Oxford Undergraduate Application Guide for 2026 Entry

1. Research & Decide

• Explore Courses:

  • Review Oxford’s course list and entry requirements.

  • Check if your course needs admissions tests or written work.

• Choose a College or Open Application:

  • Pick a preferred college or let Oxford assign you one.

2. Prepare Your Application (June–October 2025)

• Start Early:

  • Begin your UCAS application from June 2025.

• Personal Statement:

  • Write about your academic interests, achievements, and motivation.

• Academic Reference:

  • Arrange for a teacher or counselor to provide a reference.

• Check Test Requirements:

  • Confirm if your course needs an admissions test and what it involves.

3. Admissions Tests (June–October 2025)

• Register:

  • Registration opens 18 June and closes 19 September 2025 (6pm BST).

• Book Test Appointment:

  • Book between 18 August and 26 September 2025 (6pm BST).

• Practice:

  • Use sample papers to prepare.

• Take the Test:

  • Tests are held 21–27 October 2025, online at Pearson VUE centers.

4. Submit Written Work (If Required)

• Check Requirements:

  • Not all courses need written work—verify for your subject.

• Submit by Deadline:

  • Upload to your college by 10 November 2025.

• Format:

  • Usually recent, marked school essays or portfolio (for Fine Art).

5. UCAS Application Submission

• Submit Application:

  • From early September 2025.

• Final Deadline:

  • 6pm (BST), 15 October 2025.

6. Interviews (December 2025)

• Shortlisting:

  • Only shortlisted candidates are invited (about 40–45%).

• Format:

  • Usually online; details sent by your college.

• Preparation:

  • Review your personal statement and submitted work.

7. Decisions (January 2026)

• Notification:

  • Offers released in January 2026.

8. Deferring Entry?

• Check First:

  • Not all courses allow deferral—ask your department before applying.