Oxford Physics interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate

Oxford interviews 29% of Physics applicants, online, and offers a place to 44% of those interviewed.

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

At a glance

Before: ESAT admissions test
Interviews: Normally 2 at the first college (sometimes 1 long or 3 short), 9-15 Dec 2026, online
Each one: 20-25 min each (Hertford College's two interviews), with Oxford academic tutors
In the room: Mainly maths and physics questions
They assess: "Enthusiastic and highly-motivated students with the ability to apply basic principles to unfamiliar situations", in the university's own words

Applied: 1,466. Interviewed: 430. Offered: 191 (2026 entry (2025-26 cycle)).

Official sample question: A ball, initially at rest, is pushed upwards by a constant force for a certain amount of time. Sketch the velocity of the ball as a function of time, from start to when it hits the ground.
Reported by 3 sources: Why is the sky blue?
Reported by 3 sources: How high can you go up a mountain on just a Mars bar?

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

9-15 Dec 2026.

Online, as a panel interview.

20-25 min each (Hertford College's two interviews). Normally 2 at the first college (sometimes 1 long or 3 short).

29%, and 44% of those interviewed got an offer.

ESAT admissions test.