When to apply and deadlines

Getting started

If you're not sure where to begin, our guide to getting started provides advice and tips. The first step in applying to graduate study at Oxford is to choose a course. You can find a course by using our A-Z of courses or by viewing a list of courses organised by their department and academic division.

Can I apply for graduate study if I'm currently studying?

Yes. You can apply for graduate study at Oxford during the final year of your degree if you are planning to progress straight from your current degree to the course you are applying to without a break.

Almost all of Oxford's graduate courses commence in Michaelmas term (early October). If you receive an offer of a place, you'll usually be required to fulfil any conditions set by your department and college by the end of August. This will include arranging for a final official transcript to be sent to your department directly from the institution or accredited e-transcript provider. Alternatively, the hard copy original transcript can be posted to the department. Further information about providing transcripts can be found within this Application Guide.

If you're currently studying and won't receive your final degree results before the start of term in Oxford:

• contact your department to discuss whether you might be able start in a later term (research courses only); or
• wait and apply to begin your study in the next academic year (taught courses).

Application deadlines

Each course page states the course's application deadline(s). Application deadlines vary between courses.

If a course has more than one deadline, this means that applications are considered in two or more separate stages.

You should try to apply by the earliest deadline stated on the course page, especially if:

• you need a student visa, as you must have your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from the University before you can apply for your visa; or
• you are declaring a disability or long-term health condition, as early notice will help us support you if your application is successful.

Almost all courses have a December or January deadline. This is the latest deadline to be considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships. If your course also has a November deadline, applications submitted by this deadline will also be considered for Oxford scholarships and are also more likely to receive an earlier decision.

If your course has a March or later deadline, applications submitted for this deadline are ineligible for consideration for centrally-managed scholarships.

To ensure that you are considered for all Oxford scholarships for which you are eligible, you can search for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application. The search results will also include any Oxford scholarships that accept applications after the December or January deadline.

You should aim to submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least two weeks before your chosen deadline. Don't wait until the day of the deadline! We may not be able to answer your questions or help you to resolve any problems in time.

You will usually receive a decision from the academic department about 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline you applied by.

Courses staying open or reopening after the deadline(s)

In some cases, a course may stay open to applications after the final deadline date has passed because there are still places available on the course. One week’s notice of closure will be provided on the course page.

Courses may also re-open after the published deadline(s) if funding opportunities, such as studentships, become available. These will be advertised on our page showing courses that have reopened to accept studentship applications. The course page will also provide a link to further information about the studentship, including the closing date. The course page will not show studentship closing dates or provide notice of closure if a course has reopened to accept studentship applications.

You can find instructions for applying for Oxford scholarships and funded studentships within this Application Guide.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

If your application isn't submitted and complete by the deadline, with all mandatory supporting documents and at least two submitted reference letters, it won't usually be considered. If there is a later deadline listed on the course page, your application will be assessed after that deadline has passed instead, provided it is complete by then.

If your application is submitted or becomes complete after your course’s only or final deadline, it is unlikely to be considered at all.

How do I know if a course is accepting applications?

Each course page shows the Admission Status of the course, through a traffic light system.

Admission Status indicators

Open to applications

The course is open and accepting applications. If the listed deadline(s) on the course page have passed, this means that there are still places available for you to apply for and the course will stay open until these are filled. The final closing date will be advertised on the course page, up to one week in advance.

Closing to applications

The course will be closing on the date indicated.

Closed to applications

The course isn't currently accepting applications for 2025-26 entry. Occasionally a closed course may re-open later: for example, if studentships become available.

Admission via separate process

The course does not use the standard application form, application process and deadlines, so the admissions status won't appear on the course page.