How do I get into Oxford University?

Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities globally – known for its rigorous education and historic surroundings. Oxford is also highly selective, with any competitive applicant already having top grades. How can you strengthen your Oxford university application?

What is Oxford University’s admissions rate? How hard is it to get into Oxford?

Oxford is generally regarded as a very competitive UK university and one of the best in the world. Oxford’s average undergraduate admission rate is around 15% and for the most competitive courses Oxford’s admission rate is around 5%.

While Oxford admission rates may seem higher than, say, for some US universities, don’t be deceived by Oxford’s competitiveness. Oxford sets grade requirements for each course and has a rigorous selection process which can limit the potential application pool and which generally attracts very well-qualified candidates. (See more information on trends and breakdowns at Oxford’s annual admissions report.)

Having the required grades alone, while usually a prerequisite, is not enough to gain admission to Oxford. Speak to a specialist UK admissions consultant at J&J Education to build a winning application strategy -- with the right preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

When is the deadline to apply to Oxford University?

Oxford, alongside Cambridge, has an earlier application deadline than most courses at other UK universities. This is usually in the middle of October. Oxford’s application deadline, for 2025 enrolment, is 6pm UK time on Tuesday 15th October 2024. (Oxford graduate applications are later and have their own deadlines).

Are Oxford’s interviews online?

Yes, for the next admission cycle Oxford has announced that interviews will be held online. Oxford interviews usually take place in December.

What do I need to apply to Oxford University? How do I apply to Oxford?

For undergraduates, students will apply to Oxford in the first instance through the UCAS application portal. You’ll need to submit a predominantly academic essay around the precise course you’re applying for, demonstrating your excellence, aptitude and dedication to this subject area. This is not a personal essay, but a rigorous academic argument. Oxford also requires subject admission tests for many courses, selective academic interviews, in some cases written samples, as well as teacher references and predicted grades.

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Which Oxford college should I apply to?

Selecting your Oxford college is an important part of your application strategy. This is where you would be living and learning and where lots of your teaching would take place. Oxford has more than 30 colleges, which can have very different atmospheres from one to another, as well as varying admission rates for different courses. It’s best to do lots of research and speak to specialists to make an informed decision on your Oxford college strategy.

Is it harder to get into Oxford than in the past?

Yes, admission to Oxford is increasingly competitive and applications have increased by 10 percent over the past five years. Still, with the right preparation, promising students are still admitted to Oxford each year.

Can I apply to Cambridge and Oxford?

At the undergraduate level, no. You must select one course to apply to, at either Oxford or Cambridge university. At the graduate level, you can apply to both.

How hard is it to apply to Oxford University from the US? How Do I get into Oxford applying from the US? How do I apply to Oxford from the US?

Applying to UK schools like Oxford from the US requires a very different approach than applying to US schools. The application is primarily and almost exclusively centred around your academic motivations and background for one very specific course to which you’re applying – and demonstrating your aptitude for that course through rigorous tests and interviews. (Selecting your course is a very important part of your strategy, which J&J Education can help with; it will determine your chances, competitiveness and, not least, the subject you’ll be studying if accepted.) Oxford will also be looking at your AP grades, SAT/ACT score, references and more. Do note: the US High School Diploma by itself (without AP courses) is not sufficient for entry to Oxford.

How do I apply to Oxford University as an international student?

Above you’ll see advice specifically for US applicants to Oxford – generally students from non-English speaking countries will need to demonstrate their English proficiency through relevant tests. Only certain international qualifications are accepted by Oxford and requirements differ depending on the precise course.

What should I do to get into Oxford university?

We’re so excited to hear you’re interested in studying at Oxford. Nothing can replace working with specialist Oxford/UK university admissions consultants – to guide you through each step of the application journey and develop a winning strategy.

Join our hundreds of students at leading universities like Oxford – reach out today to find out more about how our multi-award-winning support can help you gain your dream Oxford offer. 94% of our applicants are accepted into their top two universities.

Top 5 tips for gaining an offer from Oxford University

DO: conduct extensive academic enrichment work beyond your syllabus – learning, reading and analysing more about your precise course of study you’ll be applying for. Show an interest — and challenge yourself — well beyond your high school syllabus. That’s what Oxford admissions tutors will be looking to see.
DO: polish your personal statement over multiple drafts, so it reflects your talents and abilities and prepare thoroughly for any tests and interviews. This is your one chance to shine.
DO: work with J&J’s 1:1 Oxford admission consultants to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
DO: carefully select your Oxford programme – seemingly similar courses can in fact be very different, with varying requirements and competitiveness levels.
DO: start interview preparation early. Candidates are shortlisted for Oxbridge interviews at very short notice, by which point it is often too late to start preparing for the interviews.