What Happens After You Apply to Oxford Summer Courses
Step-by-step guidance for what to expect once your application is submitted
Completing your application to Oxford Summer Courses is just the beginning of your journey. Whether you’ve applied for a course in Oxford, Cambridge, Eton, or one of our top UK boarding school venues, we want you to feel confident about what comes next. This page outlines the entire post-application process, step by step—from when you’ll hear back, to how long you have to confirm your place, when to pay, and how to access your student portal. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect, and how to stay on track. Staying responsive during this stage is key to securing your place and making the most of the opportunities ahead.
Step 1: Application Review
We aim to review all applications within 24 hours of submission.
- Decision by Email: You’ll receive a message letting you know whether your application has been successful.
- Optional Call: In many cases, we’ll also try to call you to discuss your application. This is optional, but a helpful opportunity to ask questions or clarify anything before you’re offered a place.
- Contact Method: We’ll reach out using the preferences you selected on your application—phone, email or SMS (please note SMS is one-way and only used to send your booking link).
Our goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and supported right from the beginning.
Step 2: Accepting Your Offer
Once your application is successful, we’ll send you an offer to join your chosen course.
- Reservation Window: You’ll have 12 days to confirm your place by paying your deposit. We recommend confirming early, as spaces are limited.
- Need More Time? Speak to the admissions team. We may be able to offer an extension depending on availability and your circumstances.
- What Happens Next: After you confirm, we’ll send follow-up emails with your next steps, key dates, and preparation advice.
Securing your place early also helps with accommodation preferences, visa timelines (if applicable), and travel planning.
Step 3: Admissions Discussion
After accepting your offer, we’ll be in touch to talk through the practical and academic details of your summer.
Topics we typically cover include:
- Your motivations and goals for the course
- Travel logistics, including arrival dates and transfers
- A preview of your course structure and timetable
- What kind of learning experience you can expect
- Payment plans, options, and deadlines
This conversation helps ensure everything is tailored to your needs before you arrive.
Step 4: Payment and Preparation
To fully confirm your place, you’ll need to complete a few final steps.
- Full Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before your course starts. If you need flexibility, contact our team to discuss instalments or extensions.
- Student Profile Form: Once your deposit (or full balance) is paid, you’ll be sent a form to complete. This helps us gather academic, personal, and learning preferences so tutors can tailor your experience.
- Portal Access: After the form is submitted, you’ll receive access to your Student Portal. This includes pre-arrival details, packing lists, travel info, and your welcome materials.
These final steps help us prepare your course experience and ensure a smooth arrival.
FAQs about the Application Process
1. How long will it take to hear back after applying?
We usually review applications within 24 hours, and you’ll receive an email confirming whether your application has been successful.
2. Does applying secure my place straight away?
No — your place is only confirmed once you've responded to our offer and paid the deposit, so it's important to stay responsive as places are limited and fill up quickly.
3. How long do I have to confirm my place?
You’ll have 12 days to pay your deposit and secure your spot, and extensions may be available if you speak to the admissions team.
4. How will I be contacted?
We’ll contact you using your preferred method (phone, email or SMS); SMS is one-way only and usually includes a link to confirm your place.
5. What happens during the admissions call?
We’ll talk through your reasons for joining, travel arrangements, what to expect from your timetable, and payment options.
6. When is the full payment due?
The balance is due 90 days before your course begins, but we may be able to offer flexible payment options if needed.
7. What is the Student Profile Form, and why do I need to complete it?
Once you’ve paid, we’ll send you a form to gather more information about your learning preferences so tutors can tailor your course.
8. When do I get access to the Student Portal?
You’ll receive access to the portal after submitting your Student Profile Form, where you’ll find pre-arrival information and course details.
Secure Your Place
To secure your preferred location, we highly recommend applying early. Each of our courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to study in one of our prestigious locations.
