Applications

Applying to Oxford can be both exciting and confusing, especially since the process differs across countries and programmes. Here, you’ll find practical tips from current students who have successfully navigated their applications—whether for a degree or a visiting PhD. If you can’t find the answer you need, feel free to email us.

Applying to the University of Oxford

As the Brazilian Society at the University of Oxford, we often receive questions from students interested in studying here. While we are not an official admissions body, we (students) have prepared this page to help guide you through the general structure of the application process based on our collective experience.

Some programs in Brazil  - such as BRASA , NegritudePhD - offer mentoring to help you prepare for your application. Some have a selection process; see if you meet the requirements.

Check Undergraduate Applications

For those applying for undergraduate degrees, the process is centralised through the UCAS system. You can find full details on the University’s undergraduate admissions website. 

Check Graduate Applications

For postgraduate (master’s and doctoral) studies, applications are made directly to your chosen department through the University’s Graduate Admissions website.

Oxford’s postgraduate programmes are generally shorter than those in the United States. Master’s degrees usually last one year, with three academic terms of teaching followed by a dissertation in the summer. In many departments, you do not need to have a supervisor for the one year master's programs or do any final presentation (defesa). Doctoral programmes (DPhil) normally take three to four years and focus primarily on independent research.

There are also rolling calls that can happen throughout the year, in which professors already have a defined research project and recruit PhD students to work on a specific research question. In these cases, opportunities are often advertised almost like job openings — for example, on professors’ LinkedIn pages and on websites such as jobs.ac. However, on this page we focus on the departments’ annual application cycles.

The Application is Online

All applications are completed online, meaning you can apply from wherever you are in the world. The process begins by identifying which department you wish to apply to.

Each department manages its own admissions, so you must check the specific requirements for your course—such as academic background, references, writing samples, or language tests.

Oxford is a Paid University

Unlike public universities in Brazil, the University of Oxford is a private institution, therefore students pay annual tuition fees.

When looking for scholarships, it’s important to find funding that covers visa application, tuition fees and living expenses, since Oxford is known for being an expensive city.

Although healthcare under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is free at the point of use, international students must pay an NHS surcharge as part of their visa. You’ll also need to cover accommodation, meals, and daily expenses, as these are not included in tuition. Even NHS dental appointments require a small consultation fee.

Check our page about Living in Oxford to help you calculate costs. 

University-Wide Scholarship Application

Most University scholarships are considered automatically during your course application. You can indicate your interest in funding in the online form, and you will then be considered for departmental, University-wide, and college scholarships.

In some cases, you might be asked to provide an additional statement or letter for a particular scholarship, but usually ticking the funding option is enough.

Keep in mind that, unlike in the United States, an offer of admission does not guarantee funding. You may receive your departmental offer before securing a scholarship, and the University often allows a few months for you to confirm funding sources.

Consider Brazilian Scholarships

Brazilian students can also apply for external scholarships, such as those from Fundação Estudar, Fundação Lemann, or FAPESP’s BEP programme for visiting researchers. Each funding body has its own eligibility rules and timelines, so plan ahead and apply in parallel with your Oxford application.

Start by Department

Your first step should be to choose the department or programme that best fits your academic and research interests.

Visit your department’s page to explore available courses, supervisors, and areas of research. 

OUBS Tip Get to know Oxford’s academic calendar. The academic year begins in October, which differs from Brazil (and many UK universities). Avoid reaching out to potential supervisors during university breaks or at the start of terms, when they are busiest.

Check Requirements and Deadlines

Each course lists its own entry requirements, including language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), references, and writing samples.

Oxford’s graduate admissions usually have two deadlines per year:

• The earlier deadline for scholarship consideration.

• The final deadline for all remaining applications.

Make sure you apply by the first deadline if you wish to be considered for funding.

OUBS Tip Many departments at the University of Oxford host online Open Day events to explain the application process and offer Q&A sessions with current students. Make sure to attend these online events — they provide valuable insights and practical tips for applying to that specific department.