Oxford Modern Languages and Linguistics interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate

Oxford interviews 97% of Modern Languages and Linguistics applicants, online, and offers a place to 42% of those interviewed.

Figures from ox.ac.uk, checked 18 October 2026.

At a glance

When: 7-10 Dec 2026 (Additional 14-16 Dec 2026)
Format: Panel interview, Online (Oxford academic tutors)
How many: Typically one per language/subject
Length: Approximately 30 min
Who's interviewed: All shortlisted applicants (89 of 92 last cycle)
Before it: No admissions test (no written test for 2027 entry; the MLAT is no longer used and language skills are assessed at interview)

Before: No admissions test (no written test for 2027 entry; the MLAT is no longer used and language skills are assessed at interview)
Interviews: Typically one per language/subject, 7-10 Dec 2026, online
Each one: Approximately 30 min, with Oxford academic tutors
In the room: Discussion of a text, a grammar exercise and personal-statement discussion
They assess: "Potential in language and literature, suitability for tutorial teaching", in the university's own words

Applied: 92. Interviewed: 89. Offered: 37 (2026 entry (2025-26 cycle)).

Official sample question: What makes a novel or play political?
Official sample question: How many cultures are grouped together under the label 'China'?
Official sample question: In a world where English is a global language, why learn French?

Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.

7-10 Dec 2026.

Online, as a panel interview.

Approximately 30 min. Typically one per language/subject.

97%, and 42% of those interviewed got an offer.

No admissions test (no written test for 2027 entry; the MLAT is no longer used and language skills are assessed at interview).