Oxford Biology interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
Oxford interviews 41% of Biology applicants, online, and offers a place to 45% of those interviewed.
Figures from ox.ac.uk, checked 18 October 2026.
At a glance
- When: 7-11 Dec 2026
- Format: Panel interview, Online (Oxford academic tutors)
- How many: 2 (two different colleges)
- Length: Around 25 min (Hertford College's interview)
- Who's interviewed: All shortlisted applicants (345 of 846 last cycle)
- Before it: No admissions test
How the Oxford Biology interview runs
- Before: No admissions test
- Interviews: 2 (two different colleges), 7-11 Dec 2026, online
- Each one: Around 25 min (Hertford College's interview), with Oxford academic tutors
- In the room: Questions on the UCAS form
- They assess: "Interest in biology and response to an unfamiliar biological problem", in the university's own words
Applied: 846. Interviewed: 345. Offered: 155 (2025-26 cycle (2026 entry)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: Why do some habitats support higher biodiversity than others?
- Official sample question: Would it matter if tigers became extinct?
- Official sample question: Why do we need ATP, why not just release energy from glucose directly?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Oxford Biology interview FAQ
When are Oxford Biology interviews in 2026?
7-11 Dec 2026.
Online or in person?
Online, as a panel interview.
How long is each interview?
Around 25 min (Hertford College's interview). 2 (two different colleges).
What percentage of applicants are interviewed?
41%, and 45% of those interviewed got an offer.
Is there a test?
No admissions test.
Related
- Oxford Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) interview
- Oxford Biomedical Sciences interview
- Cambridge Natural Sciences interview
- Imperial Biomedical Technology Ventures interview
- UCL Natural Sciences BSc interview