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When are the application deadlines for OSGA graduate courses?

OSGA graduate courses generally have a final application deadline in January. Some courses also have an earlier deadline in November, allowing applications to be considered in an earlier admissions round.

If you apply by the November deadline but your application is incomplete, it will normally be considered at the January deadline instead, provided it is complete by then.

Deadlines vary by course and admissions year. Always check the relevant Oxford graduate course page for the current application deadlines, including those associated with scholarship consideration.

Can I apply to OSGA if I don't meet the published entry requirements?

Yes. You can still submit an application, which will be assessed by the relevant admissions board.

However, OSGA courses can be highly competitive, and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.

If your qualifications do not fully meet the published requirements, use your application to demonstrate your academic potential and suitability for the course. Relevant professional experience, research experience or other achievements may help demonstrate your preparedness for graduate study.

Explain clearly why you want to study your chosen course, how it relates to your academic interests and future plans, and what you would contribute to the academic community.

Do I need to contact a potential supervisor before applying to OSGA?

This depends on the course you are applying for.

For the DPhil in Area Studies, you should identify and contact a potential supervisor before submitting your application to establish whether an appropriate academic is available and willing to supervise your proposed research. Support from a potential supervisor does not guarantee an offer of admission.

For master's courses, you do not need to arrange a supervisor before applying. You may indicate your academic interests and preferences, but supervisor allocations are made by the relevant teaching committee, taking into account academic expertise and availability.

When should I start looking for funding for my graduate studies at Oxford?

You should research your funding options before submitting your application to OSGA.

Many graduate scholarships have deadlines linked to the admissions process. Some require additional information or separate applications to be submitted at the same time as your course application.

If you wait until after submitting your application to investigate funding, you may miss opportunities for which you would otherwise have been eligible.

We strongly recommend that you:

• Research scholarships and other funding opportunities before applying.
• Check the eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadlines for each funding scheme.
• Identify any additional forms or supporting documents you need to submit alongside your course application.
• Consider how you will cover both course fees and living costs for the duration of your studies.

Explore the University's graduate fees and funding information and the funding opportunities advertised on the OSGA website.

How much does it cost to study at OSGA, including living expenses?

When planning your finances, you will need to consider both your course fees and your living costs in Oxford.

Course fees vary depending on your programme and fee status. Living costs will depend on factors including accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses.

The University provides information about graduate fees and funding, including guidance to help you estimate your living costs.

We strongly recommend researching the full cost of your studies before applying and considering how you would meet these costs for the duration of your course.

What scholarships and funding opportunities are available for OSGA students?

A range of scholarships and funding opportunities may be available through the University of Oxford, its colleges, OSGA and external organisations.

Eligibility criteria, application processes and deadlines vary. Some scholarships automatically consider eligible applicants who submit their graduate application by the relevant funding deadline, while others require additional applications or supporting information.

Explore the funding opportunities advertised on the OSGA website and use the University's graduate fees and funding information to research scholarships for which you may be eligible.

Scholarship selections will mostly take place after an applicant has received an offer, so whilst it is very important to investigate opportunities before applying and whilst completing your application, scholarship nominations will generally only be considered for applicants who have submitted complete application.

Check funding requirements before submitting your course application, as some opportunities cannot be applied for retrospectively.

Can I apply to OSGA if I haven't secured funding?

Yes. You do not need to have secured funding before applying to OSGA. Applications are assessed on academic merit and suitability for the course, rather than an applicant's financial circumstances.

However, if you receive an offer, you will need to demonstrate that you can meet the financial requirements of your studies before your admission can be confirmed.

We strongly encourage prospective students to investigate scholarships, external funding and other financial arrangements before applying, taking into account both course fees and living costs.

How do I know whether my OSGA graduate application is complete?

Your application must be submitted and complete by the relevant deadline to be considered for admission.

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress through the University's Graduate Applicant Self Service system.

You should check that all required supporting documents have been accepted and that at least two of your three required references have been received by the deadline.

We recommend submitting your application well before the deadline to allow time to resolve any issues with supporting documents. The central Graduate Admissions team may reject documents that do not meet the published requirements.

You should receive confirmation when your application is ready for assessment, but continue checking your account for updates.

See the University's guidance on submitting your application.

Can I submit my OSGA application after the deadline?

No. OSGA cannot accept applications submitted after the final deadline for the course.

If your course has an earlier application deadline followed by a later one, an application that is incomplete at the earlier deadline may be considered at the later deadline, provided all requirements are met in time.

Remember that your application must include all mandatory supporting documents and at least two submitted references by the relevant deadline.

Always check the official course page for the deadlines that apply to your chosen programme.

Can I apply for more than one OSGA graduate course?

Yes. You can apply for more than one OSGA graduate course, and doing so will not negatively affect the assessment of your applications.

However, each application must demonstrate your motivation for studying that particular course. Your statement of purpose should be tailored to the programme rather than reused without adaptation.

The University limits the total number of graduate course applications you can submit in an admissions cycle. Check the graduate application guidance for the current rules.

Can I apply to OSGA without English language test results?

Yes. You can submit your application before receiving your English language test results.

If you receive an offer and are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, your offer will normally include a condition requiring you to meet the relevant standard.

Check the English language requirements for your chosen course and allow sufficient time to take an accepted test and provide your results.

See the University's English language requirements.

When will I hear the outcome of my OSGA graduate application?

You should normally expect to receive a decision within approximately ten weeks of the relevant application deadline.

Decisions are communicated through the University's graduate admissions process. Please monitor your email and Graduate Applicant Self Service account for updates.

What happens if my application to OSGA is unsuccessful?

Competition for places at OSGA is strong, and unfortunately we cannot offer admission to every suitably qualified applicant.

If you believe there has been a procedural error, irregularity or other recognised grounds for an admissions appeal, you can find information about the process on the University's complaints and appeals page.

An appeal is not an opportunity to request reconsideration solely because you disagree with the academic judgement of the admissions board.