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Oxford University

Astrophoria Foundation Year

The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year programme for UK state school students with strong academic potential who have experienced significant disadvantage. It offers a supported route to undergraduate study at Oxford for those who may not have been able to apply directly.

 

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Another route to Oxford

Oxford is committed to improving access for talented students from all backgrounds. The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year foundation programme for UK state school students who have experienced severe personal disadvantage or disrupted education that has prevented them from applying directly to an Oxford undergraduate degree. Designed for motivated students with significant academic potential, the programme combines academic challenge with tailored support to build skills, confidence and self-belief. It provides an alternative pathway to undergraduate study at Oxford for those who have the ability to succeed but need an additional year of preparation.

Please visit the Astrophoria Foundation Year website for more information and content relating to this programme.

The Foundation Year is...

Read the Astrophoria video transcript.

Which courses are offered?

Students will apply for their chosen degree course with a foundation year (for example Materials Science with Foundation Year). During the foundation year they will follow one of four courses:

Successful applicants for Oxford's foundation year will be allocated to a college at the offer stage. They will be admitted to participating Oxford colleges and will be a fully integrated member of their college community with all of the benefits this includes.

The programme will support students financially. Just like undergraduate students, Astrophoria students will belong to an Oxford college, but their accommodation will be provided free of charge. Students will not have to pay course fees and will receive a non-repayable bursary to cover living costs. Up to 50 places will be offered on the programme each year.  

Who can apply to Astrophoria?

The programme is open to UK state school students who are eligible for Home Fees status and meet the eligibility criteria. International students are not eligible to apply.

All applicants for 2027 entry to our Astrophoria Foundation Year courses must apply via UCAS by 13 January 2027 6pm UK time.

What happens at the end of the year?

By the end of the foundation year, students are expected to have developed the skills and confidence to meet the challenges of a demanding undergraduate degree. On condition that they have completed their foundation year at the required level, they will progress onto the undergraduate degree course at the University of Oxford, if they wish to, without the need to re-apply.

Alternatively, they will be awarded a nationally recognised Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) and will be supported in their applications to undergraduate degrees elsewhere.

If you have any further questions about the foundation year, please get in touch at [email protected].

Sounds interesting?

Learn more about our courses, eligibility and applying.

Astrophoria Foundation Year

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