Every year, thousands of students preparing to submit their UCAS application ask the same question: can you apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?
These two institutions sit at the very top of UK university league tables and are renowned for their academic rigour, personalised teaching, and global prestige. With so much at stake, it’s only natural to wonder whether it’s possible to keep both options open.
The short answer? No – not for undergraduate education. You can only apply to one of the two universities in a single UCAS application cycle, with a few rare exceptions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the application process, explain the differences between the two institutions, and help you choose which university is right for you.
For bespoke advice, our team of consultants are here to help. If you’re still deciding between Oxford and Cambridge, we can advise on university selection based on your academic profile, entry requirements and career goals. Moreover, we have experienced Oxbridge Tutors who provide wider application support, helping undergraduate applicants secure offers at an impressive 66%* success rate. That’s over 3x times the national average!
*Source: Respondents to The Profs’ Client Feedback Survey 2025
Contents:
- Why Can’t You Apply to Both Oxford and Cambridge?
- How to Choose Between Oxford and Cambridge
- UCAS Application Timeline and Deadlines
- Understanding the Oxbridge Application Process
- Can International Students Apply?
- Writing Your Personal Statement: Oxbridge Admissions Advice
- Oxford vs Cambridge Interviews: What to Expect
- How The Profs Can Help You Apply to Oxford or Cambridge
Why Can’t You Apply to Both Oxford and Cambridge?
You cannot apply to both universities in the same academic year as part of your UCAS undergraduate application. This rule applies to all undergraduate courses at both institutions. If you’re submitting your UCAS form this autumn, you’ll need to choose either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.
There are only two exceptions:
- Organ Scholars: Students applying for an organ scholarship may apply to both universities.
- Postgraduate Education: This rule applies to undergraduate admissions only. For postgraduate applications, students are permitted to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge.
Why Is This the Case?
When UCAS was created, Cambridge and Oxford chose to remain distinctive. They decided that students should not be allowed to apply to both universities in one admissions cycle. This decision was made to reduce duplicated applications and to ensure candidates carefully considered their academic interests and strengths before applying.
Choosing Between Oxford and Cambridge
The first step in the Oxbridge application process is choosing which university best suits you. This is not just a question of prestige. You should consider your subject interests, the structure of your preferred course, and the type of environment where you are most likely to succeed.
Cambridge and Oxford share many features: both are collegiate universities, both require you to take a test as part of the application for most subjects, and both expect applicants to have strong predicted grades and academic ability and potential. However, they differ in key areas.
Consider the Following:
Entry Requirements
The admissions requirements for each university differ. Typically, Cambridge expects one grade higher than Oxford. For example, if you’re applying for straight History at Cambridge, the requirement is A*AA compared to AAA at Oxford. If you don’t expect to achieve any A*s, applying to Cambridge carries higher risk than Oxford.
Choosing the Right Course
You need to choose an undergraduate course that genuinely fits you. In our experience, many applicants are inclined to game the system by applying to less competitive courses they aren’t passionate about. The interview is designed to identify this. To perform well, you need to be genuinely excited by your subject, as you’ll spend tens of hours reading and researching it.
Moreover, some courses are only available at one institution. For example, Fine Art is exclusive to Oxford, while Cambridge offers Natural Sciences as a unique interdisciplinary pathway. Other decisions are more complex, such as PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) at Oxford versus HSPS at Cambridge. Oxford’s PPE is more quantitative and economics-focused, while Cambridge’s HSPS is more qualitative and history-focused. Visiting universities and reviewing brochures helps you see which course feels right.
Collegiate Feel
Each college within Oxford or Cambridge University has its own distinct community, ethos, and academic focus. Some students thrive in smaller, more intimate colleges, while others prefer larger, more active ones. Understanding the collegiate environment is important because it shapes your experience, your engagement with tutors, and even your success in interviews.
Top tip: Both Oxford and Cambridge encourage students to visit on official open days. If possible, attend open days for both universities before making your final decision. Open days are your chance to explore the campus, speak to current students and staff, and get a feel for the college system. These visits can influence your choice of university as well as your shortlist of preferred colleges.
While you might be tempted to make an open application, we generally do not recommend it. Applying openly does not increase your chances of being admitted. Instead, choosing a specific college demonstrates that you have researched the institution, understand its culture, and have a genuine interest in joining its community.
Ultimately, you must apply to the university that best aligns with your goals, personality, and academic strengths. Get expert guidance for your Oxbridge application from our team of Admissions Tutors. With a +90% success rate for first and second-choice offers, we can help you help you navigate personal statements, tests, and interviews.
UCAS Application Timeline and Deadlines
To apply to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, you must submit your UCAS application by 15 October in the year before entry. This deadline is earlier than for most other UK university and college admission routes, so you need to be prepared well in advance.
Your UCAS form must include:
- Your chosen course.
- A carefully written personal statement.
- Predicted grades.
- A reference from a teacher.
- Any required test registrations (some tests take place before interviews).
This early deadline ensures both universities can manage the large number of applications they receive and maintain a fair and rigorous admissions process.
Understanding the Oxbridge Application Process
The Oxbridge application process includes several steps that are part of your UCAS application and beyond.
Step-by-Step Overview:
- Submit your UCAS form by 15 October.
- Register for admissions tests (if required for your course).
- Submit any written work (if your course requests it).
- Attend interviews in December.
- Receive your offer (or not) in January.
Oxford applicants and Cambridge applicants must take great care to follow these steps in detail. Missing even one component – such as a test registration or submission deadline – could result in your application being rejected automatically.
At both universities, tutors may ask for additional evidence of your academic thinking, such as marked essays, examples of problem-solving, or written assessments. These are assessed alongside your predicted grades and academic history.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes – the application process applies to undergraduate students across the globe, including international students. Whether you’re applying from within the United Kingdom, the United States, or elsewhere, you must use the UCAS system and meet the same deadlines.
International applicants are advised to pay close attention to:
- Required admissions tests.
- English language proficiency requirements (such as the IELTS).
- Visa and funding information.
- Differences in secondary school qualifications.
For most courses, international students are assessed in the same way as domestic applicants. Cambridge and Oxford aim to identify academic ability and potential regardless of background or nationality.
Writing Your Personal Statement: Oxbridge Admissions Advice
Your personal statement is a key part of your UCAS form and should reflect your academic interests, experiences, and preparation.
New UCAS Format (from 2026):
- Why do you want to study this subject or course?
- How have your academic studies prepared you?
- What have you done beyond school, and why does it matter?
The strongest statements showcase critical thinking, curiosity, and a clear academic journey. You should demonstrate that you’ve read widely around your subject and can draw connections between different courses or ideas. Avoid exaggeration or generic statements and listing achievements without explaining their relevance.
Your ability to think independently and reflect on your learning is more important than a lengthy list of extracurricular activities.
Oxford vs Cambridge Interviews: What to Expect
Interviews are a major part of the Oxbridge application process, and understanding how they differ can help you decide where to apply.
Oxford Interviews
- Around 45% of applicants are interviewed.
- Roughly 37% of those interviewed receive an offer.
- Greater emphasis is placed on your academic record, test results, and written application.
Cambridge Interviews
- Around 75% of applicants are interviewed.
- Only about 25% of those interviewed are offered a place.
- You may be invited to more than one interview, including at different colleges.
Tutors at either university will ask questions designed to stretch your thinking. The aim is not to test what you already know, but to evaluate your ability to think critically and adapt to new challenges. For example, you may be asked to interpret unfamiliar information, discuss a controversial idea, or solve a new type of problem.
How The Profs Can Help You Apply to Oxford or Cambridge
Applications to both universities are highly competitive, with a limited number of places and a rigorous selection process. Every detail matters – from the way you describe your academic interests to how you perform under pressure.
At The Profs, we help students maximise their chances with expert, personalised support:
- Oxbridge Admissions Tutors who know the process inside-out.
- Personal Statement Tutors to guide your writing and content.
- Interview Training Tutors to develop your confidence and academic responses.
- College Selection Advice to help you find the best fit.
If you’re ready to apply to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, don’t leave your success to chance. Book a free consultation and get the support you need to stand out for either university.
FAQs: Can You Apply to Oxford and Cambridge?
Does Oxford or Cambridge care more about GCSEs?
Oxford places slightly more emphasis on GCSEs than Cambridge, though both universities take a holistic view of your academic record. GCSEs are considered as evidence of academic potential, but they are only one part of your application. Admissions tutors also review your examinations, predicted A-Level grades, activities, and your chosen subject. When you apply to both Cambridge and Oxford, strong GCSEs help, but demonstrating wider academic excellence and genuine interest in your subject is equally important.
Is Oxford or Cambridge better for medicine?
Both Oxford and Cambridge universities are prestigious and highly competitive for medicine. Cambridge is currently ranked #1 in the Complete University Guide league table, while Oxford is number #2. Rankings can change from year to year, so it’s important to consider both universities’ course structure and teaching style. Oxford focuses more on clinical experience early in the course, whereas Cambridge emphasises laboratory and research-based learning. If you apply to Oxford and Cambridge, consider your preferred approach and the opportunities each university offers for your academic degree and chosen subject.
Do you need all 9s to get into Oxford?
You do not need to have all 9s to apply to Oxford, but top grades in relevant subjects demonstrate your academic potential. Predicted or achieved grades are considered alongside your examinations, personal statement, and activities. For medicine and other competitive courses, exceptional performance in your chosen subject at A-Level is critical, but you can still apply to either Oxford or Cambridge even if you do not have a perfect record. Your overall profile, including opportunities you have pursued, plays a key role in whether the admissions office may offer you a place.
