Oxford and Cambridge UCAS applications need to be completed according to special early deadlines which change based on numerous factors.

How do Oxbridge applications work?

You will need to complete a UCAS application in order to attempt to win a place at Oxford or Cambridge universities. UCAS is a centralised system for applying to UK universities - you can choose a maximum of 5 options in total, and they will all see the same components of your UCAS form (for example a common personal statement which goes out to all of them). 

Under Oxford or Cambridge specifically, you will also need to specify which college you want to apply for (there are a number of factors for college choice that you might consider, though it is also worth noting that 'open application' is an option), and which course you want to apply for.

Can I apply to Oxford and Cambridge?

At undergraduate level, the simple answer is no - it is not possible to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge simultaneously (this is something that does become possible at postgraduate level, however). Many students will naturally therefore ask: 'why can't people apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?'. The simple answer is that the demand for both is so high that it would be highly impractical to process the number of applications both institutions would likely receive as a result.

However, it is worth noting that there is an exception to this rule - organ scholars (those willing to perform, often as part of college chapel services - they do not need to be applying for Music courses, though they may be barred from certain courses like Medicine) can apply to both in the same year.

What are the key dates for Oxbridge applications?

It's important to be aware of the overall timeline when you're applying to Oxford or Cambridge, since late applications will not be considered. 

Most UK universities have much later deadlines than Oxford and Cambridge (often around January, whereas Oxford and Cambridge are a few months earlier in October, usually). It is not however possible to only submit the Oxbridge part of your application in October, and send the others later - all 5 need to be sent off in one go, and so all 5 will need to be sent off via UCAS by the earliest deadline (which will most likely be your Oxbridge deadline here).

The exact dates change each year, and you should always check on the individual Oxford and Cambridge official websites for precise information, but here's a rough idea of the key dates for Oxbridge admissions (based on 2024 entry info):

Summer (between first and second year of college/sixth form for most applicants): start researching, writing personal statements, getting references, etc.

By 29th September: register for any admissions tests you'll need to take (these depend on your chosen course - go on their individual websites to find more details here).

By 16th October: submit your completed UCAS form.

By mid-late November: submit any extra written work that the university wants from you (this could be essays from A Level mocks if applying to a History course, for example - see specific course websites for details again) - note that it's also around this time that you'll be sitting those admissions tests too.

And now you wait! If you're invited to interview, that will usually take place in December. If you're successful in gaining a place, you'll usually hear back in January. Of course, most students (with a conditional offer, based on performance in their upcoming exams) will still need to continue working hard for a few months to secure those all-important grades and claim their spot.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the timeline for Oxbridge applications is crucial. Of course, this is a compulsory requirement if you want your application to be considered at all - but it also allows you to plan ahead in the lead-up to your exams, meaning you can create a suitable and realistic schedule for yourself (knowing when to focus on revision, when to focus on applications, etc). This can be a stressful time for many students and time management is a key tool which you can use to manage the need to juggle everything going on and give yourself peace of mind.

And remember - always check the official Oxford and Cambridge admissions sites for the specific dates applicable to your year of entry!