Applying to Oxford and Cambridge: Entrance Exams, Interviews & Extra Requirements

Applying to Oxford or Cambridge involves a set of extra requirements beyond the standard UCAS form—specifically, most applicants must complete a subject-specific entrance exam, attend one or more rigorous academic interviews, and, for some courses, submit written work or portfolios. These additional layers are designed to distinguish the very top candidates from an already high-calibre field. In the 2026 admissions round, Oxford received over 24,000 undergraduate applications for approximately 3,300 places, while Cambridge admitted around 3,600 students from more than 22,000 applicants. With so many strong candidates, entrance exams and interviews become decisive. This guide walks you through each requirement, from the key tests and their deadlines to what happens behind