How To Get Into Oxford University

How does the Oxford University application process usually work?

1. UCAS Application: You can apply to study at Oxford through UCAS. You'll need to provide personal details, academic qualifications (including predicted or achieved grades), a personal statement, and a reference from a teacher or advisor. It is vital that you meet the application deadline, which is usually in mid-October for most courses. Please note the UCAS deadline for international applicants may differ.

2. Admissions Tests: Specific courses at Oxford require applicants to take subject-specific admissions tests so make sure you check the requirements for your chosen course.You will need to register and prepare for these tests well in advance.

3. Shortlisting: After the UCAS deadline, the admissions tutors will review the applications and shortlist candidates for interviews. Not all applicants are invited for interviews, as the number of shortlisted candidates is usually substantially higher than the number of available places.

4. Interviews: The interview allows tutors to assess your academic ability and suitability for the course. Interviews are usually in person, but there can be online interviews for international applicants or special circumstances.

5. Decision and Offers: After the interviews, the admissions tutors review the interview performance, application materials, and admissions test results (if applicable) to make their decisions. Successful candidates will receive an offer, which can be either unconditional (directly offering you a place) or conditional (offering you a place contingent on achieving specific grades in your final exams).

6. Examination Results: Once you have completed your final exams, your exam results will determine whether you meet the conditions of your offer. If you meet the requirements, your place at Oxford University will be confirmed.

What percentage of applicants get into Oxford?

According to their yearly reports the probability of getting into Oxford sits on average around 13 - 16%. In 2022 there were 23,819 applications to study at the University of Oxford and 3,271 students were admitted. This means if you applied that year there was a 13.7% chance that you would get in. In 2021 and 2020 the chances were 13.6% and 15.8% respectively. The hardest courses to get into are currently Computer Science (20.2 applicants per place) and Economics & Management (18.9 applicants per place).

How many A Levels do you need for Oxford?

You need a minimum of 3 A levels to gain entry to Oxford. 

What A Level grades do you need to get into Oxford?

Offers for Oxford tend to require grades from A*A*A to AAA at A-level, however it all depends on the course you are applying for. You can check out the course pages here.

The equivalent in other qualifications is also acceptable e.g. a total score of 38, 39 or 40 in the International Baccalaureate or A*A*A to AAA in International A-levels.

It is worth noting that you may have to sit other entrance tests for specific courses:

What are the easiest courses to get into at Oxford?

The following courses all had acceptance rates of over 37% in 2022:

• Music

• Classics & Modern languages

• Theology & Religion

• Modern Languages & Linguistics

• Modern Languages

• Classics

What is the interview process like for Oxford?

Interviews are usually conducted in person at the college or department you have applied to. In some certain cases, interviews may be conducted online. You often have multiple interviews with tutors or experts in the subject, with each lasting around 20-30 minutes.

Tutors focus on assessing your academic ability and potential for the chosen subject. Their questions will test your problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly. They are designed to challenge and push your understanding of the subject matter.

Interviews are often designed to assess how you approach unfamiliar concepts or problems. For example, you may be presented with a problem or a piece of text to analyze and discuss. They are interested in your ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, and construct coherent arguments.

Tutors may also ask about your personal statement and your extracurricular activities related to the subject you're applying for. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your passion for the subject.

The interview process is not meant to intimidate, the tutors are genuinely interested in understanding your potential and assessing your suitability for the course. You may feel better prepared if you revise your subject knowledge and practice critical thinking skills.

My GCSE results weren’t great, can I still get into Oxford?

Achieving good GCSE results can definitely aid your application but it's important to note that Oxford University takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers a variety of factors when reviewing applications. 

Oxford University places the most emphasis on your A-level (or equivalent qualifications). These qualifications are typically taken after completing your GCSEs and are considered more relevant for assessing your academic potential.

In addition to this, Oxford considers other non-academic factors, such as your personal statement, reference letters and performance in interviews. Their goal is to evaluate your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and passion for the subject you wish to study.

While it may be more challenging to secure a place at Oxford with lower GCSE grades, it is definitely not impossible.

Is Oxford University only for the wealthy?

Oxford University has made efforts to improve access and increase diversity in its student body. It has implemented various outreach programs, scholarships, and initiatives aimed at encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. These initiatives hope to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to study at Oxford.

For UK students applying for an undergraduate course, they look at information about your school, neighbourhood, any experience in the care system, eligibility for free school meals (FSM) since age 11 and additional widening participation (WP) information.

Between 2018 and 2022, within the total group of UK-domiciled undergraduates admitted:

• The proportion from state schools rose from 60.5% to 68.1%.

• The proportion identifying as Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) rose from 18.3% to 27.8%.

• The proportion from socio-economically disadvantaged areas rose from 11.3% to 15.5%

• The proportion from areas of low progression to higher education rose from 13.1% to 16.6%.

• The proportion declaring a disability rose from 9.3% to 12.8%.

• The proportion of women rose from 51.2% to 53.1%.

Further Reading

• UCAS Tariff Points Explained

• A Level Equivalents & Alternatives

• Best A Level Combinations

• What A Levels Should I Take?

• How Many A Levels Can I Take?

• What A Levels Should I Study for Medicine?

• What A Levels Do I Need for Dentistry?

• What A Levels Do You Need To Be A Vet?