Guiding principles for admissions
The University of Oxford and its colleges aim to provide education of excellent quality for able students, whatever their background.
In pursuit of this aim, the University is committed to using its best endeavours to ensure that all of its activities are governed by principles of equality of opportunity, and that all students are helped to achieve their full academic potential.
Student holding a library book. Copyright © OUImages / Oxford Atelier
Our approach to admissions is grounded in fairness, transparency, and a commitment to identifying and supporting academic potential wherever it is found.
Oxford’s admissions processes are shaped by a set of guiding principles that ensure consistency and integrity across all courses and colleges. Central to this is our Common Framework for Admissions, which outlines the standards and procedures that underpin selection decisions, ensuring they are rigorous, equitable, and based on academic merit and potential.
We are also committed to widening access and enabling talented students from all backgrounds to thrive at Oxford. Our Access and Participation Plan sets out how we work to reduce barriers, support underrepresented groups, and create a more inclusive student body.
In handling applications, we take the protection of personal data seriously. Our privacy policies explain how we collect, use, and safeguard applicant information, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and maintaining trust throughout the admissions process.
Together, these principles and policies reflect our commitment to a fair, transparent, and inclusive admissions system, designed to give every applicant the opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
Equal opportunities statement
The University of Oxford and its colleges aim to provide education of excellent quality at undergraduate and postgraduate level for able students, whatever their background. In pursuit of this aim, the University is committed to using its best endeavours to ensure that all of its activities are governed by principles of equality of opportunity, and that all students are helped to achieve their full academic potential.
Read the University's Equality Policy and Equality Objectives.
Read the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.
Common Framework for Admissions
Our Common Framework sets out the principles and coordinated procedures that Oxford’s faculties and colleges use to ensure a fair, consistent and academically rigorous admissions process across all subjects and colleges. It aims to attract the most academically able applicants, apply agreed shortlisting, interview and offer criteria, and promote fairness so that admissions outcomes are not influenced by the college an applicant chooses or is assigned to.
Access and Participation Plan
All universities wishing to charge fees above the basic level must have in force an access and participation plan. The plan must be approved by the Office for Students (OfS) in accordance with the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
The University of Oxford’s Access and Participation Plan includes details of current access targets, other access, success and progression measures, and financial and other on-course support available to students.
Access and Participation Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29
Access and Participation Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 (accessible plan summary)
Potential course changes
The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the description set out in the Course Information Sheet that forms part of the University student contract. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after you commence your course.
Use of contextual data
The University of Oxford is looking for students with the highest academic potential, from different backgrounds. We know that factors such as socio-economic disadvantage and school performance can make it difficult for you to access your full potential before applying to university. Therefore, we use a range of contextual data to help us to better understand your achievements in the context of your individual background.
Undergraduate applicant privacy policy
The University of Oxford is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Our undergraduate applicant privacy policy describes how we collect and use your personal data during the admissions process in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and related UK data protection legislation. It should be read in conjunction with the privacy policy of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Undergraduate outreach privacy policy
The University of Oxford is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information (‘personal data’). This privacy policy describes how we collect and use your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and related UK data protection legislation. It applies to all individuals who have engaged with the University of Oxford including prospective undergraduates, their families, educators, community members, and organisations.
Admissions Statistical Report
In our Annual Admissions Report we provide details of the success rate of UK undergraduate applicants by region, socio-economic background, education, gender and ethnicity, as well as by course and college. In 2024, 3,245 students were admitted to Oxford to begin their undergraduate studies here. The number of undergraduate students admitted from the UK increased slightly to 80.5%; of those, 8.1% were eligible for Free School Meals (up from 5.3% in 2021) and 30.8% identified as Black and Ethic Minority (BME).
Have you heard about the Astrophoria Foundation Year?
Oxford is committed to improving access for talented students from all backgrounds. The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year foundation programme for UK state school students who have experienced severe personal disadvantage or disrupted education that has prevented them from applying directly to an Oxford undergraduate degree. Designed for motivated students with significant academic potential, the programme combines academic challenge with tailored support to build skills, confidence and self-belief. It provides an alternative pathway to undergraduate study at Oxford for those who have the ability to succeed but need an additional year of preparation.
What is Opportunity Oxford?
This is our academic bridging programme designed to support UK offer holders from under-represented backgrounds in their transition from school or college to the University. It aims to prepare students for successful academic careers at Oxford by helping to bridge gaps in educational resources and support that some may have experienced prior to university.
Can't find what you're looking for?Try our extensive database of FAQs or submit your own question. |
|---|
