Guidance for Parents, Carers & Supporters: Applying
If you are supporting someone who has already started at Oxford, see our guidance on welfare and support.
Supporting someone applying to Oxford
We are pleased that someone you support is considering the Astrophoria Foundation Year at the University of Oxford.
Applying to university can feel unfamiliar, particularly at Oxford, where the collegiate structure and tutorial system may be different from other institutions. This page explains how the application process works and where you can find reliable information.
Students applying to Oxford are expected to take responsibility for their own application. However, we recognise that parents, carers and supporters often play an important role in providing encouragement and practical support.
What is the Astrophoria Foundation Year?
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year programme for UK state school students with significant academic potential who have experienced significant personal disadvantage and / or educational disruption.
Students who successfully complete the programme at the required level progress directly onto their undergraduate degree at Oxford.
Foundation Year students:
- Are members of an Oxford college
- Study academic content aligned with their chosen degree
- Receive academic and pastoral support
- Live and study as part of the wider undergraduate community
Explore the Astrophoria Foundation Year eligibility criteria
Understanding how Oxford works
Oxford has a collegiate structure.
Each student belongs to:
- A department or faculty, where their subject is taught, and
- A college, which provides accommodation, welfare support and a community
Teaching often takes place through small-group sessions known as tutorials.
Oxford’s academic year is divided into three terms:
- Michaelmas (autumn)
- Hilary (spring)
- Trinity (summer)
Each term has eight weeks of intensive teaching.
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How does the application process work?
UK students apply through UCAS.
The Astrophoria Foundation Year also requires:
- A specific course choice
- Completion of the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ)
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates
You can find out more on our 'How to apply' pages.
It is important that applicants complete their own forms and communicate directly with the University.
Guidance for parents and supporters is also available on the main Oxford University website.
What about fees and student finance?
The Astrophoria Foundation Year does not charge students tuition fees and students are not required to take out any student finance. Tuition, accommodation and living expenses are covered by the Astrophoria Foundation Year Programme.
However, if students progress to undergraduate study at Oxford or elsewhere, they will need to cover all their tuition, accommodation and living expenses. You may find these resources useful when planning ahead:
- Information about Oxford tuition fees and financial support
- Information about UK government student finance
Funding systems differ across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Students should apply for finance directly themselves.
Preparing for the transition to university
Starting university is a significant transition. Students will be expected to manage their time, academic work and finances with increasing independence.
Young Minds provides helpful advice for parents and carers supporting young people through this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a fully integrated Oxford University programme. Students who complete it successfully receive a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). Students who successfully complete it at the required level for Oxford continue directly onto their undergraduate degree at the University.
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is the only Foundation Year programme at the University of Oxford.
Yes. Foundation Year students are normally accommodated by their college, in the same way as other undergraduates.
Students at Oxford are independent adult learners. Academic communication takes place directly between tutors and students.
University study requires increasing independence. Students are expected to:
- Manage their workload
- Attend teaching
- Seek help when needed
- Communicate directly with staff
Support is available, but students are expected to take the initiative.
If you have further questions about the Astrophoria Foundation Year, please get in touch.
