What Grades Do I Need to Get Into Oxford or Cambridge?
The Oxbridge group consists of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which are actually dream destinations for students across the globe. Though both universities enjoy top-class reputations, their standard of entry requirement is equally high, not just concerning marks but also personal statements, entrance exams, interviews, and extracurricular activities.
In this guide, we'll cover everything important you need to know about the application process, from subject-specific entry requirements to what to do if you don't get them and the top tips that ensure you get a spot. Let's get into it!
Acceptance Rates at University of Oxford
The acceptance rate at Oxford is highly competitive and usually stands at about 15-17% for all courses, although it does vary by subject. Some courses, such as Medicine or PPE, are far more competitive.
Acceptance Rate at Cambridge at Cambridge University
The acceptance rate at Cambridge is also quite competitive, averaging around 15-20%, though some courses may have lower acceptance rates depending on the demand and supply for places.
What Are the Entry Requirements For the University Of Oxford?
Entry requirements at Oxford vary, depending on the course you apply for. Most of the courses require a student to have top grades in A-level or equivalent qualifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB). The typical entry requirements for a number of courses are categorized by subject are given below.
English Language and Literature
Academic Requirements
A-levels: AAA
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 (including core points) with 666 at Higher Level
Subject Requirements
Essential: English Literature, or English Language and Literature to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or any other equivalent.
Helpful: A language or History can be helpful, although they are not required for admission.
For more detailed information, please visit the English Language and Literature Programme Page.
Mathematics
Academic Requirements
A-levels: A*A*A with the A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if taken).
For those whom Further Mathematics is not available:
either A*AA with A* in Mathematics and A in AS-level Further Mathematics or A*AA with A* in Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
International Baccalaureate (IB): 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL (the 7 must be in Higher Level Mathematics)
Subject Requirements
Essential: Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent.
Recommended: Further Mathematics is highly recommended.
For more detailed information, please visit the Mathematics Programme Page.
Physics
Academic Requirements
A-levels: A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics. The A* must be in Mathematics, Physics, or Further Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
International Baccalaureate (IB): 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL (the 7 should be in either Physics or Mathematics)
Subject Requirements
Essential: Physics and Maths to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent.
Recommended: The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics module is highly recommended.
Helpful: Further Maths is helpful but not required for admission.
Additional Requirements
Admissions Test: All candidates must take the Physics Admissions Test (PAT) as part of their application.
For more detailed information, please visit the Physics Programme Page.
Chemistry
Academic Requirements
A-levels: A*A*A (including Chemistry and Mathematics) with both A*s in science subjects and/or Mathematics.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB (including Chemistry and Mathematics)
International Baccalaureate (IB): 40 (including core points). For applicants offering HL Mathematics, 766 at HL with 7 in HL Chemistry and 6 in HL Mathematics. For applicants offering SL Mathematics: 776 at HL with 7 in both HL Chemistry and a second HL science subject, and 7 in SL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
Subject Requirements
Essential: Candidates are required to have Chemistry and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, or Higher Level in the IB or any other equivalent. In IB, Mathematics 7 at SL is also acceptable only where students have taken Analysis & Approaches.
Recommended: An additional science subject or Further Mathematics is strongly recommended.
For more details, please visit the Chemistry Programme Page.
Biology
Academic Requirements
A-levels: A*AA – Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics are required, and the A* must be in a science or Mathematics. You can view the full list of subjects in which an A* grade will be acceptable.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB
International Baccalaureate (IB): 39 (including core points) – Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics are required with 7 in HL Mathematics or a science.
Subject Requirements
Essential: Candidates are required to have Biology and either Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or another equivalent.
For more detailed information, please visit the Biology Programme Page.
For Other Subjects at Oxford
You can try our chat university app and learn much more than just the entry requirements.
A Bit About Contextual Offers
Oxford makes contextual offers for applicants with either a disadvantaged background or from underrepresented groups. These are offered on slightly lower terms than standard entry requirements, such as AAA compared to a standard A+AA. This gives the student a more even playing field because others may not have the same academic opportunities.
What Are the Entry Requirements For the University Of Cambridge?
Cambridge entry requirements are not very different and range from A*AA to AAA, depending on the course. A brief overview of such requirements is given below:
English
Academic Requirements
A Level: A*AA
IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject Requirements
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level English Literature (A Level/IB Higher Level English Literature and Language may be accepted as a substitute at some Colleges).
Mathematics
Academic Requirements
Subject Requirements
All Colleges require:
A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics
A Level Further Mathematics (A Level students only)
Some Colleges Require:
A Level/IB Higher Level in a science subject
A Level/IB Higher Level Physics (for Mathematics with Physics only)
For further details, please visit the Mathematics Programme Page.
Engineering
Academic Requirements
A Level: A*A*A
IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other qualifications: Please see the Entrance requirements and International qualifications.
Subject Requirements
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in a third science/mathematics subject, STEP (STEP 2 may be requested by Peterhouse for some candidates – see the College website for details)
For further details, please visit the Engineering Programme Page.
Medicine
Academic Requirements
A Level: A*A*A
International Baccalaureate (IB): 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other Qualifications: Please refer to the Entrance requirements and International qualifications.
Subject Requirements
A Levels: Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate: Higher Levels in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, and Mathematics.
For further details, you can visit the Medicine Programme Page.
Computer Science
Academic Requirements
A Level: A*A*A
IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Other qualifications: See Entrance requirements.
Subject Requirements
All Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics*
Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in at least one other science/mathematics subject
Further guidance suggests that A Level Further Mathematics is very strongly encouraged. If unavailable, it is advised to do as much additional pure maths and decision maths as possible.
For more information, please visit the Computer Science Programme Page.
For Other Subjects at Cambridge
You can try our chat university app and learn much more than just the entry requirements.
What If You Do Not Get The Entry Grades for Oxford Or Cambridge?
Not attaining the entry grades is a disappointment, but this will not be the end of your hopes to join Oxford or Cambridge. Both universities can adopt flexibility in case:
Your marks are fractionally below the requirements, but you performed exceptionally well in the entrance test and interview.
If personal circumstances, such as illness or family problems, have had an effect on performance, and this is mentioned on your UCAS application by your referee.
If you come from a disadvantaged background and contextual offers may be made; in the event of your exams going badly and you fail to achieve the grades set out in your conditional offer, then the admissions tutors have discretion when considering whether or not to admit you, but this would always involve taking into account the full context of your application.
Can You Get Into Oxford or Cambridge With BTECs?
Oxford and Cambridge typically require A-levels or other equivalent qualifications, though BTECs can be accepted on occasion, probably with such other qualifications as A-levels. For example:
Oxford: For some courses, you may be able to take a BTEC with A-levels, but you might be required to achieve at least one A-level in a core subject.
Cambridge: Rarely accepted in their own right, but it may be taken into consideration where a strong A-level in related subjects has been attained.
If you're applying with BTECs, you will need to check with the admissions office whether your qualifications are acceptable for the course you're interested in.
When Will I Get My Grades?
For UK students taking A-levels, A-level results day tends to be in mid-August. The IB usually publishes results a bit earlier, in early July. If you receive an offer from Oxford or Cambridge that is conditional on your grades, you must meet that grade requirement by results day.
Top Tips to Achieve Oxford- or Cambridge-Level Grades
The top grades for either Oxford or Cambridge are to be secured with utter dedication and some strategic planning. Here are some tips:
Start early: Plan ahead of time for the entrance exams.
Practice critical thinking: Oxbridge heavily emphasizes problem-solving and thinking critically. Incorporate these skills into your revision.
Master your subjects: You should not just be rote learning but instead focus on learning concepts. Be prepared to discuss topics in depth that appear in the interviews.
Time management: Keep a clear revision schedule and utilize past exam papers.
Seek feedback: Look to receive detailed feedback from teachers on a regular basis to improve performance.
What If I Don't Reach Oxford or Cambridge Entry Requirements?
If you don't meet the entry requirements for Oxford or Cambridge, then:
Look if they contextualize their offers
If you are eligible, this might mean you get a slightly lower offer.
Disclose mitigating circumstances
Make sure your referee explains any personal circumstances that meant you performed less well than you should have done.
Reapply
If you only just miss the grades, you could spend a gap year re-taking any necessary exams to better your qualifications and reapply. You may be offered a place at either university on a related course, or be advised on other universities where you might do well.
An Inside Scoop on Oxford and Cambridge Admissions
Oxbridge Applications Start Early
Unlike most UK universities, the Oxbridge deadline is far earlier. The UCAS deadline usually falls in mid-October.
Extra-curricular activities
Oxford and Cambridge adore students who go beyond the curriculum. Do some independent reading about the subject, attend academic events, or take online courses in your subject.
Preparation for interviews
The interview process is considered notoriously challenging. For this, practice discussing academic concepts in a conversational format.
Grades Are Important, But Not Everything
Of course, grades play a great role in Oxbridge's placement, but grades are far from being the only factor. Entrance exams, personal statements, interviews, and extracurricular achievements all play an equal role in proving your suitability for Oxbridge.
Know the Specific Course Requirements
Different courses have varying grade expectations, entrance exams, and interview formats. It’s important to thoroughly research the specific requirements for the course you wish to apply for.
Prepare Holistically
It is not enough to attain the best grades, but also to invest time in preparing for entrance tests and interviews, as well as molding a first-class personal statement. Oxford and Cambridge are looking for all-round applicants who will have success in these challenging environments.
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