Oxford University Application
You must apply via UCAS by 15 October (6pm UK time) and have an academic reference. The majority of courses require registration to take an admissions test in a computer-based format at a local Pearson VUE centre (eg MAT, PAT, TSA, MLAT, LNAT, UCAT) while others may also ask for written work (usually 10 November). Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in December and decisions are released in January. The 2026 entry personal statement consists of three structured questions (maximum 4,000 characters, a minimum of 350 per question). “Consciousness and curiosity” regarding academic possibility longevity of subject interest and reflective learning would be better than simply “enthusiasm”. You can also name a college or make an open application allocation is not against you. International applicants complete the same steps with all deadlines and equivalencies as mentioned above but looking to fulfill requirements of English-Language abilities and planning visa steps if they receive an offer to a spot.
How competitive is Oxford University?
Data dump incoming: Oxford University receives 23,000 applications for 3,300 places per year (although do remember that not all 23K pass paper-screening) approximately 1 place per 7 applicants (~14%) (all subjects so varies by course). There’s heavy competition so it helps to start early and hit every requirement.
Oxford application timeline (2026 entry)
June-September: Write up your UCAS form (applications go live from May with submission beginning in early September).
By 15 October, 6pm UK time: Submit UCAS (including completed reference). No late applications.
June–September: Register & book admissions tests (windows are released for a year at a time registration
booking windows 2025 cycle: 18 Jun–19 Sep and 18 Aug–26 Sep respectively tests take place 21–27 Oct).
10 November: Submit your written work (if applicable to your course).
December: Shortlisted interviews.
January: Decisions released.
Tip: Oxford posts a useful, clear 2026 entry timeline which includes UCAS, tests, written work and interviews etc—add that to your bookmarks bar.
Step by step: your UCAS application
Select one course from Oxford University and make sure you know its Subject requirements as well: (grades, subjects, tests/written work). You can’t apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year and you may only apply for one course at Oxford University.
Select a college or “open.” Either is acceptable (Section 7).
Personal Statement (2006 style), section 5.
Academic reference: your referee has to be given time – nope, UCAS won’t let you submit without it.
Enter course name type or keywords What can I search for? Apply via UCAS Start date Applications open 01 Sep 2021 Applications open on this date. Submit application by 15 Oct, 6pm UK time There may be options available to submit after this date.
Where to check requirements: Oxford’s course requirements table lists A level/IB range and the test/written work flags per course (EG PPE requires TSA Section 1 Physics uses PAT Law uses LNAT).
Admissions tests (what, when, where)
Delivery: All Oxford University admission tests are delivered online at Pearson VUE test centres.
Which test do I take? Depends on your subject (eg MAT: Maths, PAT: Physics/Eng/Materials TSA, PPE/Human Sciences/Experimental Psych) /On preparation needed all except Med entrants are required to take the ELAT. Find the listing of your courses.
2025 cycle dates for reference: register 18 Jun–19 Sep, book 18 Aug–26 Sep, sit tests 21–27 Oct. (You should see similar windows each year; always double-check the current cycle’s dates.)
Oxford: No particularly significant changes (Update: Oxford says there’s no History test in 2025).
Law (LNAT) — sat separately; see Oxford’s LNAT guidance.
Medicine (UCAT) — Oxford University now requires UCAT You need to be registered for the test by mid May and will take it in July & August or early September. Refer to Oxford’s UCAT page for the most up-to-date information.
Personal statement: the 2026 format explained
For 2026 UCAS changed the free text essay to three questions (total 4 000 characters, 350 per response). Oxford repeats the new structure and links to UCAS’ official advice as well as subject specific pointers.
What Oxford tutors see (in your course focused answers): academic and intellectual ability sustained interest in the subject reflection on what you learned — not generic passion lines or wordy lists.
Some amiable writing prompts:
Why this subject really? Something newsworthy A recent idea paper lab or book that changed the way you think.
What have you done? Reading lists, competitions, projects, open coursework(s), relevant work experience.
What did you learn? Explain cause-and-effect: “I tried X → it failed → I iterated → here’s the insight”.
(For definitive do’s/don’ts — including on AI/assistive tech and tone — look at Oxford University personal statement advice page.
Written work & portfolios
Certain humanities/arts subjects will invite you to provide written work (an OUAC Fine Art Portfolio may be required). The normal deadline is 10th of November to the college (Fine Art Portfolio deadlines can be earlier). Be sure to always verify on your course page what you need to submit.
Choosing a college (or going open)
Can’t decide? Pick an open application—a college has fewer open applications for your course. Tutors don’t mind whether the college prefers direct / open applicants. Pick what’s simplest for you.
International applicants: Qualifications, English and visa
Same system same deadline as for UK students there is no separate international quota (though see the Medicine course page for information on that).
Oxford: Accepted international equivalents (IB, national curricula, etc.) and what grades they would want per course.
English: You must fulfill Oxford’s English requirement (usually the Higher level); evidence is usually required after you apply as a condition of an offer. Please check Oxford’s pages and specifics with regard to test types/scores and timelines.
Visas: Check Oxford’s visa advice early to avoid doc prep delays.
Common mistakes to avoid
Sending in an incomplete reference Your application will not be submitted (UCAS won’t let you) Don’t leave it to the last minute on 15 October.
missing test registration (it’s not part of UCAS you have to register/book separately over the summer).
Trying for both places at once (you couldn’t do that in the same year).
Writing a `university-specific’ statement (your statement will be read by all your choices, focus on the subject).
Ignoring written work rules (format, length, deadline 10 November).