Microsoft outage: information for Oxford applicants and external visitors
A global Microsoft outage is affecting some University systems, including email. Teaching, research and other University activities will continue as planned wherever possible.
Latest update: 13 November 2026, 12.25pm
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We are monitoring the situation and will share continue to share updates here and on https://status.ox.ac.uk.
Contacting the University
Emails to staff and students are not being delivered currently.
If you have an urgent enquiry, please contact the relevant department or staff member by phone where possible. You can find links to departments and divisions as well as a list of colleges online.
Information for staff and students
You can find detailed information for internal audiences – including details about the services affected, the support available, and advice on work and study – on OxIntranet.
Graduate applicants
We are aware that a Microsoft outage is affecting access to admissions systems for some applicants and referees. Please note that we will extend today's submission deadline up to 23:59 UK time, which should allow time to submit applications once service is restored.
Referees for today's deadline have until 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 17 November to submit their letter.
If you have any enquiries please contact us via the online query form. Please monitor the Graduate Admissions webpages for further updates.
Student welfare
During the Microsoft outage, pre-booked online and in-person Student Welfare and Support Services appointments will go ahead as normal.
New online counselling assessments may instead take place by telephone or need to be rescheduled. We are making every effort to contact those who may be affected. There may also be delays in responding to new appointment requests.
If you need urgent mental health or welfare support, please see the University's emergency and out-of-hours contacts.
Degree ceremonies and other events
University events, including today’s scheduled degree ceremonies will take place as planned. Attendees should be aware that messages sent to University email addresses may not be received.
If you need urgent information about your degree ceremony or other event, contact your college or relevant organiser by phone.
Finance, purchasing and suppliers
The outage is affecting our ability to process payment requests, purchase orders, payments and invoices. If you have an urgent matter, contact your usual University contact by phone.
