Mature students

Tutors at Oxford will take your work experience and life skills into account when you apply, but it’s essential that you have also undertaken formal academic qualifications within the three years before you apply. We need to be sure that you will be able to cope with the demands of academic study at Oxford and that you have the study skills that are so essential to following an undergraduate degree course. Many different academic qualifications would be acceptable. For further information on the qualifications you would need to make a competitive application, please refer to Entrance Requirements.

The application procedure for mature students is the same as for other students (see How to apply). Many subjects require you to take a written test or submit written work as part of your application. Mature applicants do not always have suitable written work, and we do understand this. Please contact the college you’re considering applying to, to discuss your options.

Oxford does not accept transfer students under any circumstances. However, you may like to consider applying to Oxford for a second undergraduate degree.

For information about fees and funding, please see our student funding pages.

All undergraduate degrees at Oxford involve intense study and high levels of commitment. All undergraduate students are therefore required to be resident in the city during term-time: either in college accommodation, in other accommodation within 6 miles of the city centre, or within 25 miles, if it is your family home.

As a mature student, you can apply to any college or PPH. One college, Harris Manchester, and three of the Permanent Private Halls, Blackfriars, St Stephen’s House and Wycliffe Hall, take only mature students. A college environment specifically catering for mature students can provide excellent peer support in which to enjoy the varied and fast-paced life of Oxford.

For more information about all the undergraduate colleges please see our college pages. 

The University aims to assist wherever possible in the provision of childcare. For further details please see our childcare pages.

 There are no part time or distance learning options for undergraduate study here. However, you may wish to consider one of the many courses offered by the University’s Department for Continuing Education.

Foundation Certificates in English and History

Oxford offers two Foundation Certificates, in English Literature, and in History. These are part-time two-year courses for mature students. If you do well enough you could progress to a degree at Oxford by applying to join the second year of an English or History degree course.

Part-time courses

The Department for Continuing Education also offers a full range of part-time Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in other subjects. Some of these may be studied online, and all earn nationally recognised credits.

For further details along with details of how to apply for these part time courses or the Foundation Certificates, please see the Department for Continuing Education website.