How to get Admission in Oxford, All you need to know

How to get Admission to Oxford | An Overview!

Oxford University has a long and rich history that, combined with its innovative approach to education, makes this institution among the most reputed globally. The ‘Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022’ has ranked the University of Oxford as the best institution in the world for the sixth year in a row! Learning how to get admission to Oxford University can help you align your efforts toward accomplishing this goal. Here is everything you need to know about getting admission to Oxford University!

Check out: Oxford University Acceptance Rate

Is it difficult to get into Oxford University? 

The University of Oxford is one of the highest-ranking institutions in the world, offering a wide range of lucrative courses to choose from. Each of these courses has a significant industrial value and is well-known globally.

It is, therefore, expected that the University of Oxford is a highly selective institution with an astonishing average acceptance rate of 17.5%. The acceptance rate for international students is even lower, estimated at 9%. More than a fifth of the candidates applying to Oxford University annually face rejection. 

Statistics also reveal that 45% of all Oxford University attendees are students from over 160 different countries! Consequently, the admission process is extremely competitive and requires thorough preparation and planning. 

Learn about: Oxford University Fees

Grade Requirement for Oxford University

If you are an international student wondering how to get admission to Oxford University, it is imperative to understand the minimum grade requirements. 

Oxford University accepts a wide range of international and UK-equivalent qualifications. 

• International Baccalaureate

If you are seeking admission with an IB course qualification, you need to score a total of 38, 39, or 40 points at the higher level of education. This should include a combination of 6s and 7s. 

• European Baccalaureate

Admission to Oxford University with a European Baccalaureate course will require you to score an average of 85% or above in subjects specified at the A-level (or equivalent). Your scores should strictly be between an 8 and 9. 

• Foundation year courses 

It accepts foundation year course scores only in certain circumstances. The strong competition that is a part of the Oxford University admission process necessitates ‌you take different ‌qualifications to create a strong application. 

If you are applying with foundation-level course qualifications, you need to make sure that the course covers the same content required at A-levels. If it does not, you will have to take an alternative course. 

When gathering information on how to get admission at Oxford University, you should also check the specific subject requirements needed for different courses. All of this information will be listed in detail on the university’s official website. 

Also read: Oxford Brookes University | Courses, Fees and Campus details

Oxford University Admission Requirements for International Students

When applying to Oxford, it is essential to submit a variety of documents to support your application:

• Academic Transcripts: High school and university-level transcripts.
• Standardized Test Scores: Depending on your course, you may need to submit scores from tests like the SAT, ACT, BMAT, LNAT, or GMAT.
• English Proficiency Test Scores: Either IELTS or TOEFL results to demonstrate your proficiency in English. The usual minimum scores are:
  • IELTS: 7.0 to 7.5 (with no less than 6.5 in each component)
  • TOEFL: 100 (with at least 24 in each section)
• Letters of Recommendation: Two academic references are usually required.
• Personal Statement: A detailed essay explaining your motivations for applying and future goals.
• Supplementary Application: Some courses require additional forms or questionnaires post-application.

Explore: UK University list for international students | Top Choices

Oxford University Application Deadline 2025-26

• 29 Apr – UCAS’ search tool displays 2026 entry courses
• 13 May – Undergraduate applications open for 2026 entry. You can register and start your application in your UCAS Hub.
• 02 Sept – Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted to UCAS. You will need a reference before you can send your application.
• 15 Oct – (18:00 UK time) Deadline for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science. You can add choices with a different deadline later but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total. 
• 14 Jan – (18:00 UK time) Equal consideration date for applications for most undergraduate courses
• 26 Feb – Extra opens. If you’ve used all five choices and are not holding any offers, you may be able to add another choice to your application. For more information, visit our Extra page. 
• 30 Jun – (18:00 UK time) Applications received by this deadline will be sent to universities and colleges. After this time, applications are automatically entered into Clearing.
• 04 Jul – Last day to add an Extra choice to your application
• 05 Jul – Clearing opens. Clearing opens for eligible applicants, and vacancies are displayed in UCAS’ search tool. Applicants can release themselves into Clearing. Discover information and advice on our Clearing and results day pages.
• 19 Oct – Last date to add a Clearing choice

Keep reading: University of Oxford | Courses, Fees, Ranks and More!

Eligibility Criteria to get into Oxford

If you have decided to apply to Oxford University, make sure you tick off the eligibility criteria. While the requirements may differ for different courses, make sure you meet these common points-

• • You should have a basic 10+2 qualification from a recognized institution. 

• A valid English proficiency test score (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

• LORs and SOPs

• SAT/ACT score, if applying for bachelor’s

• GRE/GMAT scores for applying to a master’s degree.

Test for Admission to Oxford University

Researching how to get admission to Oxford University will direct you to an essential part of the admission process – the admissions tests. Oxford offers several courses that require candidates to take an admissions test. The scores obtained on these tests determine applicants who are the best fit for the institution. If you want to make your application competitive, you must register and take the required admissions tests for your course. Once registration is complete, consider creating a workable study schedule to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the test.

The Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT) authorities conduct Oxford University admissions tests. The university’s official website lists all the details on how to complete the process.

Some of the admissions tests issued for courses offered by Oxford University include:

• National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) 
• History Aptitude Test (HAT) 
• English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) 
• Classics Admissions Test (CAT) 
• Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) 
• Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) 
• Philosophy Test (for admission only to philosophy and theology courses) 

Know more: Oxford university ranking and ratings!

What classes should I take in high school to apply to Oxford University? 

The classes you take in high school can contribute significantly to your Oxford University application. Each course has a specific set of requirements that is listed on the website. 

Here are some popular courses and the associated subjects you should aim to complete in high school-

How to Get Admission to Oxford University with Scholarship?

Unless otherwise stated, you will be considered automatically for these scholarships if:

• You are applying to start a new graduate course, noting that eligibility for scholarship schemes does not usually extend to PGDip and PGCert courses.
• You must submit your course application by the relevant December or January admissions deadline.
• After considering the applications received by the deadline, you are subsequently offered a place.

It is important to note that during the selection process:

• Your application is not placed on a waiting list or held back after the December or January admissions deadline to be re-evaluated against applications received by the March admissions deadline.
• You meet the eligibility criteria-
  • The eligibility criteria will be applied automatically, using the details you provide in the relevant sections of the graduate application form (for example, your country of ordinary residence and your previous education institutions) to determine whether you are eligible.
• Selection is based on academic merit unless specified otherwise. 
• Some of the scholarships are only tenable at specific colleges. Unless specified otherwise, you do not need to select that college as your preference on the graduate application form. All eligible applicants will be considered, regardless of which college (if any) you state as your preference. However, successful applicants will be transferred to the relevant college in order to take up the scholarship. 
• Applicants who hold deferred offers to start in 2025-26 are not eligible to be considered for these scholarships.

Scholarship outcomes – Scholarship selection usually takes place between late February and June. If you have not heard from us by the dates indicated in the scholarship information, then please assume that you have been unsuccessful. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants individually or provide feedback.

Discover: How to avail the Oxford University Scholarship?

Key Takeaways 

• Oxford University is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities globally. 
• The qualifications offered by this institution are recognized all over the globe for the skills and talent they represent. 
• Learning more about how to get admission to Oxford University can help you prepare for the rigorous selection process. 
• Since Oxford University is considered highly selective, the right information and foresight can give you a competitive advantage. 

Did you enjoy this blog? If yes, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on how to get admission to Oxford University. We would be happy to assist you with your queries! 

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FAQs 

Ques 1: How many graduate courses does Oxford University offer? 

Answer 1: Oxford University offers 350+ graduate courses across 70+ departments. 

Ques 2: Who is a ‘mature applicant’? 

Answer 2: A ‘mature applicant’ is a candidate 21 years of age or older. Some elements of the application process to Oxford University can vary for mature applicants. 

Ques 3: Will completing my UCAS application register me for the admissions test? 

Answer 3: No, the UCAS application is independent of the application for the admissions test. You need to follow all instructions carefully to complete the registration process.

Ques 4: Is it hard to get into Oxford?

Answer 4: Oxford is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 9% for international students. 

Ques 5: What GPA do you need to get in Oxford?

Answer 5: The class of 2022 has an average undergraduate GPA of 3.77. So, a range around this would increase the chances of admission to Oxford. 

Ques 6: Which course is best at Oxford University?

Answer 6: Some of the best courses to study in Oxford include-

• Medicine
• Philosophy 
• Biomedical Sciences
• History
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• English Language and Literature, etc. 

Ques 7: What are the Oxford University admission fees?

Answer 7: Between £35,260 and £59,260 are the admission fees for overseas students, while £9,535 for home students. 

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Study Abroad Expert

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