International counsellors and teachers

The International Student Recruitment team offers three tailored webinar series, each designed for a different audience:

1. Destination Oxford webinars for prospective international students
2. Webinars for international school counsellors and teachers
3. Webinars for parents and supporters of prospective applicants

What to expect

• Comprehensive coverage: Our webinars cover a wide range of topics, from understanding the application process to preparing for interviews.
• Expert guidance: Learn directly from Oxford admissions staff, faculty and students. Counsellor sessions focus on how to guide applicants effectively, while Destination Oxford webinars focus on helping students prepare their own applications.
• Interactive Q&A sessions: Engage with our speakers during live Q&A sessions. Get answers to your specific questions and gain a deeper understanding of Oxford.
• Flexible access: Our webinars are delivered online, and are available live or on-demand, making them accessible to counsellors and students no matter where you are or where you want to view them.

Webinar schedules 2026/27

• For counsellors and teachers: Details for each session are emailed to those on our international counsellor mailing list. We can only accept bookings from counsellors employed directly by schools.
• For students: Details for each session are emailed to those on our international student mailing list.

The International Student Recruitment team offers bespoke training webinars tailored to the unique needs of your school. For a fee, you can access personalised support and detailed insights into application trends relevant to your school, country or region, as well as make requests for guest speakers (e.g. faculty staff, current students) where relevant.

Content and duration depend on your requirements, but previous webinars have covered:

• Applying to competitive institutions in the UK
• Preparing students for admissions tests and interviews
• Examining the data around your school and how it compares nationally/regionally
• What we look for in teachers' academic references
• Demystifying the Oxford application process
• Counsellor support and training

Why choose a bespoke webinar?

• Customized content: Our bespoke sessions are designed to address your specific needs and interests. Whether you need in-depth guidance on the application process, interview preparation, or academic requirements, our experts will tailor the session to meet your goals.
• Expert advice: Receive personalised advice from Oxford admissions staff and faculty. Our team has extensive experience and knowledge, providing you with invaluable insights and practical tips.
• Interactive experience: Engage in one-to-one or small group sessions that allow for interactive discussions, detailed feedback, and answers to all your questions.

If you would like to receive a quote for this service please complete the bespoke webinar form. We will endeavour to get back to you within seven working days.

We offer counsellors based in schools the opportunity to book 30-minute slots with their regional representative from the International Student Recruitment team. You can use these to ask questions, raise issues that you would like us to be aware of, or simply to introduce us to your school and say hello!

You can book drop-ins with regional representatives below:

James Riley (Africa, Europe, Middle East & Gulf)

Tom Trower (Asia, Americas, Oceania)

The International Student Recruitment team is committed to reducing our environmental impact in line with the University's Environmental Sustainability Strategy, while continually improving our support to students, counsellors and parents. Here’s what we are doing to achieve these dual aims:

• Reducing air miles: To reduce the carbon footprint of our international work we avoid international air travel where possible. This is the single biggest contribution we can make to reduce our impact on the environment.

  • We have saved 108 tonnes of CO2e per annum since 2019 (the final year we travelled extensively) with 552,783km of travel avoided per annum (about 14 times around the world, or to the moon and halfway back) by switching to largely online provision.

• Online engagement: We offer a rich array of online resources that give students, counsellors and parents opportunities to explore the journey to Oxford and ask questions of our international student recruitment team. Our thematic webinars connect participants with Oxford tutors, students and admissions staff to enrich their understanding of applying to and studying at Oxford, while our bookable 30-minute counsellor drop-ins give you the chance to discuss any questions you have with a member of the team. All these events allow prospective students and their counsellors to engage with Oxford from within their own country, lowering our carbon footprint.
• Eco-friendly travel: When travel is necessary (eg for conferences), we aim to use low-carbon, public transportation where possible. Where air travel is essential we offset carbon emissions in line with the University’s Sustainability Strategy.
• Reducing paper usage: We prioritise digital communications and materials over printed brochures and flyers. By utilising electronic applications, digital brochures, and online information sessions, we significantly cut down on paper consumption.

Read more about our sustainability initiatives.

If you would like to get in touch with any of the team, we would be delighted to hear from you at [email protected].

Tom Trower, Head of International Student Recruitment

Regions: Asia, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand

Tom is responsible for undergraduate recruitment in the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. Tom studied at Loughborough University before moving to Zambia after graduating to work for an NGO in the country’s Western Province. Before joining Oxford’s Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach department, Tom worked as an outreach officer at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia and then at City, University of London, meaning he brings a wealth of international and admissions experience to the team.  

James Riley, International Student Recruitment Officer

Region: Europe, the Middle East & Gulf regions, and Africa

James is responsible for undergraduate recruitment across Europe, the Middle East & Gulf regions, and Africa. James studied both his BA (Hons) and Master’s degrees at the University of Chichester. Having worked for the University of Oxford for over 5 years, predominantly in Widening Access and Participation, James brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, from both at Oxford and wider UK universities, as well as a focus on student engagement.

Kate Andrina, International Student Recruitment Assistant

Kate is responsible for the administration of the International Student Recruitment team. Kate studied both her BA and PGCE at the University of Reading, and worked as a teacher supporting students in their educational journey before joining Oxford. With first-hand experience of studying in the UK as an international student, Kate is passionate about helping others make confident decisions about their education.

• Our online prospectus: a very short introduction to Oxford – help your students discover if Oxford is right for them
• Guide for applicants – understanding the stages of the Oxford admissions process
• Admissions timeline – a visual representation of dates and deadlines
• Academic requirements for international students – ensure your students meet the specific requirements of each course
• English language requirements – how to demonstrate English Language proficiency
• Course listing – explore the undergraduate courses we offer
• Admissions tests – some of our courses require students to take an admissions test; they need to arrange to take this themselves
• Interviews at Oxford  – what to expect and how best to prepare your students
• Oxford's colleges – in-depth information about Oxford colleges and life in this small academic and social communities
• Fees, funding and scholarships – find out what support is available to your students
• Further advice for teachers and counsellors – how to support your students at every stage of the admissions process
• Admissions statistics – an illustration of the diverse international student population

Meaningful engagement with a chosen subject before applying allows students to develop intellectual curiosity, deepen their understanding and approach the application process with clarity and purpose.

• Supercurricular study hub – how to prepare your students with useful course related material
• Course pages - include guidance on preparing to apply
• Current research – read about the novel research taking place at Oxford
• Oxplore – digital outreach portal engaging students of all ages with complex debates and ideas
• University of Oxford podcasts – a selection of public lectures, teaching resources, interviews and more

The following videos share some valuable insights for Oxford applicants, in particular those coming from abroad: 

• What is student life really like?
• How to apply
• What's it like to study at Oxford as an international student?
• Oxford life as an international student: a podcast
• College life: international webpages

Can't find what you're looking for? Visit our FAQs and 'Any Questions?' pages.