Application process

Below are the different stages of the application process, click on each to find out more:

Before applying check you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be eligible to make a competitive application.

You apply for the undergraduate course you hope to study with a foundation year. 

For example, 'English with Foundation Year' found under the Humanities Foundation Year, or 'Law with Foundation Year' found under the Law Foundation Year.

You can find the available subject pathways listed on the course pages on this website. A UCAS code and link for each course can be found under the 'Subject Pathway' drop down menus on each course page.

You can also see all the subject pathways listed on the UCAS website.

Check you meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen subject pathway. The requirements are listed on the following foundation year course pages:

We accept a number of different qualifications including Advanced Highers, BTECs, IB and Access to HE Diplomas. If you are not sure whether your qualification will be accepted please contact us.

Please note that as with undergraduate admissions at Oxford our offers on the foundation year are based on A-level (or equivalent) grades, not on the UCAS Tariff. For example, AAC at A-level would not meet BBB entry requirements. Some foundation year courses also require a specific grade in the most relevant subject(s) to your course of study.

The application deadline for 2024 entry is on 31 January 2024.

Your UCAS application will include a Personal Statement. If you are applying to a foundation year course at Oxford as well as other courses at other universities, your Personal Statement can focus on the subject you are interested in and it does not have to mention your motivations for studying the foundation year specifically. You will get the chance to expand on this in the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ).

There is advice on the UCAS website on how to submit an application.

The University of Oxford provides guidance on several parts of this UCAS application. This is primarily aimed at undergraduate applications but much of the advice is still useful. Please note that some of this guidance refers to the undergraduate application deadline in October however the deadline to apply for the foundation year is in January.

Applicants will be able to provide information relating to the eligibility criteria they meet by filling in a Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ). The FYAAQ is sent to eligible applicants shortly after the UCAS deadline in January. Applicants are also provided with a written guide and an instructional video to help them complete this questionnaire.

When completing the FYAAQ, applicants will be asked to indicate which criteria they meet, and to upload evidence if required. Only applications we have verified as eligible can be assessed further.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. For 2024 entry, interviews will be held online in March 2024.

Successful applicants will receive their offer via UCAS in April. 

Interview guidance

https://www.youtube.com/embed/D4mSgst8pRo

Complaints and appeals

For more information about Astrophoria Foundation Year complaints and appeals within the application process at the University of Oxford please visit the University website. Please note that any Complaints and Appeals Forms (Stage 1) that refer to an Astrophoria Foundation Year application should be sent via email to contact@foundationyear.ox.ac.uk.

 

Advice for parents, carers and supporters

The University has drawn together resources to support parents, carers and supporters during University applications which can be found on the University website. Although the Astrophoria Foundation Year application process is different this resource still contains lots of useful advice and information.

The YoungMinds charity website also provides useful advice and guidance about supporting young people who are starting University.