various colleges before applying.
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Applicants must meet the qualification requirements of their course
International students applying to Oxford and Cambridge, collectively known as 'Oxbridge', must meet the qualification requirements of their chosen course. Both universities are highly competitive, receiving tens of thousands of applications annually, and have some of the highest grade requirements in the UK. Therefore, applicants must be high achievers to be considered for a place.
Oxford and Cambridge each have dedicated pages explaining the grade requirements for different countries, which applicants can use to determine their suitability for the respective universities. For instance, Cambridge tends to require 40-42 points and 776 at a higher level, while the average requirements for Oxford are 38-40 points, with the potential for specific grade requirements. Additionally, both universities accept the International Baccalaureate diploma for their courses.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements, applicants must also complete admissions tests, such as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT). There are also subject-specific tests, including the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for Cambridge natural sciences, and the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) for Oxford physics. These tests are designed to evaluate applicants' potential beyond their academic grades, examining both subject-specific knowledge and general skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
It is important to note that the specific qualification requirements may vary depending on the course. Applicants are advised to research the requirements for their chosen course at both universities to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications. Additionally, as previously mentioned, international students are restricted from applying to both Oxford and Cambridge simultaneously at the undergraduate level. However, this restriction does not apply to postgraduate applications, and international students applying for graduate programs may be able to apply to both universities, depending on the specific course requirements.
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Applicants must submit supporting materials, including a personal statement and a reference
International students applying to UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The application process for creating a UCAS hub is the same for UK and international students. However, it is important to note that applicants are not permitted to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge simultaneously. They must select one university and submit their application to that university alone.
Along with the UCAS application form, applicants are required to provide supporting materials, including a personal statement and a reference. The personal statement is a written statement of up to 4,000 characters, in which applicants showcase their accomplishments, abilities, interests, and goals to strengthen their application. The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge have a higher standard for these materials due to the high number of applications they receive annually and the overall quality of applicants.
The personal statement should be crafted meticulously, with a focus on presenting the applicant's knowledge, abilities, and interests in the best possible light. It should demonstrate a flair for language and showcase the applicant's personality, ensuring it captures the interest of admissions tutors. Applicants should provide details about their academic achievements, extracurricular interests, and any other relevant information that showcases their suitability for the course.
The reference, on the other hand, must be written by someone who can attest to the applicant's academic potential, such as a teacher or another member of the school faculty. It should be completed before the deadline and adhere to the specified format and character count. The reference is an essential component of the application, providing an external perspective on the applicant's academic capabilities and potential.
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Both universities conduct interviews as part of their selection process
International students applying to universities in the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge, need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applicants can apply to up to five universities in the UK. However, they cannot apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same admissions cycle. This restriction only applies to undergraduate applicants. International students applying for graduate programmes or certain specialist courses may be able to apply to both universities, depending on the specific course requirements.
Oxford applications must be submitted through UCAS by 15 October. In addition to general admissions tests, such as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), Oxford offers subject-specific tests such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT).
The application process for both universities involves submitting a personal statement and a reference written by a faculty member. The expected standard for these materials is significantly higher for Oxbridge than for other universities due to the high number of applications received annually.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students can't apply to both universities in the same admissions cycle. This restriction only applies to undergraduate applicants. International students applying for graduate programmes or certain specialist courses may be able to apply to both universities, depending on the specific course requirements.
Both universities receive an overwhelming number of applications each year. If students were allowed to apply to both, the admissions process would become even more challenging, with more applicants to assess for a limited number of places.
All applicants to UK universities – including Oxford and Cambridge – need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas). Along with their application form, applicants will need to provide supporting material, including a personal statement and a reference. The expected standard for these materials is significantly higher for Oxbridge than for other universities.
In addition to general admissions tests, such as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), Oxford and Cambridge offer a range of subject-specific tests. International students must meet the qualification requirements of their course. While many students applying are taking A-levels, both universities accept a range of other equivalent UK and international qualifications.
