UK Education Guide
Applying to Oxford or Cambridge: what happens and when
The stages of an Oxford or Cambridge undergraduate application, with the 2027-entry dates published by each university.
Checked 18 Oct 2026 against the official pages below. Dates are for 2027 entry and change each year.
Oxford or Cambridge: check the UCAS rule first
Before you plan, read UCAS's current rule on applying to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year (ucas.com), so you choose with the rule in front of you.
The year before: course and college
Both universities are organised into colleges. Oxford describes more than 30 colleges and halls, and Cambridge says you will be part of a College.
Oxford asks you to check which colleges offer your course, then choose one or make an open application. Cambridge likewise lets you choose a College or make an open application. Check each course page for what applies.
The application: UCAS, tests and written work
Oxford's UCAS deadline for 2027 entry was 6pm UK time on Thursday 15 October 2026, which it notes is earlier than most other universities. Cambridge's page for 2027 entry also asks applicants to complete My Cambridge Application by 22 October 2026.
Some Oxford courses require an admissions test, listed on the course page; the UAT-UK test is taken in October, while UCAT (Medicine) and LNAT (Law) follow different timelines. Cambridge lists the UCAT, LNAT, ESAT and TMUA among its admission tests, and says some require registration before the UCAS deadline.
Some Oxford courses ask for a sample of written work; Oxford's page points to a 10 November date to check. Cambridge asks you to check whether you need written work or a portfolio and how to send it.
Interviews
Oxford expects to shortlist from the end of November to the beginning of December, and says shortlisted applicants will be invited to online interviews in December 2026. Cambridge's pages explain what happens in an interview but, on the pages we read, give no dates.
Decisions
Oxford says shortlisted candidates for 2027 entry will hear the outcome on 12 January 2027 via UCAS, with colleges following up directly later that day. Cambridge's pages we read give no decision date.
What Scholar Gateway helps with
We support families with university application planning. We cannot promise any admission outcome.
Sources
- Oxford: undergraduate admissions (checked 2026-10-18)
- Oxford: applying to Oxford, guide for applicants (checked 2026-10-18)
- Cambridge: undergraduate study (checked 2026-10-18)
- Cambridge: applying (checked 2026-10-18)
- UCAS (rule on applying to both: not read, check directly)
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules, fees and dates change: always check the official source (GOV.UK, the exam board or the school), or ask us.