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 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
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
Another science or Further 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
Further Maths
|
MAT | None |
Computer Science and Philosophy | A*AA, including Maths, with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computer Science |
Maths
Further Maths
|
MAT | None |
Earth Sciences (Geology) | A*AA/AAAA |
Maths, plus Chemistry or Physics
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
Maths Mechanics modules
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) | Art |
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 |
Maths
History
|
None | One piece |
Geography | A*AA | Geography |
None | None |
History | AAA | History |
None | One piece |
History (Ancient and Modern) | AAA |
History
A classical language, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History
|
None | One piece |
History and Economics | AAA | History, Maths |
TSA (Section 1) | One piece (History) |
History and English | AAA |
English Literature or English Language and Literature
History
|
None | Two pieces |
History and Modern Languages | AAA |
A modern language (depending on course choice)
History
|
MLAT | One piece |
History and Politics | AAA |
History
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
Chemistry
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
Further 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
Further Maths
|
MAT | None |
Mathematics and Philosophy | A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken |
Maths
Further Maths
|
MAT | None |
Mathematics and Statistics | A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken |
Maths
Further 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 |
Maths
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
Maths Mechanics modules
Further Maths
|
PAT | None |
Physics and Philosophy | A*AA (with the A* in Physics, Maths or Further Maths) |
Physics and Maths
Maths Mechanics modules
Further Maths
|
PAT | None |
Psychology (Experimental) | A*AA | One or more science subjects (including Psychology) or Maths |
TSA (Section 1) | None |
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics | A*AA |
For Psychology: one or more science subjects (including Psychology) or Maths
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.