Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to more than one graduate course?

• You are welcome to apply to multiple courses. Each course has its own independent admissions panel. In some cases, applicants can make applications to related courses for no additional application fee. There is more information on the Applying to related courses webpage. 

What will happen if my referees cannot submit their references in time for the deadline?

• We require that at least two of the three references arrive by the deadline. There is some flexibility with the third reference which should arrive no later than 48 hours after the deadline. Your references are an important part of your application and you will be reliant on your referees to submit their references on time. We recommended that you give your referees plenty of notice prior to the deadline.
   

Am I eligible to apply for an English Language waiver?

• If you have studied at a recognised English speaking institution for a year or longer you will be eligible to apply for a waiver. However, having studied at an English speaking institution does not guarantee that the waiver will be granted.

I am experiencing technical difficulties with submitting my application, what shall I do?

• Applications are initially processed by the central Graduate Admissions and Funding Office. If you are experiencing technical difficulties please email Graduate Admissions directly .

I am currently studying for an MSc at another institution and would like to apply for further postgraduate study at the Mathematical Institute. There are no academic results available from my current studies at this stage, can I still apply?

• Yes, you can still apply by providing any transcripts from your previous years of study. If an offer is made to you an academic condition may be set on the offer relating to your current course of study.

What funding is available for postgraduate study?

• Details of available scholarships are available on our Scholarships page. 

Do I have to make a separate application for funding?

• The majority of scholarships awarded by Oxford require no additional application, but there may be exceptions. Please check the University's funding pages for details of scholarships you may be eligible for.  External scholarships, such as the Martingale Foundation scholarships, do require an additional application to be made, often much earlier than the Oxford application deadline.

When will I find out funding decisions?

• Scholarships are awarded throughout the period February to end of June. An offer of a place allows your application to be considered for University-wide scholarships, so funding offers do regularly lag behind offers of a place.  After the end of June, further scholarship offers are unlikely to be made. 

I have applied to a specific college on my application form but would now like to change my preference due to funding reasons, is this possible?

• Once you have chosen a college on the application form or stated that you would like to make an “open” college application it is not possible to change your choice. We recommend that you research what funding opportunities our colleges offer before making your college choice. You can find out more about college funding opportunities using the University of Oxford's funding and scholarship search.

Do I have to have a specific research proposal in mind before applying?

• We do not expect our applicants to put together a specific research proposal before applying for the course. A research proposal can be put together after a student is admitted to the course and has spent time discussing their research with their supervisor. However, we do expect our applicants to have an idea about the area and Research Group in which they would like to perform their research.

Can I apply to more than one research group?

• Applicants can list up to three research groups in their application.

Do I have to approach a prospective supervisor before applying?

• It is not mandatory to approach a prospective supervisor before applying. However, if you have any research-specific queries or if you would like to consult with a member of Faculty over the possibility of supervision you are welcome to contact them directly via email.

Can I study for the DPhil or the MSc(Res) in Mathematics part-time?

• The DPhil and the MSc(Res) in Mathematics are not offered as a part-time courses.