Can I Apply to Oxford or Cambridge if I’m Studying at Another University?

Can I Apply to Oxford or Cambridge if I’m Studying at Another University?

In our many years of experience in helping students of all levels plan their applications to Oxford and Cambridge we’ve heard pretty much every question there is to ask on the matter. One question that has been cropping up a lot for our consultants lately, and which we haven’t really addressed here on our blog yet, is the question of whether you can apply to Oxbridge if you’ve already begun an undergraduate degree elsewhere. In short, the answer to this question is probably not, unless you’re going to finish your current degree, but let’s get into the finer details of the various possible circumstances at play to explain this topic further.

Second Undergraduate Course

The first thing to mention is that both Oxford and Cambridge welcome applications from students who have already completed an undergraduate course, so if you’re studying at another university and soon to graduate, perhaps the best course of action is to finish your current degree before then applying to Oxford or Cambridge. For both universities, the application should be submitted as any other undergraduate application (i.e. via UCAS and by the October deadline), with the exception of the mature colleges at Cambridge (Hughes Hall, St Edmund’s and Wolfson) who consider certain applicants as part of a second application round. For both universities, you will need to have achieved a First or Upper Second Class degree classification in order to be seriously considered for a second undergraduate degree, should mention in your UCAS personal statement relevant activities you undertook at both university and school, and should secure a reference form someone who’s familiar with your academic performance in your previous degree(s).

A both universities, as well, there is an option for certain candidates to apply to begin directly in the second year of the degree. At Oxford, this is referred to as ‘Senior Status’, and exempts you from first year exams and admits you straight into second year, whilst at Cambridge this is referred to as applying as an ‘affiliated student’, allowing you to take the course in a year less than usual. At both universities there are restrictions on which colleges and courses allow this kind of application, so be sure to check out the Oxford or Cambridge website for more information.