Applying To Oxford And Cambridge As An International Student

Oxford and Cambridge, collectively known as 'Oxbridge', are two of the most prestigious universities in the world. They are known for their academic excellence and competitive nature, making them a dream destination for many students. However, one crucial rule to note is that you cannot apply to both universities simultaneously. This restriction only applies to undergraduate applicants through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. 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 have some of the highest grade requirements in the UK and offer a range of subject-specific admissions tests.

International students can apply to both universities for graduate programmes

International students applying for graduate programmes may be able to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge, depending on the specific course requirements. However, it is important to note that Oxford and Cambridge are two of the most prestigious universities in the world, and the application process is highly competitive. Both universities receive an overwhelming number of applications each year, so applicants must meet the high qualification and grade requirements to be considered for a place.

When applying to either university, international students need to go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Along with their application form, applicants will need to provide supporting materials, including a personal statement and a reference. The standard for these materials is significantly higher for Oxbridge than for other universities due to the high number of applications and the overall quality of applicants. Applicants will also need to make a college choice in their UCAS application form, as both universities operate on a collegiate system where admissions and many aspects of student life are handled by individual colleges.

Oxford and Cambridge have dedicated pages explaining the grade requirements for different countries. On average, Oxford requires 38-40 points, with potential specific grade requirements, while Cambridge tends to require 40-42 points and 776 at a higher level. Both universities also offer a range of subject-specific tests, such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) for Oxford physics. It is important to research the specific requirements for your chosen course and ensure you are on track to achieve the required grades.

In addition to the academic requirements, there are other factors to consider when deciding between Oxford and Cambridge. Cambridge students tend to have more contact hours, especially in science subjects, while Oxford places a strong emphasis on independent learning. The location is another key consideration, as Oxford offers a vibrant mix of old and new in a larger city environment, while Cambridge is smaller and more compact, creating a close-knit feel. Visiting in person or attending virtual open days can help applicants decide which university is the best fit for them.

Applicants must choose a college within the university

Applicants to Oxford and Cambridge must choose a college within the university as part of their application. Both universities operate on a collegiate system, where admissions and many aspects of student life are handled by individual colleges rather than the university itself.

Oxford has over 30 colleges and halls offering undergraduate courses, and all colleges have a dining hall, lending library, common room, and tutors' teaching rooms. Some colleges may offer additional facilities, such as sports grounds or an on-site nursery. While applicants can express a preference for a particular college, they might still receive an offer from a different college. This is because the best candidates, regardless of their college preference, are offered places. Around a third of successful applicants receive an offer from a college they didn't specify on their application. If a college is oversubscribed for a particular course, shortlisted applicants may be 'reallocated' and invited to interview by another college. Applicants can also make an open application, which means their application will be assigned to a college with fewer applications for their course in the year they apply.

Similarly, at Cambridge, subject requirements may vary from one college to another. Applicants can express a preference for a particular college, but they may receive an offer from a different college if their preferred college has filled its places or has sufficient applicants from their subject area.

When deciding which college to choose, applicants are encouraged to attend University Open Days, visit several colleges, and research the various options available to them. While college pride is strong, students can freely mix across colleges, and most students settle into their college life, even if it is not their first choice.

Applicants must meet the high grade requirements

International students applying to Oxford University must meet the qualification requirements of their course. The university recognises International A-levels as equivalent to UK GCE A-levels on a grade-for-grade basis. However, they do not accept the Cambridge Assessment International Education A-levels in either Global Perspectives or Research and Thinking Skills. Additionally, for courses that require Mathematics, both courses at HL are accepted, except for Chemistry, which requires applicants to have taken either course at Higher Level or the Analysis and Approaches course at SL. An average of 85% or above is expected, with scores of 8-9 in subjects specified at A-level or equivalent.

For students applying to the University of Cambridge, the assessment of the high school final percentage is based on grade 12 English and the best five other grade 12 scores. Alternatively, students can apply if they are studying the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, with three appropriate Higher Level subjects. Offers for IB students usually require scores between 40 and 41 points out of 45, with 776 in Higher Level subjects. Depending on individual circumstances, a 7 in a particular subject may be required.

Both universities emphasise academic ability as the primary criterion for admission. While other universities may offer conditional offers based on specific skills or extracurricular talents, Oxford and Cambridge focus solely on academic excellence. This includes tough entry requirements, challenging interview questions, and standardised tests.

It is important to note that international students applying to Oxford or Cambridge must carefully review the specific course requirements and grade expectations. Meeting the high grade requirements is a crucial aspect of the application process for both universities.

Subject-specific tests are required for admissions

International students applying to either Oxford or Cambridge (but not both) must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Both universities require applicants to meet high grade requirements and submit supporting materials, including a personal statement and a reference.

Both Oxford and Cambridge require applicants to take subject-specific admissions tests to assess their suitability for their chosen course. These tests are designed to evaluate a candidate's academic potential and aptitude beyond their grades and personal statements. They also allow candidates to differentiate themselves based on their skills and knowledge.

University of Oxford

Oxford offers a range of admissions tests, each tailored to a specific subject area or course. For instance, candidates applying for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History must take the Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT). This 90-minute test involves writing two essays: one in response to a passage and one in response to an image. The test assesses the candidate's ability to engage with and critique academic arguments and analyse material evidence from the ancient world.

Another example is the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMat), which is required for all biomedical sciences applicants. The BMat consists of 90 questions to be completed in one hour and 20 minutes, covering Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

Other subject-specific tests at Oxford include the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT). From 2025, candidates applying for any course with history components will not need to take a history admissions test.

University of Cambridge

Cambridge also requires applicants to take admissions tests as part of its application process. One example is the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), which is required for undergraduate law courses. The LNAT is a computer-based test that does not require any subject-specific knowledge. Instead, it evaluates the candidate's ability to think critically, be logical, and form clear and convincing arguments. The test is divided into two sections: multiple-choice questions and an essay.

Another admissions test accepted by Cambridge is the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), used for admission to multiple undergraduate medical degrees worldwide. Similar to the LNAT, the UCAT is a computer-based assessment that does not require subject-specific knowledge. It is a two-hour test with five sections, all with multiple-choice questions, assessing verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement.

Other subject-specific admissions tests accepted by Cambridge include the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for natural sciences and the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). However, Cambridge is replacing the BMAT with the UCAT in the next application cycle for 2025 entry.

The application deadline is 15/16 October

The application deadline of 15/16 October for Oxford and Cambridge, respectively, is fast approaching, and there are a few key things that international students need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application.

First, it is important to note that applicants to Oxford and Cambridge, often collectively referred to as "Oxbridge", cannot apply to both universities. Applicants must select one of the two institutions and are not permitted to change their choice once the application has been submitted. This rule applies to all applicants, including international students.

The application process for Oxbridge is highly competitive, with both universities receiving a high volume of applications annually. To stand out, applicants must ensure their application materials are of the highest standard. This includes the completion of a personal statement and a reference, which are expected to be of a significantly higher standard than for applications to other UK universities.

In addition to the personal statement and reference, applicants are typically required to sit admissions tests. These include general admissions tests such as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), as well as subject-specific tests like the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for Cambridge natural sciences applicants. It is important to note that changes to admissions tests are common, so applicants should stay informed about any updates or cancellations that may affect their application.

For international students, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the grade requirements for your course. Both Oxford and Cambridge have dedicated pages explaining the grade requirements for applicants from different countries, and it is recommended to use these resources to determine your suitability for Oxbridge.

To summarise, the 15/16 October deadline for Oxbridge applications is a critical date for prospective students, including international applicants. To be considered for a place at either Oxford or Cambridge, applicants must submit a strong application, including personal statements, references, and admissions test results, by the specified deadline.

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