International Students: Your Guide To Getting Into Oxford

Getting into Oxford as an international student is a challenging endeavour. With tens of thousands of applications from across the world, the number of places available for international students is small. However, it is not impossible. The first step is to decide on a college preference or make an open application. The next step is to ensure that you meet the grade requirements for your course, which can be found on the course webpage. If your qualifications are not accepted, you will need to undertake further study. The application process is the same for all students, and there is no international quota, except for Medicine. Extra-curricular activities are not considered unless they are relevant to your course.

Understanding the application process

The University of Oxford is a prestigious institution with a nearly 1,000-year history, renowned for its quality teaching. It is extremely difficult to gain a place at the university, with tens of thousands of applications received each year from across the world. The number of places available to international students is very small, and the competition is very strong.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the grades you will be required to achieve as an international student. The minimum grade requirements are very high, and only those who perform well academically will have a chance to study at Oxford. The university accepts many forms of international qualifications, and you can check the webpage for the grade requirements for applicants from your country. For instance, A-Levels are the primary qualification in the UK and are taught in many other countries, and the grades required for courses at Oxford range from AAA to A*AA. International Baccalaureate is another alternative qualification that can be taken in many countries.

Oxford's admissions process is the same for all applicants, and there is no international quota for any courses except Medicine. You will need to decide whether to state a preference for an Oxford college or make an open application. You can learn about all the colleges at Oxford and which are the best for international applicants. The colleges determine many aspects of your experience, including accommodation, catering, social and formal events, and aspects of your teaching.

You will need to meet the qualification requirements of your course, and many courses have specific subject requirements, especially in the sciences. You can check these requirements on the course page. You should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under 'Education'. Do not submit any transcripts or certificates with your application, these will only be required if you are offered a place.

Extra-curricular activities are not taken into account when assessing applications unless they are relevant to the course and help to demonstrate the selection criteria. However, there is advice on the UCAS application page on how to write about extra-curricular activities in your personal statement.

You do not need your final results before applying to Oxford, but you will need a predicted grade for every exam you are yet to take. Your academic referee can find advice about predicting grades on the university's website.

Meeting grade requirements

Getting into Oxford as an international student is challenging due to the limited number of places available and the high number of applications received from across the world. However, it is not impossible, and understanding the grade requirements is a crucial first step.

Oxford University accepts a wide range of UK and international qualifications, including A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate, and country-specific qualifications. The specific grade requirements vary depending on the course and qualification. For example, the grade requirements for A-Levels will differ from those for the International Baccalaureate. It is important to note that these are minimum requirements, and most successful applicants typically achieve grades higher than the minimum.

To find out the specific grade requirements for your chosen course, you should refer to the relevant course page on the Oxford University website. Here, you can check the qualification and grade requirements, as well as any specific subject requirements. For instance, STEM-based subjects like Medicine, Engineering, and Physics often require applicants to have achieved a particular grade in a specific subject.

Additionally, some courses may require you to submit a piece of work for assessment, especially if they do not mandate admissions tests. This work will be used to evaluate your academic capabilities and potential.

While extracurricular activities are generally not considered in the application process, they may be relevant if they directly relate to your chosen course and help demonstrate the selection criteria.

It is also worth noting that, although not mandatory, predicted grades for any upcoming exams are required as part of your application. If predicting grades is not standard in your country, guidance on this is available on the Oxford University website for academic referees.

Subject-specific requirements

The University of Oxford is a prestigious institution with a nearly 1,000-year history, renowned for its quality teaching. It is extremely difficult to gain a place at Oxford, with tens of thousands of applications received each year from across the world. The number of places available to international students is very small, and the competition is very strong.

To apply to Oxford as an international student, you must meet the qualification requirements of your course. While many applicants are taking A-levels, Oxford accepts a range of other equivalent UK and international qualifications. The University has a webpage outlining the grade requirements for applicants from every country. You can also check the course page for specific subject requirements. Some courses will require applicants to have achieved a grade in a specific subject, usually for STEM-based subjects like medicine, engineering, and physics.

If your qualification is not accepted, you will need to undertake further study to apply. Oxford accepts certain foundation year courses in specific circumstances, but for the strongest applications, it is recommended to take different qualifications. You can check the course pages for further advice.

It is important to note that the application process is the same for all students, and there is no international quota for any courses except Medicine. However, as an international student, you may need to consider additional requirements, such as visas and English language requirements. You will also need to understand both the general UK application process and the aspects that are particular to Oxford.

Extracurricular activities are not usually taken into account when assessing applications, unless they are relevant to your course and help demonstrate the selection criteria.

College choice

The college you choose to apply to at Oxford will have a significant impact on your time at the university, should you be accepted. Colleges determine many aspects of your experience, including accommodation, catering, social and formal events, and aspects of your teaching, such as tutorials. Therefore, it is important to do your research and choose a college that aligns with your interests and goals.

When choosing a college, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should research the different colleges and their unique characteristics. Each college has its own culture, traditions, and strengths, so it is important to find one that matches your interests and academic goals. You can find information about the different colleges on the Oxford website, as well as through online forums and student reviews.

Secondly, consider the location of the college within Oxford. Some colleges are located in the city centre, while others are in more suburban areas. Think about which environment you would prefer and how accessible you need the college to be.

Another factor to consider is the accommodation options offered by the college. Some colleges provide accommodation for all years of study, while others may only provide accommodation for the first year or a certain number of years. It is important to understand the accommodation options and requirements before making your choice.

Additionally, you should look into the social and extracurricular opportunities offered by the college. This includes clubs, societies, sports teams, and other activities that can enhance your student experience and allow you to pursue your interests outside of the classroom.

Finally, consider the academic reputation and strengths of the college. Each college has its own faculty and areas of expertise, so it is important to choose one that aligns with your intended course of study. Look into the research interests of the faculty members and the resources available to support your academic pursuits.

Remember, the college you choose will play a significant role in shaping your overall experience at Oxford, so it is worth investing time and effort into making an informed decision.

Interviews and admission tests

Oxford University accepts a wide range of international qualifications, including A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and country-specific qualifications. However, applicants must meet the specific grade and subject requirements for their chosen course. For instance, STEM courses such as Medicine, Engineering, and Physics often require applicants to have achieved specific grades in relevant subjects.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) manages all university applications in the UK, including those from international students. Applicants must create an account and complete the application form with their personal details, education history, and university choices. As part of the UCAS application, international students may be required to submit additional materials, such as predicted grades and a personal statement detailing any extracurricular activities relevant to their course.

Oxford University may also require applicants to sit for admission tests and interviews as part of their assessment process. These elements play a significant role in evaluating a candidate's suitability for their chosen course. The specific format and requirements of these interviews and tests can vary depending on the degree program. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to thoroughly research the expectations for their chosen course and prepare accordingly.

While the competition for places at Oxford University is intense, international students should not be discouraged. By understanding the application process, meeting the necessary qualifications, and performing well in interviews and admission tests, applicants can increase their chances of receiving an offer from this prestigious institution.

Frequently asked questions