IFSA-Oxford University

Program Details

Program Location Oxford, United Kingdom
Sponsor IFSA-Butler
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 34006
Duration Semester or
2 Semesters
Upcoming Program Dates
Spring 2025 01/11/25 to 06/21/25
Past Dates
Fall 2024 09/03/24 to 12/07/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

IFSA-Oxford University
Oxford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, founded in 1250 with some colleges’ histories stretching back even further. The tutorial system at Oxford is ideal for hard-working, independent students who are passionate about academics and who crave an intellectual challenge. 

Oxford University is a federation of individual colleges. Each college has its own tutors, administrators, grounds, residence halls, and traditions. Students apply to a college, rather than to Oxford University, and most Oxford students readily identify themselves as students at their particular college, rather than the University itself.

Currently the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) works with the following colleges:

Each college has its own selection criteria, requirements, fees, and academic calendar; therefore students should consult the IFSA program materials and website for more specific information. The above dates are for Worcester College and serve only as an example; dates for the other colleges will differ.

IMPORTANT: This program has a very early deadline as Oxford only reviews applications once a year. Particularly for the spring semester, students must plan far in advance. Fall 2025, Academic Year 2025-26, and Spring 2026 applications are due December 1, 2024. If the term you need to apply for is not yet listed as an option on the application, please contact the study abroad office for assistance. 

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:IFSA-Butler.

Eligibility

IFSA-Oxford University

The program is open to Purdue liberal arts and psychology majors in good standing who have completed at least three (preferably four) semesters of university study by the start of the program and are planning to primarily take classes within their major. Although there is a wide range of subjects, this program (the tutorial system) is not suitable for introductory study. Students are expected to request tutorials that build on academic background already developed at Purdue. Students might be able to study more than one subject at Oxford, but they will need to choose related subjects.

The GPA requirement is a strict minimum of 3.7 to 3.9, depending on the college at Oxford University. Please see the IFSA website for the specific GPA requirement.

Students need be aware that this program is highly competitive. After approval of the student's study abroad application at Purdue, s/he will receive supplemental application materials from his/her study abroad advisor that will need to be completed before being evaluated by IFSA and Oxford University. Acceptance by Purdue's Study Abroad Office does not guarantee acceptance by IFSA or Oxford University.

Please note the early application deadline for this program!

GPA Requirement: 3.7 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Health and Human Sciences]
Specifically from: PSY (HHS)

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

The hallmark of Oxford University academics is the tutorial system. The tutorial is typically a one-hour meeting between one or two students and the tutor. Tutorials usually meet once a week or every other week, and at the center of the tutorial is an essay on a topic the tutor previously assigned. The tutor will lead a discussion about the essay topic in an effort to provide new insights. At the end of the tutorial, the tutor will assign a new topic and may offer recommended reading.

Tutorials are individually arranged, taking into account the subject to be studied and the tutor's area of expertise. They are similar to independent study courses, but Oxford students bear even more responsibility for conducting independent research and maintaining good academic progress.

At Oxford students will be expected to do much more work on their own and to think more independently than in most other teaching methods. The tutor is there to guide students' studies, rather than to feed facts and information, and this provides the opportunity for intensive academic study under a unique and prestigious system.

The U.S. fall is called the Michaelmas term at Oxford and carries 12 credits. The U.S. spring term encompasses two terms at Oxford, the Hilary and Trinity terms and students earn 24 credits (12 credits per term). Students take one primary tutorial (approx. 8 credits) and one secondary tutorial (approx. 4 credits) every term.


Excursions

Arrival orientation

  • Airport pick-up for group flight travelers
  • Multi-day on-site orientation, which includes transportation, accommodation, activities and most meals
  • Transportation to host university accommodation at conclusion of orientation

Cultural events

  • Theatre evening
  • Visits to historic and popular sites (past locations have included Roman Baths, Hampton Court, Hever Castle, Warwick Castle, Salis and Ely Cathedrals, Blenheim Palace, Royal Pavilion, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle)

Excursions (subject to change)

  • London weekend
  • London Statue Walk
  • Uncomfortable Walking Tour (raises awareness on "uncomfortable" aspects of history)
  • Visit to Oxford Castle & Prison
  • Pitt Rivers Museum Tour
  • Cotswolds Villages Day Trip
  • Oxford Regatta Course River Cruise


Housing

Typically students live in housing owned and assigned by their college and eat meals in the college dining hall. Housing may vary by college at Oxford.

Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Please check the IFSA website for the program fees for the various colleges at Oxford as well as what exactly is included in the fees. The amount listed below is for Worcester College and is there only to be used as an example for planning purposes.

The IFSA program fee typically includes tuition, housing, on-site orientation and pick-up service, emergency medical insurance, and excursions. Some or all meals may or may not be included.

Please note the spring term includes two terms at Oxford, while the fall term includes one term. This means tuition for spring is higher than in the fall. 

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $38,125.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.10
Housing $6,600.00
Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00
Program Discount for Purdue Students - $2,000.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $1,500.00
Local Transportation $575.00
Books and Supplies $150.00
Meals $3,163.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $4,484.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

IFSA-Butler offers a monthly payment plan option for its fees as well as scholarships. Please see its website for more information.

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Selection to Oxford University is competitive so applying early is strongly recommended. Application deadline is extremely early and is the same date for all terms - as applications for spring, fall and full year are reviewed by Oxford only once a year.
Program Application Deadline
IFSA-Oxford University Fall Semester and Academic Year programs Dec 1
IFSA-Oxford University Spring Semester Program Dec 1



Returnees Information

IFSA-Oxford University

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.