Navigating UK University Requirements for International Students

The United Kingdom has long been a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education. Applying to a UK university as an international student involves understanding specific requirements that may differ from those for domestic students. This article provides a comprehensive guide to these requirements, covering academic qualifications, English language proficiency, visa regulations, and other essential aspects.

Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying to study in the UK is a straightforward process, and universities are ready to guide you through it step by step.

Undergraduate Applications

For undergraduate degrees, the primary application route is through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses simultaneously through UCAS. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the deadlines.

Postgraduate Applications

For postgraduate courses, it's recommended to apply as soon as you decide you want to study a postgraduate course in the UK, and apply as soon as possible, as many courses have rolling admissions.

Academic Qualification Requirements

To be considered for admission, international students must meet specific academic qualification requirements, which can vary depending on the course and the university.

Accepted Qualifications

UK universities accept a wide range of qualifications from around the world. Many students who apply to Oxford are taking A-levels but we also accept a whole range of other equivalent UK and international qualifications. Entry requirements per course will differ, and some courses may require previous study in certain subjects.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A total score of 38, 39, or 40 points (depending on the course) including core points, with 6s and 7s in subjects taken at the Higher level is generally required. All Oxford courses that state that they require Mathematics will accept both courses at HL, apart from Chemistry, which will require applicants to have taken either of the courses at Higher Level, or the Analysis and Approaches course at SL, depending on what other subjects they are taking. If courses state that they recommend Mathematics, either course will be acceptable. The University does not accept the IB Career-related Programme.

European Baccalaureate

An average of 85% or above, with scores of between 8 and 9 in subjects specified at A-level or equivalent. Visit your course page or our admission requirements table for further information about specified subjects.

International A-Levels

International A-levels (offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA) are recognised as equivalent to UK GCE A-levels on a grade-for-grade basis. The University does not accept the Cambridge Assessment International Education A-levels in either Global Perspectives or Research and Thinking Skills. Where applicants have undertaken the OxfordAQA International Project Qualification (IPQ), this will not be a condition of any offer but the University recognises that the IPQ will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon relevant IPQ experience when writing their personal statement.

Country-Specific Qualifications

The following are examples of qualifications accepted from various countries and their corresponding requirements:

Australia: For courses with an offer of A*A*AAn ATAR of 99.00 plus completion of the relevant Year 12/High school certificate. You should ensure that you have taken all subjects required for the course you are applying for. For courses with an offer of A*AAAn ATAR of 98.50 plus completion of the relevant Year 12/High school certificate. You should ensure that you have taken all subjects required for the course you are applying for. For courses with an offer of AAAAn ATAR of 98.00 plus completion of the relevant Year 12/High school certificate.
Cameroon: Cameroon GCE A-level with grades of AAA
Canada: We understand that many Canadian students may take the International Baccalaureate, or tests (SATs and APs) from the American education system alongside their Canadian qualifications.
Denmark: Danish Studentereksamen (STX, HHX or HTX) or HF with an overall average score of 11 (using the new 7 step grade scale).
Faroe Islands: Studentsprógv with an overall average score of 11 (using the new 7 step grade scale).
Germany: Abitur, with the following grades: For courses requiring A*A*A: Abitur with an overall grade of 1.1. Any subjects which are essential at A-level should be studied at higher level (e.g. Hauptfach, Leistungsfach, Leistungskurs, erhöhtes Anforderungsniveau (eA)), if available. For A* equivalent, a grade of 14 is required; for grade A equivalent, 13 is required. For courses requiring A*AA: Abitur with an overall grade of 1.2. Any subjects which are essential at A-level should be studied at higher level (e.g. Hauptfach, Leistungsfach, Leistungskurs, erhöhtes Anforderungsniveau (eA)), if available. For A* equivalent, a grade of 14 is required; for grade A equivalent, 13 is required. For courses requiring AAA: Abitur with an overall grade of 1.3. Any subjects which are essential at A-level should be studied at higher level (e.g.
Hong Kong: HKDSE, with specific grade requirements depending on the course. For courses requiring A*A*A: Chemistry and Engineering: Grade 5 in Core Maths and Core English. Grades 5*5*5 in three electives from Category A (or grade A in any electives taken from Category C), with grade 5* in subjects required for the course you are applying for. Students taking a Maths extension paper may count it as one of their electives. Maths/Maths and Statistics/Maths and Philosophy: Grade 5 in Core Maths and Core English. Grade 5* in one Maths extension paper and grades 5*5 in two other electives from category A (or grade A in any electives taken from Category C). For courses requiring A*AA: Grade 5 in Core Maths and Core English. Grades 5*55 in three electives from Category A (or grade A in any electives taken from Category C), including any subjects required for the course you are applying to. Students taking a Maths extension paper may count it as one of their electives. Students should check the relevant course page for specific subject and grade requirements: if A* is required, students will need to achieve 5* in that subject. For courses requiring AAA: Grade 4 in Core Maths and grade 5 in Core English. Grades 5 or A in three electives from Category A or C, including any subjects required for the course you are applying to. Students taking a Maths extension paper may count it as one of their electives. Accepted Associate degrees from Hong Kong, with a result of 3.8 or better
Hungary: Erettsegi/Matura. You need to take five subjects and achieve a score of five in at least four subjects.
The Netherlands: For courses requiring A*A*A: Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) with an overall grade of 8.0 or more with a grade 9 in at least one subject, and a grade 8 or above in all of the specialised subjects (both compulsory and optional) for your subject stream. Applicants for all courses should ensure that they have taken any individual subjects required or recommended by their course. Applicants for the following science courses should have taken the Science and Technology stream: Chemistry, Engineering Science, Mathematics and Joint Schools. For courses requiring A*AA: Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) with an overall grade of 8 or more with a grade 8 or above in all of the specialised subjects (both compulsory and optional) for your subject stream. Applicants for all courses should ensure that they have taken any individual subjects required or recommended by their course. Applicants for the following science courses should have taken the Science and Technology stream: Computer Science, Materials Science, Physics. Applicants for Biology should take the Science and Health stream. For all other science courses, candidates should take either the Science and Technology or Science and Health stream. For courses requiring AAA: Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) with an overall grade of 8 or more including grade 8 in any subjects required by the course you are applying to.
New Zealand: University Entrance Certificate with National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) at Level 3 endorsed with Excellence.

For specific requirements, it is crucial to check the details included under each country for future undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.

Unaccepted Qualifications and Further Study

If your qualification is not accepted, you will need to undertake further study to apply. You can take any of the qualifications which are listed as acceptable on this page as well as our accepted UK qualifications. Taking one of these accepted qualifications will help you make the most competitive application, rather than seeking to qualify through attending the first year of university elsewhere. If you cannot find your country on this list or the status is marked as 'not accepted' then this means the school-leaving qualifications from your country do not currently meet Oxford’s admissions requirements. The University monitors international qualifications and check that the requirements outlined below remain equivalent to our standard A-level/IB requirements.

For certain qualifications, such as the Matura Shtetërore (Albania), Título de Bachiller (Spain), Mijnakarg (andhanur) krtutyan atesta (Armenia), Higher School Certificate (HSC)/Intermediate Certificate (and equivalents), Certificado de Ensino Médio (Brazil), Licencia de Educacion (Chile), Colombian Bachiller Académico, Título de Bachiller en Ciencias (Ecuador), Thanaweya A'ama/Al-Azhar General Secondary School Certificate or Egyptian STEM Diploma, West African Senior School Certificate Examination, Class XII qualifications (India), Ijazah - Sekolah Menengah Atas/Madrasah Aliyah (SMA/MA) (Certificate of Graduation from Academic/Islamic Secondary School) / Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar (SMA/MA)(Indonesia), Kōtō Gakkō Sotsugyō Shōmei Sho (Japan), Certificate of General Secondary Education (Kuwait), Attestat/Svidetel' stvo o Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of General Secondary Education) (Kyrgyzstan), Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, Baccalauréat Libanais (General Secondary Certificate), Título Académico de Bachiller / Diploma de Bachiller / Bachillerato General (Panama), Higher Secondary Education Certificate / School Leaving Certificate Examination (Grade XI & XII) (Pakistan), Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSC) / Intermediate (Pakistan), Bachillerato(Paraguay), undertaking further study is strongly recommended.

Transfers and Applying While Studying at an International University

Oxford University does not accept transfer students. If you wish to follow an undergraduate course here, then you would need to start the course from the beginning. However, this option is not available if you are currently enrolled on a Medicine course elsewhere and wish to apply to study Medicine at Oxford.

If you are currently studying at a university outside the UK and are thinking of applying to Oxford to start the first year of an undergraduate course, you should make very clear in your application why you do not wish to continue on your current course. This is important as we only consider such applications where there are strong reasons for moving university after the first year. If you do decide to apply whilst at another university and you do not have A-level or equivalent qualifications at the grades required for the standard offer for the course you are interested in applying for, you will need to demonstrate how your subsequent study has prepared you for studying at Oxford, including any evidence of your performance on your current course and a reference from your current tutor or equivalent.

You must declare on your UCAS form whether you are currently studying at another university, and failure to do so could result in Oxford withdrawing any offer made to you.

Mature Students' Qualifications and Second Degrees

Mature students may hold qualifications which are no longer available or where grading systems have changed. These qualifications will be assessed on a case by case basis by the college considering your application.

Graduates applying for a second undergraduate degree may be able to apply for Senior Status, which would mean you can start directly in the second year of the degree.

Vocational and Technical qualifications

Because of the academic nature of the undergraduate courses at Oxford, vocational and technical qualifications may not provide the most suitable preparation. Candidates with vocational or technical qualifications are welcome to apply, although it may be necessary to take additional academic qualifications to make a competitive application.

When considering applications, tutors would want to see evidence of learning and assessment that would provide the skills and knowledge the candidate would need for the course they are applying for.

English Language Requirements

If you’re thinking about studying at a university in the UK, you’ll need to prove that you’ve got the necessary level of English. International students who are not native English speakers are typically required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through recognized tests.

Accepted English Language Tests

Universities generally accept tests such as:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
Cambridge English Qualifications

The minimum requirements for most degrees are provided by each university. Most English tests are valid for two years.

Secure English Language Test (SELT)

If you require a Student visa and wish to study a Pre-Sessional English course, or a course below degree level, you must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Difficulties in Undertaking In-Person Tests

We are aware that from time to time there may be difficulties in undertaking in-person tests, due to, for example, centre closures, location, or reduced testing availability.

Country-Specific Information

See country-specific pages for qualifications and how to meet standard English requirements.

Visa Requirements

Every international application requires a student visa and a basic knowledge of immigration. Thinking about studying in the UK can give international students a lot to consider.

Student Visa

International students need a student visa to study in the UK. The specific type of visa depends on the length and type of course. Generally, students will need a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Visa Application Process

The visa application process includes:

Receiving an offer from a UK university
Obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university
Applying for the visa online
Paying the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Attending a visa interview (if required)
Providing necessary documents such as passport, financial statements, and academic transcripts

Additional Considerations

International Study Centres

International students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you may be eligible to take a pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre. Located at our Queen’s Campus, the International Study Centre provides a supportive environment where you will be introduced to the style of teaching you will experience should you progress on to your degree. Programmes aim to improve your academic knowledge, study and English language skills.

Financial Support

Studying in the UK can bring a lot of challenges, with financial pressures being top of the list, but there is help available. What support is available for international students? What organisations exist to help?

Life in the UK

Discover everything you need to know about what it's like to study in the UK. What countries make up the UK? What support is available?

Open Days and Events

It's a good idea to talk about your higher education options in person. Go to a course provider open day to explore the campus and get insights from staff and students - or take a virtual tour. We also recommend you go to UK events or one of the British Council events around the world.

Conservatoires

UK conservatoires are excellent places for international students to get high quality training in music, dance, drama, or musical theatre.

Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

If you're applying to higher education and you're a refugee, asylum seeker or have limited leave to remain in the UK, there may be support available to help you with finance and your studies.

Part-Time Jobs

Finding a part-time job while at university in the UK is a great way to earn extra money, meet new people, and build professional skills.

Transcripts and Declaring International Qualifications in your UCAS application

Please do not submit any transcripts or certificates with your application to Oxford, and if you have US qualifications, do not send any scores via the College Board. You will only need to produce certificates or transcripts if you are offered a place here. You should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under ‘Education’. It is however very important that the teacher writing your reference gives predicted grades for the exams that you are yet to take. Your referee can find advice on our teachers’ pages.

MOOCs

The University does not accept MOOCs as qualifications on which to base an application, as the majority of MOOCs are not accredited. However, MOOCs can be used as part of a candidate’s wider learning and discussed in their personal statement, if relevant to the proposed course of study.

Foundation year courses

Competition is very strong for places at Oxford. Although a foundation year course may be accepted in certain circumstances, we recommend taking different qualifications in order to make the strongest application. This is especially true if your chosen course has specific subject requirements. You can check these requirements on the course page. For a foundation year course to be accepted, you would need to make sure that the course covers the same content as any required A-levels to the appropriate standard. If it does not, you will need to take alternative qualifications.

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