English
is the language of instruction for all programmes offered at Oxford and
it is mandatory that all theses or examination papers are written in
English. The University has approved both a standard and a higher level
of required ability in English. For all taught programmes the higher
level is mandatory; for research programmes, departments have selected
the level that is most appropriate.
If your first language is not English, or if your first language is
English but you are not a national of the UK, Ireland or a majority
English-speaking country recognised by the UKBA, you must supply
suitable evidence that you have reached the relevant higher or standard level before any offer of a place can be confirmed. Majority English-speaking countries are defined by the UKBA as:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States of America
- Caribbean:
Antiqua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica,
St Kitts and Nevi, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad
and Tobago
- South America: Belize, Guyana
Evidence
of your English proficiency needs to be in the form of a certificate of
an English language test taken within two years of the
date your programme will commence.
The University recognises only certain English tests and these requirements are set out below:
| IELTS |
7.0 |
Minimum 6.5 per component |
7.5 |
Minimum 7.0 per component |
| TOEFL ibt (internet-based) |
100
|
Minimum component scores*:
- Listening - 22
- Reading - 24
- Speaking - 25
- Writing - 24
|
110
|
Minimum component scores*:
- Listening - 22
- Reading - 24
- Speaking - 25
- Writing - 24
|
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English |
C
|
|
B
|
|
| Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English |
A
|
|
Not accepted
|
|
* The UK Border Agency may accept lower minimum scores for the purposes of obtaining a visa, though please note that the University still requires candidates to meet its minimum scores as per above
Further information:
Language test waiver
The requirement to provide proof of
English language proficiency may be waived, at the discretion of the
University, in cases
where you have successfully completed, or are currently completing, a
full-time degree-level course of a minimum of nine months at a
recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment is
entirely in English.
If you are still completing your degree and
you are offered a place, you will usually be requested to show evidence
that you have successfully completed your degree as a condition of your
offer. It is expected that you will complete your degree and show
evidence of this in good time, usually by 31 August, although
please note that some departments may set an earlier deadline. If you
are due to complete your degree after the date set by the department,
you will usually be expected to submit a certificate of an English
language test meeting the University's requirements for applicants whose
first language is not English.
If
you wish to apply for a waiver of the English test requirement, please
upload or attach a letter with your application outlining the reasons
why you should be
exempted from the requirement. You must do this at the time of your
application.
