Plans by the University of Oxford to stop subsidising admissions test fees have been criticised in a motion set to be tabled at the first meeting of the ‘Conference of the Common Rooms’ (CCR). The University has been conducting a consultation on the proposal, which would take effect from 2026.
Currently, Oxford’s own admissions tests are free for all applicants, with the costs being covered by funding from the University. This is unlike Cambridge University, where admissions tests must be paid for by candidates, with the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) costing up to £130.
According to the motion, colleges have been presented with the option of either taking on the costs of testing themselves, or charging prospective students individually. If the latter option were to be taken, a currently unspecified fee waiver system would be put in place for certain applicants.
Cherwell understands that Oxford had agreed to continue the funding arrangement with Pearson VUE – the organisation which runs the tests – on a short-term basis for both 2024 and 2025, whilst a permanent arrangement was agreed.
The issue is set to be brought up at the newly-established CCR, organised by the Student Union (SU), on Thursday 15th May. If the motion were to pass, it would mandate the SU to advocate for alternatives to Oxford-only testing, such as the potential for “collaboration with other similarly selective universities”.
The motion raises concerns that such a move might “exacerbate college disparities and disincentivise open offers”. It also warns of impacts on the University’s access policies, highlighting the importance of preventing the “psychological barriers to Oxford applications from becoming any higher than they already are”.
In response to the claims, Oxford University told Cherwell: “A consultation is currently underway across the collegiate University in relation to 2026 undergraduate admission tests. The outcome of that consultation will be shared in due course.”
