Started in the year 1906, Oxford University is the oldest and historic university in the English-speaking world. With an acceptance rate of about 17%, this university is highly competitive but much easier to get into compared to other universities. About 41% of Oxford students are from overseas countries. Oxford is a truly international University, with 48% of its academic staff coming from countries outside the United Kingdom.
So, are you planning to apply to Oxford University? Then read this blog to know how to get admission in Oxford university.
The university's sole vision/aim is to grow and spread learning by teaching and research by every means. The university's buildings and property are not only for academic work, but also contribute to the university's reputation. They aim to provide a beautiful environment for the students and staff across its many colleges.
What Does the University Look for in an International Undergraduate Student?
Getting into Oxford University takes months of preparation and hard work. To stand out in this fierce competition and meet the admission requirements for international students, you have to be nearly flawless in all the areas.
- Good grades are a must. Oxford has very high university entry requirements, so the first thing you need to consider is high grades. You need top A-levels grades and other qualifications like GCSEs. Grade requirements are between AAA (appx. 85%) to AAA (>90%) for highly selective undergraduate courses like engineering sciences. The university also accepts International Baccalaureate and other international qualifications.
- The second most important thing is passion. You must have passion and curiosity for the course you want to pursue. Go beyond your school syllabus and explore more about your subject and take extra classes to know better.
- At Oxford, academics are harder rather than life. Students have to handle a lot of things together and ace at it. So, they look for applicants with a work ethic and who can handle the rigorous academic program well across the different colleges. The colleges provide an exceptional learning environment supported by world-class teachers.
- Oxford has a variety of written pre-entry tests and entrance tests, like BMAT, LNAT, MAT, etc., that help them understand individual applicants better. These admissions tests show how well you can solve questions you have never encountered before. It evaluates your thinking ability and knowledge. It also conducts interviews rounds for highly selective courses like medicine, dentistry, veterinary, etc.
If you want to get selected, then start preparing for it now and show your capabilities to meet the University requirements.
How Will You Get into Oxford?
Application Requirements
Except for English language requirements, the admissions procedure is the same for all students, local and international. Each course has specific subject requirements. Check the requirement list for the subject you are interested in. Below are the general requirements for you need to know:
- You must submit your high school transcripts with a minimum percentage of marks.
- You must complete your 10+2 education from a recognised academic institution.
- You need to submit your TOEFL/IELTS scores showing that you have command over the English language.
- LOR and Personal Statement are a must for your application process.
- If you have job experience in a bachelor's degree and PG courses, your educational path may lead you to new heights.
How Much GPA Score Do You Need?
The average GPA required at most departments is 3.63, and a few other departments need a GPA of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, making it extremely difficult to get in. You need to score nearly perfect marks in your high school qualifications like A-levels and take up extra classes to compete with others. If your GPA score is below the average, you need to work hard.
Oxford Personal Statement
Some courses in the university require applicants to send a personal statement not more than 2000 words as part of the written work. Your work should be original and talk about the circumstances under which you wrote the personal statement on the cover sheet provided. The personal statement should showcase your analytical, logical, linguistic and writing abilities, as applicable to your selected major. The current deadline for submitting written work is 10th November, irrespective of COVID-19. An academic reference is also required.
Activities
Although the university heavily focuses on the academic part and the student's aptitude, it pays good attention to super-curricular activities around your field of study. When you are in high school, you should continue to engage in activities around your field of study to make your application stand out. This can help demonstrate your passion for meeting admission requirements.
Final Words
Many students try to give academically correct answers during the interview, but their own perception and presentation matter more. We suggest you prepare some unique and interesting answers beforehand to stand out and demonstrate how to meet the uni requirements. Many students worldwide aspire to attend Oxford every year. However, only a handful are given the opportunity to attend this university that provides an exceptional education in a supportive community across its many colleges.
Oxford offers extensive outreach programs to improve access for underrepresented groups, including disabled students, mature students, and care experienced students. They provide financial aid options like scholarships and bursaries to help with course fees and living costs. Open days and virtual tours allow prospective students to explore student life and learn about the admissions timeline. There are also special pathways like foundation year programs.
When applying, be sure to review the guide for applicants which covers key topics like choosing a course, choosing a college, UK qualifications and international qualifications, predicted grades, fees and funding, and government support. Take advantage of digital resources and regional outreach to learn more. Connect with the top international education experts at UniVisory now for more information!