About applying
If you want to study at Oxford, you'll need to apply a year before the start date of your course by completing an online UCAS application. To make sure we consider all applicants thoroughly and fairly, there are several stages to our admissions process. Each one is outlined below.
It is important you understand your role in each of these stages and are aware of the deadlines. There is a strict UCAS submission deadline of 6pm (UK time) on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Our admissions timeline provides an overview of the process. Interviews for 2026-entry will be held online.
Before you begin your application, make sure you have read our Guide for applicants.
Don't forget to sign up now to our Choosing Oxford newsletter to receive step-by-step support with your application. We are here to help!
Apply, apply, apply! You have nothing to lose in applying and potentially a lot to gain. Believe in yourself.
Simran
HOW YOU APPLY
1. CHOOSE YOUR COURSE
This is the first and most important decision to make, so explore your options widely. Studying something you really love will make your time at university so much more enjoyable. Remember to check the admission requirements for your course - specific grades and subjects required are shown on each course page.
2. CHOOSE A COLLEGE OR MAKE AN OPEN APPLICATION
Decide whether you'd like to express a preference for a particular college or make an open application. If you make an open application, you will be assigned to a college which has had relatively fewer applications for your course in the year you apply.
3. ADMISSIONS TESTS
It is likely that the admissions process for your chosen course will include an admissions test. Tests are used alongside a range of other information to help us fairly assess candidates’ academic potential and suitability for many of our courses. Check now if you will need to take an admissions test.
4. UCAS APPLICATION
Start work on your UCAS application from anytime from June and submit by 15 October, 2025 to apply for entry in 2026. There is lots of advice on how to fill out this form to make a competitive application in our Guide for applicants on the undergraduate admissions website.
5. WRITTEN WORK
Check your course page to find out if you need to submit any essays by 10 November.
6. INTERVIEWS
Applicants shortlisted for entry in 2026 will be interviewed online in December 2025.
7. DECISIONS
Applicants who have been interviewed will hear whether or not they have been offered a place on 13 January, 2026.
8. RESULTS
Once you have received your exam results and met the conditions of your offer, your place will be confirmed!
OPPORTUNITY OXFORD
Some offers from Oxford will include a place on the Opportunity Oxford programme. Opportunity Oxford is an academic programme which helps support UK offer-holders from underrepresented backgrounds in preparing for undergraduate study at university so they can really enjoy their studies and life as a student.
If you’re made an offer with a place on the Opportunity Oxford programme, you’ll explore and develop academic skills that will help with your studies, ensuring you are fully prepared to thrive from day one at Oxford. It also offers a supportive induction and insight into life as an Oxford student, helping you to feel confident and ready to embrace university studies.
The programme includes a combination of virtual events, an online academic course supported by tutors, and a two-week residential just before the start of your university course. The programme is also supported by a team of current undergraduate students who’ll be on hand to offer guidance, support and advice on how to make the most of your student experience. Have a look at the video below to find out more.
ASTROPHORIA FOUNDATION YEAR
The University of Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year fully-funded foundation programme for UK state school students with significant academic potential, who have experienced severe personal disadvantage and/or disrupted education which has resulted in them being unable to apply directly for an Oxford undergraduate degree programme.
It enables motivated students to reach their academic potential through a supportive and challenging academic course aimed at developing their skills, self-belief and academic confidence. Find out if the Astrophoria Foundation Year could be for you by watching the video below.
Listing Oxford as one of my five choices was simply a 'have-a-go-moment'.
Adam
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Our 2025 University-wide undergraduate Open Days will be held on 2 and 3 July and 19 September. Further information will be published on our website in the build up.
