Getting admission into Oxford University is an aspiration for millions of students currently enrolled in junior or high schools. However, out of thousands of applications received by Oxford every year, only a bunch of lucky and extremely talented candidates make the cut.
Clearing the competitive selection process is indeed tough. It often requires candidates to go beyond their potential to score a seat at Oxford University, the school that has given the world the likes of Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Stephen Hawking, Rupert Murdoch, and countless such immortal names.
If you also wish to get into Oxford University but are confused about where to begin your journey towards the institute, then you need not worry, as we’ve got you covered. In this blog will elaborate on Oxford University’s admission process, right from eligibility criteria to interview.
But before we proceed to explain the admission process, it’s important to point out the legacy of Oxford University and its education that makes it different from others in ways more than one.
Oxford University Legacy!
Oxford University appears to have its humble beginnings way back in 1096, making it one of the oldest institutes in the predominantly English-speaking world. So far, 28 prime ministers of the United Kingdom, along with several heads of other nations, have taken their education from Oxford.
The premier university has also given the world a total of 72 Nobel Prize laureates, 3 Fields Medalists, and 6 Turing Award winners as of October 2020. The glorious list also includes 160 Olympic medalists who either studied or worked, or held visiting fellowships at the University of Oxford.
Oxford University Admission Process
1. Oxford University Eligibility Criteria
Knowing the eligibility criteria of Oxford University is the first step towards your entry into Oxford. While the requirements of one course usually differ from the other, there are a few criteria that are similar for all.
- Passed 10+2 or similar educational qualification
- IELTS or TOEFL score
- ACT or SAT score
- Letter of Recommendations (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The minimum scores required for admission into various courses offered by Oxford University also differ accordingly. For instance, for taking entry into courses requiring A*A*A, students will need to have a better academic background than courses requiring A*AA or AAA.
Oxford University Eligibility Criteria for Indians
For courses requiring A*A*A:
CBSE board students need to score Grades A1 A1 A1 A1 A2 in their five academic subjects, with grade A1 in any subject that will be relevant to the course applied for.
CISCE board students need to score an overall grade of at least 90%, with 95% or above in four subjects (including the subject relevant to the course applied for) and 85% or above in the fifth subject.
For courses requiring A*AA:
CBSE board students need to score Grades A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 in their five academic subjects, with grade A1 in any subject that will be relevant to the course applied for.
CISCE board students need to score an overall grade of at least 90%, with 95% or above in three subjects (including the subject relevant to the course applied for) and 85% or above in the remaining two subjects.
For courses requiring AAA:
CBSE board students need to score Grades A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 in their five academic subjects, with grade A1 in any subject that will be relevant to the course applied for.
CISCE board students need to score an overall grade of at least 90%, with 95% or above in two subjects (including the subject relevant to the course applied for) and 85% or above in the remaining three subjects.
Tips for Getting Admission Into Oxford University
1. Target 95% plus at 10+2
Candidates need to pass at least 10+2 or gain a similar qualification from a recognized institute to get into Oxford. The minimum marks required at the 10+2 level depend on the course you want to get admission into Oxford, as mentioned above. Therefore, earning excellent marks at the 10+2 is a must. Even if it’s not for Oxford, candidates should take the class seriously, as the scores are taken into account for undergraduate admissions by almost all universities worldwide.
2. Get Fluent in English
Applicants from non-English speaking nations such as India, Pakistan, China, Argentina, etc., will also have to submit valid IELTS or TOEFL scores that determine the English Proficiency of candidates. The minimum scores in the standardized test of English language proficiency required for Oxford University admissions depend on the course you’re applying for.
3. Give Your Best Shot At ACT/SAT
Candidates should have an impressive standardized testing (ACT/SAT) score to enter Oxford University. While the minimum SAT/ACT scores required for admissions depend on the course, the past few years’ admission processes have shown that the selected candidates usually have a minimum of 700 in SAT and a minimum score of 32 in the ACT. So, besides scoring in your high school exams, candidates also need to fare well in SAT/ACT to become an Oxford student.
4. Start Early
Candidates are often advised to begin their Oxford application early, depending on the course, application deadlines. Moreover, it takes time to source letters of recommendation and essay writings, if required.
Oxford University Admission Process
The admission process at Oxford University is complex, and therefore, students need to follow each step carefully to fulfill their aspiration of studying at one of the top-most universities on Earth.
Oxford University Application Form
Submitting your application for admission at Oxford is one of the most crucial steps that will decide your fate for at least four years, if not a lifetime. Candidates need to create an account on Oxford University’s admission panel.
However, while submitting the application form, candidates need to take special care of the courses they want to apply to and if they’re eligible for that particular field of study according to the institute’s benchmarks.
Depending on the course, candidates will have to follow the deadlines and regular updates from the school offering education in that particular course. After deciding the school and college, candidates will need to visit the University & Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) portal to submit their UCAS application, along with a UCAS personal statement that describes their ambitions, skills, and experience to the university.
Oxford University Entrance Exam
After signing up, candidates will need to prepare for the selective entrance exam that will test candidates’ knowledge in particular topics related to the course they want to study at the institute. However, most colleges provide admissions based on UCAS application details and don’t conduct an entrance exam for undergraduate courses.
Oxford University Interview Call
Oxford University shortlists and calls candidates for interviews based on their UCAS application or entrance exam results. The interview could be in-person, telephonic, or video call, depending on the feasibility.
Oxford University Final Offer!
Candidates clearing the interviews will receive a final offer from their preferred college at Oxford University. If the candidate hasn’t shortlisted the college and submitted an open application, the university will help the candidate find the perfect college to kickstart higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Candidates can submit their queries via a form to contact the Graduate Admissions and Recruitment Office. Click here to raise all your queries related to Oxford University Admissions.
2. How can I connect with the preferred college or departments at Oxford University?
Candidates can connect with their preferred college or departments at Oxford University via e-mail Ids mentioned on their official pages.
3. When will Oxford decide on my application?
Graduate applicants usually receive the decision within eight to ten weeks after the deadline. During this time, the applications are processed by the respective departments.
4. Can I work while studying at Oxford University?
Oxford doesn’t encourage its students to work while they are studying at the institute. The primary reason behind this is that it believes that their courses are demanding, and it would be better if students give their 100% time to academics. However, there are no strict provisions, and graduate students can work part-time while studying at Oxford.
5. How many colleges are under Oxford University?
Currently, 33 colleges come under Oxford University, including Balliol College, Mansfield College, Magdalen College, Merton College, St Hilda’s College, Corpus Christi College, and Oriel College, among others.
Wrapping Up!
If you’ve read the blog till here, we are sure that you are well determined to get admission into Oxford University. Also, if you’re here, we can innocuously assume that by now, you are familiar with Oxford’s admission process that leaves many confused. So, all you need to do now is follow the tips mentioned above, and you’ll see witness your dreams turning into reality.
Want to share your experience? Don’t shy away! Do comment and help your peers to achieve their dream of studying in Oxford a reality 🙂
