Why are more Black Britons applying to Oxford University?

Why are more Black Britons applying to Oxford University?

According to the facts and figures report published by Oxford University, “the number of UK-domiciled students with Black African or Black Caribbean heritage applying, receiving offers, and being admitted has increased from 2019 to 2023.”

The proportion of UK-domiciled students identifying as Black on their UCAS applications rose from 3.2% in 2019 to 3.6% in 2023.

Oxford University recognised that, historically, Black British students have been underrepresented, with only 1.1% of Black or Mixed Black ethnicity students studying at the university a decade ago. However, in recent years, several factors—including institutional changes and broader societal shifts—have contributed to a rise in applications from Black students.

To address racial disparities in admissions and retention, Oxford University has made a visible commitment to improving diversity and inclusion. Outreach programs specifically targeting underrepresented groups, including Black students, have been introduced in collaboration with schools, community organisations, and prominent Black role models. This has made Oxford feel more welcoming and accessible to Black Britons.

The increased media attention on the success stories of Black students at Oxford over the past decade has also played a significant role in shifting the conversation around access to elite institutions like Oxford. These success stories have inspired more Black Britons to view Oxford as an attainable goal.

In 2019, Oxford University launched UNIQ Summer Schools, which provide students from underrepresented backgrounds with the opportunity to experience university life and receive guidance on applying. New College Oxford has also partnered with academic organisations to create scholarships for economically disadvantaged Black British students.

One example is the Robert Allen Perkins Scholarship which offers a fully funded place at Oxford to Black British students who qualify for an Oxford Bursary (with a household income below £42,875) and have been accepted to the university. The scholarship covers full course fees and provides a significant grant towards living costs, allowing recipients to graduate debt-free.

Another initiative, the Black Academic Futures Scholarships provides financial support for UK Black and Mixed Black students pursuing graduate studies at Oxford. These scholarships are open to all academic subjects and are made possible through the generous support of funding partners across the university and its colleges. Also, most students from low-income families hoping to study at Oxford University have been invited to look to the Crankstart Scholarship.

Each scholarship covers full course fees and includes a grant for living expenses throughout the recipient’s studies.

According to the Oxford University website, the eligibility for these scholarships is open to UK residents who identify as Black or Mixed Black ethnicity and hold an offer for a postgraduate taught or research degree starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This includes all full-time and part-time DPhil and master’s programs. Applicants must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years before starting their course, excluding time spent in the UK primarily for full-time education. Most of these scholarships support students across the university and are available for all subject areas, with some funding dedicated to specific courses.