The universities of Oxford and Cambridge, known together as Oxbridge, are among the most prestigious in the UK. As a result, it is unsurprising that they receive thousands of applications every year. This makes places highly competitive and securing one is an achievement in its own right.
We have spoken to Oxbridge students to find out more about the application process and how blind and partially sighted students can prepare to give themselves the very best chance of success.
We have produced a step-by-step guide for new applicants, containing student insights and top tips to help you through each stage!
Talk to lots of staff and students when you visit – it will help you to get a sense of the atmosphere living and studying there. It will help you decide where you feel most comfortable and indicate their approach to support.
Start early! It takes longer than you think, and with the Oxbridge deadline much earlier than that of other universities (15 October), it can quickly become a rush to finish.
After you make your application for access arrangements, the test centre will confirm the adjustments they will put in place for your assessment. In some cases, a test centre will be unable to support all adjustments requested by candidates. If any adjustments are refused, a reason must be given, and an alternative adjustment suggested.
If you need advice on applying for, or negotiating access arrangements as part of your admissions test, contact our Student Support Service.
The tasks involved in an interview vary from subject to subject. Ask in advance what you will be required to do so that you can request any adjustments that may be needed, for example providing materials in an alternative format.
Stay in contact – introduce yourself to the various support teams at the university and discuss what will be needed once you take up your place. You may want to choose a specific room in your accommodation, or have orientation and mobility training to learn the new city. Asking other students for advice on university social media groups can help and be a good way to get to know your peers.
Want to know more about life as a blind/partially sighted student at Oxford or Cambridge? Check out the great stories linked in this section!
Read Tiri's and Kelsey's stories to learn about studying at the University of Oxford, with their individual journeys and experiences.
Find out more about 'Studying at Oxford as a Blind/Partially Sighted Student'Read Aure’s and Jasmin’s stories to learn about studying at the University of Cambridge, with their individual experiences and journeys.
Find out more about 'Studying at Cambridge as a Blind/Partially Sighted Student'Read the stories of blind and partially sighted students on their educational journey and the advice they have for other students.
Find out more about 'Student Stories'
This online community is for blind and partially sighted students, family and friends, education providers and other staff in the sector. It forms a supportive environment where relevant news, advice, questions and pieces of work can be shared to enable students with visual impairments to get the most out of their time at university.
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