International Students
Studying in a new country is a major life change, and it can take some time to adjust. Opportunities to socialise with other students, including other international students who are experiencing the same change as you, are abundant inside and outside the department. The University hosts over 400 clubs and societies you can join, many of which are international student groups from various countries around the world. An Orientation Programme specifically for international students is also held each year, which will give you the opportunity to meet with other international students as well as ask questions.
Practicalities
If you are an overseas student from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you will require a student visa to study at the OII. Once your acceptance to the OII and University of Oxford is unconditional (i.e. all conditions have been met), you will need to apply for a Student Visa from the UK government. The visa process involves a number of steps. Visit the Oxford Student Visa and Immigration web page for more information.
Studying at the OII is intensive and challenging, whether you are embarking on one of our MSc or PhD programmes. To help you prepare, you may be interested in registering for the summer Pre-sessional course in English for academic purposes. This six-week course run by the University Language Centre is focused on language proficieny, academic writing and study skills to help you perform your best when the course begins. Please let OII know as soon as possible if you would like to attend the Pre-sessional course in English. The Language Centre also offers year-round courses and support for students with English as a second language, as well as training and resources in many other languages.
Information on traveling to Oxford from airports around the UK, opening a UK bank account, registering with a doctor, fulfilling your visa conditions, and much more is available on the Oxford Students website.
The Oxford Students Academic Matters web pages offer more information on studying at the University of Oxford.