Oxford: How to Apply

Before You Start

Plan ahead

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

Oxford’s Calendar

The academic year runs from October to June and consists of three 8-week terms (Michaelmas, Hilary, Trinity) with a 6-week break between Hilary and Trinity terms. Students may apply for the academic year (strongly encouraged) or the spring semester (January-June). Each college has a strict visiting student maximum, and some colleges prioritize academic year applications, so be thoughtful about your application.

Eligibility

Minimum GPA (varies by college): 3.7-3.8
Students must be a junior or senior at the time of study abroad
You must commit to studying during a full academic year abroad (October – June) or spring two terms (January – June).
IMPORTANT: Many summer internships begin prior to the end of Trinity term in late June and not all colleges will accommodate an early departure. In addition, the OIE will not authorize departure more than a week prior to the official end of Trinity Term. See Oxford’s academic calendar for the precise end date and consider if spring term study at Oxford will be compatible with potential summer commitments.
Students should have completed 3-5 courses in the concentration prior to departure
Non-native English speakers must meet Oxford’s language English proficiency requirement

Choosing a College

To find the college that best suits you, consider the following:

Identify your academic goals and the approved colleges that offer your concentration(s)
- Keep in mind that not all colleges offer STEM fields, and in many instances, science and engineering are restricted to full-year students.
- Not all fields of study offered by a college are available to visiting students.
Consider your extracurricular and personal goals, and identify which colleges can support those goals
Review specific college websites to get a sense of the infrastructure, amenities, traditions, ethos, and extracurricular offerings (clubs, societies, sports)
Connect with the respective visiting student program director via email and Zoom
View recent Harvard student panels (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) and testimonials (St. Anne's and St. Catz)
Contact OIE Student Advisors and Student Ambassadors for feedback on their college

Approved Colleges, Application Links, & Deadlines

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.
Apply early as space at each college is limited, and admission may be rolling. In some cases, this will mean submitting an application as early as mid-December or early January.
Deadlines vary by college so consult the respective Visiting Student Programme page for the most updated information.
If you accept an offer, please inform the OIE and complete the OIE transfer credit process at the start of the term prior to departure (October 1 for spring, March 1 for fall).
In addition to applying to Oxford for admission, you must also complete the OIE's Request Course Approval process.
If you are applying to Oxford for the academic year, please contact oie@fas.harvard.edu before March 1 to request an application link for the fall semester.

Application Materials

A strong application requires careful thought, advanced planning, and advising conversations (e.g., the respective Oxford college visiting student program director, concentration adviser(s), etc.). Colleges generally require the following materials:

Official transcript
Visiting Student Program application form (some may require the OIE’s signature)
Two letters of recommendation focused on your academic abilities and strengths and why you will succeed at Oxford; 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.
Statement of Purpose (speak strictly to your academic goals and motivation for applying to a particular college)
Tutorial Selection
- Subjects should be related and not span more than two disciplines (e.g. History and Government). A list of past tutorial topics may be available on the respective college’s website.
- Some colleges will accommodate bespoke tutorials.
- The admissions team works diligently to assign students to tutors with expertise in the subject who will guide their studies and challenge their analytical skills.