Oxford and Cambridge are collegiate universities, meaning there isn’t one singular campus. They are split up into smaller colleges, which function almost like mini-universities of their own, where students eat, sleep, and study. Oxford has 39 colleges, while Cambridge has 31.

When submitting your UCAS application, you can choose to pick one of the 31/39 colleges to apply to or choose an open application. An open application means you don’t specify a preference for a particular college. Instead, the admissions office randomly allocates the application to a college that has the capacity for additional candidates.

This is a common misconception. No, it won’t increase your chances of getting in – if you’re a strong candidate but your college is oversubscribed, you’re entered into the ‘pooling system,’ in which other colleges can review your application and potentially extend an offer.

Uniquely, students must choose between applying to either Oxford or Cambridge. You cannot apply to both in the same admissions cycle, due to high demand. But don’t worry, we can help you work out which one might be best for you!

The deadline to submit your personal statement is October 15, 6 pm, for both Oxford and Cambridge. For more on deadlines, see below. 

This depends on your course. If you’re applying for Oxford, check here. If you’re applying for Cambridge, check here.

For many courses, Oxford and Cambridge require applicants to submit samples of written work, such as essays completed as part of their coursework. This varies by course, so it’s essential to check whether you need to submit written work for your Oxford or Cambridge course on their websites. 

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central platform in the UK for managing applications to undergraduate courses at universities and colleges. The fee for a single course application is £22.50, which is the same for both domestic and international students.

Yes, international applicants may need to complete language tests like IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate proficiency in English, depending on your background and the course applied for.

Yes, students from outside the UK will typically need a Student Visa (Tier 4) to study at Oxford or Cambridge. Visa application processes should be started well in advance once an offer has been secured.

Specific entry requirements vary depending on the course, but IB students are expected to achieve a high score — usually between 38-40 points with higher-level subjects at 6 or 7.