Guidance for international students

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 and departments may select which is most appropriate for the individual research programme of study concerned. For all taught programmes the higher level of required English will be mandatory. If your first language is not English, you must supply suitable evidence (an original certificate that is not more than two years old and issued by the responsible body) that you have reached the relevant standard before you may be offered a place.

The University recognises only certain English tests and these requirements are set out below: 

Further information:

• IELTS - International English Language Test - British Council

• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language - ETS
  The TOEFL code for the University of Oxford is 0490

If you have already been accepted on a programme of study, and need to improve or consolidate your English language skills, the University’s Language Centre runs pre-sessional courses that are either 8 or 4 weeks long.

For information on who should attend, how to apply and payment details, please see the Oxford University Language Centre pages. 

During term there are also English language courses (available to any student whose first language is not English) on:

• Academic Writing
• English for Social and Academic Purposes
• Advanced General English

If you are a non-EEA/Swiss national and you do not have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you will need to obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa before you can begin your studies.

It is essential that you obtain your visa in good time to allow you to be able to start your programme of study on time. Please be aware that timescales for obtaining visas can be lengthy.