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University of Oxford

Studying at the University of Oxford* in England is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience a different academic structure while furthering your own studies at one of the most renowned institutions in the world. The University of Oxford is a federation of self-governing colleges, which are analogous to the house system here at Harvard, but also take on both academic and administrative functions. As a result, you will be applying to a specific college, not to the general university. Please note that you may apply to Oxford for the full academic year or only the spring term. Fall term only study abroad at Oxford is not permitted. 

* You must plan early! Applications are due early in the spring term for the following academic year; this means that you will be applying one year in advance of your study abroad experience.

Oxford: Academic Culture 
How does the tutorial system work?

Oxford’s academic year runs from October to June and consists of three 8-week terms with a 6-week break between the two spring terms. 

  • Independent work and individual study is required, as the tutorial model requires a high level of discipline and self-motivation.

  • During the application process you will define each tutorial topic (a list of past tutorial topics is also available to guide you).

  • Subjects should be related and not span more than two disciplines (e.g. History and Government).

  • The admissions team works diligently to assign you a tutor with expertise in the subject who will guide your studies and challenge your analytical skills.

  • During each term you will enroll in two tutorials; the primary tutorial meets for one hour each week, and the secondary for one hour every other week. This means that over the course of one term you work one-on-one with your tutors for a total of 12 hours.

  • Assessment is based on essays due at each meeting.

How do I choose a College?

When identifying the college that best suits you academically and socially, we recommend:

  • Meeting with an OIE adviser early in the process for guidance (required)

  • Identifying your academic (e.g., not all colleges offer STEM fields), extracurricular, and personal goals

  • Reviewing College websites and considering their specific  and unique environment, traditions, and ethos (similar to how Harvard Houses vary and have their own specific cultures)

  • Reaching out to Visiting Student Programme Directors

  • Contacting OIE Student Ambassadors for feedback on their college

What are the eligibility requirements?

  • Students must be a junior or senior at the time of study abroad

  • You must commit to studying during the spring term only (two terms from January – June) or a full academic year abroad (October – June)

  • Minimum GPA (varies by college) of 3.7-3.8

  • You must have completed 3-5 courses in the concentration prior to departure (preferred)

How do I apply?

The admissions process will vary somewhat across the colleges that admit visiting students.

  • Consult the Visiting Student Programme page of each college for specific requirements and deadlines.

  • Generally, you will be asked to provide the following:

    • Two letters of recommendation focused on the your academic abilities and strengths; at least one letter from someone who has taught you in the discipline to which you are applying. 

    • Two graded writing samples from the discipline to which you are applying; at least one from the concentration. For STEM students, one sample may be a lab report, exam, or problem set. 

    • Official transcript

    • Statement of Purpose (speak strictly to your academic goals and motivation for applying to a particular college)

When do I apply for admission?

Applications are due early in the spring term for the following academic year; this means that you will be applying one year in advance of your study abroad experience.

  • Notify Nicole Garcia of any application you are submitting to an Oxford college. 

  • Apply early - spots are limited and some Colleges may review applications on a rolling basis. 

  • Deadlines vary by college so consult the respective Visiting Student Programme page for the most up to date information.

Below is a list of colleges where Harvard students have studied in recent years. Where the option exists, students can also choose to apply for admission through either IFSA-Butler University or Arcadia University.

How much do application deadlines vary by college? 

For exact deadlines, visit the resepective visiting student program websites. (See a full list of approved colleges here.)