University of Oxford Admission Dates 2026: Exam & Result Deadlines

Everything You Need to Know About University of Oxford Admission Dates, Exam Dates, and Result Dates for 2026: Hey there, future Oxford scholar! If you’re dreaming of strolling through the historic halls of the University of Oxford, you’re in the right place. I’m AUBSP, your guide to navigating the intricate world of Oxford’s admissions process for 2026 entry. Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities globally, and getting in requires careful planning and timely action. In this detailed article, I’ll walk you through the latest information on admission dates, exam dates, and result dates for 2026, ensuring you have all the key deadlines at your fingertips. Plus, I’ve put together a comprehensive table summarizing everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!

Why Oxford’s Admissions Process Matters

Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why these dates are so important. Oxford’s admissions process is highly competitive, with over 20,000 applicants vying for around 3,250 undergraduate spots each year. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding a requirement could mean waiting another year to apply. As AUBSP, I’ve seen how crucial it is to stay organized, so I’m here to make sure you’re on top of every step.

The process involves several stages: submitting your UCAS application, registering for admissions tests, submitting written work (if required), attending interviews, and awaiting results. Each stage has strict deadlines, and Oxford doesn’t typically accept late submissions, especially for undergraduate courses. For graduate programs, deadlines vary by course, but planning ahead is still key. Now, let’s break down the timeline for 2026 entry.

Undergraduate Admission Dates for 2026

For undergraduate applicants, the journey to Oxford starts well over a year before you’d begin your studies in October 2026. Here’s the step-by-step timeline based on the latest available information:

• May 13, 2025: UCAS Application Opens
  You can start filling out your UCAS application as early as mid-May 2025. This is when you’ll select your course and college (or opt for an open application). Take your time to craft a strong personal statement—Oxford tutors read these carefully!
• September 1–29, 2025: Admissions Test Registration
  Many Oxford courses require admissions tests, like the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) or TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment). You’ll need to register through Pearson VUE test centers during this window. Don’t wait until the last minute—early registration ensures you get a convenient test center.
• October 15, 2025, 6:00 PM (UK Time): UCAS Application Deadline
  This is the big one! All undergraduate applications must be submitted via UCAS by this date. Unlike most UK universities, which have a January deadline, Oxford’s earlier cutoff is non-negotiable. As AUBSP, I can’t stress enough how important it is to double-check your application well before this date.
• November 10, 2025: Written Work Submission Deadline
  Some courses, like English or History, require you to submit written work (e.g., essays) to the college considering your application. Check your course page to confirm if this applies and submit by this deadline.
• December 2025: Interviews
  If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for online interviews in early to mid-December. These are rigorous but also a chance to shine. Tutors want to see how you think, so prepare to discuss your subject in depth.
• January 13, 2026: Admission Decisions Released
  The moment of truth! Oxford releases decisions via UCAS in the morning, followed by direct communication from your college. Whether it’s an offer, rejection, or waitlist, you’ll know your status on this date.
• August 2026: Confirmation of Place
  Once you receive your exam results (e.g., A-levels, IB, or equivalent) and meet your offer conditions, your place is confirmed. If exams are disrupted, Oxford has a history of flexibility, but you’ll need to meet the conditions by the UCAS deadline.

Admissions Test Dates for 2026

Admissions tests are a critical part of Oxford’s process for many courses. For 2026 entry, these tests are computer-based and administered through Pearson VUE test centers worldwide. The testing window is typically in late October, and here’s what you need to know:

• October 21–27, 2025: Oxford Admissions Tests
  Most Oxford-specific tests, including the AHCAAT (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test), BMSAT (Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test), CAT (Classics Admissions Test), MAT, MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test), PAT (Physics Admissions Test), PhilAT (Philosophy Admissions Test), and TSA, are scheduled during this period. Specific dates within this window depend on the test:
• MAT, CAT, PAT: Likely October 22–23, 2025.
• TSA, BMSAT: Likely October 21–24 or 27, 2025.
• MLAT, PhilAT, AHCAAT: Check course pages for exact days, but they fall within this week. Note that the History Aptitude Test (HAT) is not running in 2025, so History applicants won’t take a test for 2026 entry. Always confirm test requirements on your course page, as some tests are course-specific.
• Registration Deadline: September 29, 2025
  You must register for your test by this date. If you need access arrangements (e.g., extra time), request them early during registration.

Test results are sent directly to Oxford tutors for shortlisting decisions in November and shared with applicants after decisions are released in January 2026.

Graduate Admission Dates for 2026

Graduate admissions at Oxford are more flexible, with deadlines varying by program. However, most courses have key deadlines in December 2025 or January 2026 for October 2026 entry. Here’s a general overview:

• Early September 2025: Graduate Application Portal Opens
  You can start your application for most master’s, DPhil (PhD), or other graduate programs.
• December 2025–January 2026: Main Application Deadlines
  Many programs have deadlines in early December (e.g., December 2, 2025) or mid-January (e.g., January 7 or 21, 2026). Some, like the MBA or certain scholarships (e.g., Clarendon Fund), may have earlier deadlines, such as September 27, 2025, for the MBA Round 1.
• March–April 2026: Admission Decisions
  Decisions typically come 8–10 weeks after the application deadline. For January deadlines, expect to hear back by late March or early April 2026.
• No Standardized Test Dates
  Unlike undergraduate admissions, graduate programs don’t have unified test dates. Some courses require tests like the GRE or GMAT, which you can take at your convenience, but check program-specific requirements.

Since graduate deadlines vary, visit the course page on Oxford’s website to confirm exact dates. If you’re applying for funding, note that scholarship deadlines (e.g., Rhodes, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann) often align with the earliest application round.

Result Dates and What Happens Next

For undergraduates, the key result date is January 13, 2026, when admission decisions are released via UCAS. If you receive an offer, it might be conditional (e.g., achieving specific A-level grades) or unconditional (if you’ve already met requirements). You’ll also hear from your college about next steps, like completing a Financial Declaration form.

For graduate applicants, results depend on when you applied. Decisions are communicated via email and the Graduate Applicant Self-Service portal, typically 8–10 weeks post-deadline. If offered a place, you’ll need to confirm by accepting the offer and meeting any conditions (e.g., providing degree transcripts).

If you don’t get an offer, don’t lose hope! You can request feedback from your college (by February 15, 2026, for undergraduates) to improve for future applications. Oxford’s process is tough, but it’s designed to find the best fit for each course.

Note: Dates for admissions tests and graduate deadlines are based on patterns from previous years and official Oxford communications. Always check the University of Oxford’s website for confirmation, as minor changes can occur.

A few insider tips to help you navigate this process smoothly:

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until October to begin your UCAS application. Draft your personal statement over the summer and get feedback from teachers or mentors.
2. Know Your Course: Oxford’s courses are specific, and you can only apply for one. Research thoroughly to ensure it’s the right fit.
3. Practice for Tests: Use past papers on Oxford’s admissions test pages to prepare. These tests assess how you think, not just what you know.
4. Check College Requirements: Some colleges have additional steps, like specific written work formats. Contact them if you’re unsure.
5. Stay Calm for Interviews: If invited, treat interviews as a chance to discuss your passion. Tutors aren’t trying to trick you—they want to see your potential.

Applying to Oxford is a journey, but with the right preparation, it’s an achievable one. By keeping these 2026 admission dates, exam dates, and result dates in mind, you’re already a step ahead. I’m AUBSP, and I’m rooting for you to succeed in this exciting process. Bookmark this article, refer to the table, and check Oxford’s official website for any updates. Got questions? Feel free to reach out to Oxford’s admissions team or your school’s advisors—they’re there to help.

Here’s to your future at Oxford—go make it happen!