How to Apply to Oxbridge and the Russell Group as an International Student

1.  British Goals, Global Families

Each year, international students set their sights on the UK’s most competitive universities – Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group. Whether you’re applying yourself or supporting a child through the process, it can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

The UK system is academically rigorous and highly specialised, with key differences from the US and other international models. Knowing what to expect and when to act can make all the difference.

Whether you are aiming for Medicine at Cambridge, Law at LSE, or PPE at Oxford, we will walk you through the process step by step – from subject choices and personal statements to admissions tests and interviews – with practical advice, clear timelines and strategies that work.

2.  Understanding UK Universities

What Are Oxbridge and the Russell Group?

“Oxbridge” refers to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge – the UK’s most prestigious and oldest institutions. You can only apply to ONE of these two universities. They are known for:

• Deep subject immersion
• Weekly tutorials/supervisions
• Academic intensity and independence

The Russell Group includes 24 leading research universities such as UCL, University of Edinburgh, Imperial and King’s College London. These institutions are known for:

• Academic rigour
• Global recognition
• Strong graduate outcomes

While not a formal ranking, these universities share high standards and attract ambitious students.

How the UK System Differs Internationally

• Subject-specific applications: Students apply directly to one course (e.g. Law, Medicine) from the outset.
• Academic focus: Admissions are based primarily on academic results and subject passion.
• Fewer choices: Students apply to up to 5 courses via UCAS, and only one of Oxford or Cambridge.
• No general education: Unlike the US model, UK universities expect students to specialise early.

Understanding this system helps international families avoid missteps and prepare more strategically.

3.  When to Start: Planning from Age 15–17

Preparation for competitive UK universities ideally begins in UK Years 10–12 (ages 15–17). Here is a suggested timeline:

• Year 10–11 (Ages 14–16)
  • Choose GCSE/equivalent subjects to support future university courses
  • Start exploring university options and attending open day
  • Develop super-curricular interests (e.g. wider reading, lectures)
• Year 12 (Ages 16–17)
  • Finalise A-level or IB subjects
  • Prepare for admissions tests (e.g. UCAT, TSA)
  • Attend university open days and engage in deeper academic exploration
• Year 13 (Ages 17–18)
  • Complete the UCAS application
  • Sit admissions tests and attend interviews (if shortlisted)

For parents, supporting your child means helping them structure their time, access the right resources, and maintain balance.

4.  Academic Requirements and Subject Choices

Choosing the Right Subjects

Certain university courses require specific A-levels or Higher Level IB subjects. For example:

• Engineering: Maths and Physics
• Medicine: Chemistry and Biology
• Law: No specific requirements, but essay-based subjects like History are helpful

It is essential to check each university’s course requirements early and build a subject combination that keeps doors open.

Predicted Grades Matter

UK universities make offers based on predicted grades, so academic performance in Year 12 is especially important. Schools typically submit these predictions with the UCAS application. Under-prediction can disadvantage you, especially for Oxbridge or competitive courses – so it’s important that your school understands how their grades translate to the UK system if it is a system that isn’t recognised by the university.

Academic References

References are written by teachers and should highlight academic ability, potential, and suitability for the course. For international students, schools should be prepared to explain their grading systems and context.

5.  Going Beyond School: Super-Curricular Activities

Super-curricular activities go beyond the classroom and show a student’s genuine interest in their chosen subject. Examples include:

• Reading academic books or journals
• Watching university lectures or documentaries
• Writing blog posts or essays related to the subject
• Entering academic competitions

These activities help shape the personal statement and prepare students for interviews, especially at Oxbridge.

6.  Admissions Tests and Interviews

Many courses at top universities require applicants to take specific admissions tests. These might include:

• TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)
• BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)
• MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
• LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test)

Oxbridge Interviews

Interviews at Oxford and Cambridge are academic in nature and test how students think, not what they know. They often feel like a mini tutorial or supervision.

Preparation is essential, and many students benefit from working with tutors or using online resources and past papers. At Enjoy Education, we offer tailored support for international applicants, including admissions test preparation, interview coaching, and Oxbridge-style subject mentoring. Working with experienced specialists can provide students with the edge they need in a competitive process.

7.  UCAS Application and New Personal Statement Format

From 2025 onwards, the traditional UCAS personal statement is being replaced with a more structured format. Instead of a single free-form essay, students will respond to specific questions set by UCAS. Read more about this here: ADD LINK

This change aims to make the application process fairer and more accessible. However, it still requires students to reflect clearly, write with purpose, and demonstrate commitment to their chosen subject.

Tips for students:

• Be precise, honest, and academically focused in your responses
• Use examples from your super-curricular experiences
• Draft and edit with care to ensure clarity and authenticity

Tips for parents:

• Help brainstorm ideas or prompt reflection (and know when bringing in expert tutor support might be beneficial)
• Encourage clear communication and timely preparation
• Avoid overly editing or rewriting responses, which should reflect your child’s own voice

At Enjoy Education, we offer expert guidance through this updated format, helping students craft compelling, structured responses aligned with what top universities want to see.

8.  Making the Most of Being International

International students bring valuable perspectives to UK universities. Highlighting global experience, multilingualism, or exposure to different education systems can strengthen an application.

Students should:

• Reflect on how their background shapes their academic interests
• Show adaptability and curiosity
• Prepare to explain differences in their education system, if asked

Parents can help by encouraging open discussion and helping students articulate their experiences.

9.  English as an Additional Language (EAL) and University Applications

If English is not your first language, you are not alone. Many international students applying to UK universities speak English as an additional language (EAL). While fluency in English is essential for success at university, admissions teams recognise the diversity of language backgrounds and the progress students make.

Language Requirements

Most universities require evidence of English language proficiency. This typically includes:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Cambridge English qualifications

Minimum scores vary by institution and course, and some universities will waive the requirement if you’ve studied in English for a certain number of years.

Demonstrating Strength as an EAL Student

• Strong written English in your application is crucial. This includes the UCAS responses, any submitted work, and communication during interviews.
• Use your multilingualism as a strength. Reflect on how navigating more than one language has shaped your thinking and your resilience.
• If EAL support has helped you develop academically, you can reference this in your school reference or UCAS application to give helpful context.

Enjoy Education offers tailored academic EAL tuition for students preparing for university applications, interviews and study in the UK. This includes essay coaching, interview language practice, and subject-specific vocabulary work.