Oxford University Admission Requirements 2026

Admission Requirements:

Admissions at Oxford University vary  by  course but generally include strong  academic qualifications like A-levels or an equivalent qualification, along with strong performance in admissions tests where required, such as the BMAT or MLAT. A compelling personal statement is also essential, as  according to  various  resources on Oxford’s admission procedures, meeting specific subject requirements and demonstrating English language proficiency is crucial for success.

Oxford Admission Requirements 2026: How to Get Accepted
Oxford University Course Requirements

Oxford University Course Requirements

Course Entrance Requirements
(at A-level or equivalent)
Subject Choices Test Written Work
Archaeology and Anthropology AAA
Combination of arts and science subjects
None Two pieces
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies AAA
A language
Mastering the ability to handwrite is a mandatory core element for Japanese, Chinese and Korean.
None Two pieces
Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) A*AA including Chemistry and another science or Maths, with the A* in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology (or a very closely related subject)
Chemistry and another science or Maths
Biology (beyond GCSE or equivalent)
None None
Biology A*AA (with the A* in a science or Maths)
Biology and either Chemistry, Physics or Maths
None None
Biomedical Sciences A*AA excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills
Two from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
BMSAT None
Chemistry A*A*A (with both A*s in science subjects and/or Maths)
Chemistry and Maths
None None
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History AAA
A classical language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History
AHCAAT Two pieces
Classics AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)
Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language
CAT Two pieces
Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)
Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language
CAT Two pieces
Classics and English AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)
English Literature or English Language and Literature
Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or a modern language
CAT Two pieces
Classics and Modern Languages AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken)
A modern language (depending on course choice)
Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History
CAT
MLAT
One piece
Computer Science A*AA including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science
Maths
MAT None
Computer Science and Philosophy A*AA, including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science
Maths
MAT None
Earth Sciences (Geology) A*AA/AAAA
Maths, plus Chemistry or Physics
Biology, Geology, Further Maths
None None
Economics and Management A*AA (with Maths at A or A*)
Maths
TSA (Section 1) None
Engineering Science A*A*A (with the A*s in Maths, Further Maths or Physics)
Maths and Physics
Further Maths
PAT None
English Language and Literature AAA
English Literature or English Language and Literature
A language, History
None One piece
English and Modern Languages AAA
A modern language (depending on course choice) and English Literature or English Language and Literature
MLAT One piece
European and Middle Eastern Languages AAA
A modern language (depending on course choice)
MLAT None
Fine Art AAA or AAB (for post-A-level applicants on an Art Foundation course) None Digital portfolio (but no written work submission required)
Foundation Year (Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science) AAB
For Chemistry: Chemistry and Mathematics
For Engineering: Physics and Mathematics
For Materials Science: Physics and Mathematics. GCSE Chemistry is also required. Chemistry at A Level is highly recommended.
None None
Foundation Year (Humanities) BBB
B in your most relevant subject
None One piece
Foundation Year (Law) BBB
A subject involving essay writing
None One piece
Foundation Year (PPE) BBB
History
None One piece
Geography A*AA None None
History AAA None One piece
History (Ancient and Modern) AAA
A classical language, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History
None One piece
History and Economics AAA TSA (Section 1) One piece (History)
History and English AAA
English Literature or English Language and Literature
None Two pieces
History and Modern Languages AAA
A modern language (depending on course choice)
MLAT One piece
History and Politics AAA
Sociology, Politics, Government and Politics
None One piece (History)
History of Art AAA
A subject involving essay writing
History of Art, Fine Art, History, English, a language
None One piece, one response
Human Sciences AAA
Biology, Maths
TSA (Section 1) None
Law (Jurisprudence) AAA
A subject involving essay writing
LNAT None
Law with Law Studies in Europe AAA
A relevant modern language (not required for European Law)
A subject involving essay writing
LNAT None
Materials Science A*AA (with the A* in Maths, Physics or Chemistry)
Maths and Physics
Further Maths, Design and Technology (Product Design)
PAT None
Mathematics A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken
Maths
MAT None
Mathematics and Computer Science A*AA (with A*A in Maths and Further Maths (FM) or A* in Maths if FM is not taken)
Maths
MAT None
Mathematics and Philosophy A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken
Maths
MAT None
Mathematics and Statistics A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken
Maths
MAT None
Medicine A*AA (excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills)
Chemistry with either Maths, Further Maths, Biology or Physics
UCAT None
Modern Languages AAA
One or more modern languages (depending on course choice)
MLAT None
Modern Languages and Linguistics AAA
A modern language (depending on course choice)
English Language, Maths, a science or any other language
MLAT None
Music AAA
Music A-level or Music Theory Grade 7 or above (see Music page for further details)
Performance piece Three pieces (two essays and one piece of harmony or counterpoint)
Philosophy and Modern Languages AAA
One or more modern languages (depending on course choice)
MLAT (including Philosophy section) None
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) AAA
History
TSA None
Philosophy and Theology AAA
A subject involving essay writing
PhilAT One piece
Physics A*AA (with the A* in Physics, Maths or Further Maths)
Physics and Maths
Further Maths
PAT None
Physics and Philosophy A*AA (with the A* in Physics, Maths or Further Maths)
Physics and Maths
Further Maths
PAT None
Psychology (Experimental) A*AA TSA (Section 1) None
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics A*AA
For Linguistics: English Language, Maths, a science or any other language
TSA (Section 1) None
Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies AAA
A subject involving essay writing, a language
None One piece
Theology and Religion AAA
A subject involving essay writing
None One piece

Legend:

● Essential: Required subjects

■ Recommended: Strongly recommended subjects

▲ Helpful: Helpful subjects

Below is a summary of each course’s requirements.
● Essential
■ Recommended
▲ Helpful – may be useful on course
Equivalent requirements for Advanced Highers and International Baccalaureate can be found on the course pages under ‘Admissions requirements‘.
Equivalent requirements for accepted international qualifications can be found on the international qualifications page

Oxford University Course Entrance Requirements and Admission Tests Overview:

Oxford University offers a wide range of courses, each with specific entrance requirements that usually involve strong academic qualifications at A-level or equivalent. For example, most courses require grades like AAA or A*AA, often including subjects directly related to the course such as Chemistry and Maths for Biochemistry or Physics and Maths for Engineering Science. Some courses, like Classics or Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, require knowledge of languages, while others, like Medicine or Biomedical Sciences, require passing specialized admissions tests such as the BMAT or BMSAT. Written work is also an important part of the application for many subjects, with requirements ranging from none to multiple pieces, depending on the course.

In addition to academic grades and subject choices, many courses require applicants to take specific tests like the MAT for Mathematics or the TSA for Economics and Management. Some courses, such as Fine Art or Music, ask for portfolios or performance pieces instead of written tests. Foundation Year programs have slightly different requirements, often focusing on relevant subjects and providing an alternative route into the university. Overall, Oxford’s admission procedures are designed to assess both academic ability and specific skills related to each course, ensuring students are well-prepared for their chosen field of study.

Key Advice for a Successful Oxford Application:

If you are planning to apply to Oxford University, make sure to carefully review the specific course requirements and prepare well for any admissions tests. Staying informed about deadlines and gathering all necessary documents will improve your chances of success. For more detailed guidance and tips on the application process, keep exploring trusted resources and official Oxford University updates. With proper preparation and dedication, you can confidently navigate Oxford’s admission procedures and take a big step toward joining one of the world’s top universities.

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