Undergraduate admissions and outreach

At Oxford, you’ll join students from across the world and from a wide range of backgrounds who share a love of learning. Here, you won’t just absorb information; you’ll question it, debate it and build on it, developing the clarity, confidence and intellectual independence that come from serious study.

Our distinctive approach to teaching means you’ll work closely with academic tutors who know you and your work. You’ll be recognised and valued as an individual, helping to build belief in yourself and in what you can achieve. As a member of one of our colleges, you’ll belong to a close-knit academic and social community that supports you throughout your time here. In an environment shaped by shared curiosity and mutual respect, you’ll grow as a person and as a thinker.

If you are applying in 2026, our application timeline provides a quick and digestible overview of key dates and deadlines.

Our mini prospectus is a good place to start for a quick overview of Oxford student life and a summary of our admissions process. 

Oxford isn’t a single campus, but a collection of more than 30 colleges and halls across the city, each with its own history, character and community. Together, these small, friendly academic communities make Oxford a special place to study and live.

When you come to Oxford, you don’t just join a world-leading university. You also become part of a college, a safe and supportive environment where you can focus on your studies, spend time with friends and shape your own Oxford experience.

Everyone wants to feel they belong and can be themselves. At Oxford, you’ll find many ways to build your support network and connect with people who share your interests and identity. Our students come from an amazing range of backgrounds, so you’ll meet people who are like you and people who aren’t. This is often one of the most rewarding and liberating parts of student life. You can join groups, societies and campaigns to pursue hobbies, old and new, and to celebrate diversity and promote positive change.

We take student wellbeing seriously, with friends, peers and trained professionals ready to support you if things feel challenging.

Will you need a visa? Do you need to meet our English Language requirements? Today, one third of our students, including 20% of undergraduates, are international citizens and come from over 170 countries. Our admissions process is the same for all applicants but if you are coming from abroad you may find our guidance for international students particularly useful. 

With our Choosing Oxford applicant newsletter, you'll receive admissions guidance, key dates and practical advice along with a closer look at student life at Oxford - all straight to your inbox.

Deciding whether or not to go to university is a big decision for everyone, but especially if you don't know people who have been, or if you haven't had a chance to find out what it might be like. That's why we run thousands of free events each year, online and in person so anyone anywhere can explore what Oxford has to offer and find out whether it might be their right next step.

Discover our free flagship outreach programme for UK state-school students in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland), or S5 (Scotland).

Designed for students with good grades and strong academic potential from backgrounds currently underrepresented at Oxford, UNIQ offers sustained support and expert guidance on preparing for university. The programme includes ongoing contact throughout the year, as well as a residential experience to help you explore student life and strengthen your university application.

They’re one of the best ways to start exploring life at Oxford. Arrive early and make a full day of it - join sessions at subject departments and colleges, talk to students and staff, and experience the city for yourself. It will be busy, but by the end of the day you’ll have a clearer sense of whether Oxford is right for you.