When applying for graduate studies, the submission of supporting documents is a critical step in completing your online application. Both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have streamlined processes for applicants to upload their documents electronically. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how to properly submit your supporting documents to accompany your online graduate application.
Cambridge requires applicants to upload specific documents, such as degree transcripts, research proposals, and CVs, through the Applicant Portal. It's essential to check the Course Directory for specific requirements pertaining to your course. The documents must be in PDF format, under 2MB, and not encrypted. If you encounter issues, try uploading a photocopy of the document instead. Hard copies sent before application submission will be disposed of, so make sure to upload everything electronically.
Your application must include details of your referees who are then responsible for uploading references through the Referee Portal. These must be provided before any course or funding deadline. Transcripts for each degree you have studied for must be uploaded with your application and original copies may be requested for verification if an offer of admission is made.
If applying to multiple courses at Cambridge, documents must be uploaded separately for each application. The same referee will need to provide separate references for each course applied for. Be aware that Cambridge conducts thorough checks for fraudulent documentation, and submitting such material will result in the withdrawal of your application.
At Oxford, documents are uploaded via the 'supporting documents' section of the online application form. Accepted formats include PDF, .jpg, or .png, with each document not exceeding 4MB. If a document is larger but under 10MB, it can be submitted via the upload portal after submitting your application form. Remember to include your full name and intended course on the upload form.
If a mandatory document exceeds the size limit, you'll need to use a placeholder 'proxy' document to submit your application and then provide the actual document via the upload portal. For portfolios or other special documents, use the Written Work upload slots as directed on the course page.
Once your application is submitted, Oxford's Graduate Applicant Self Service portal allows you to check the status of your application and add new documents. It's important to note that documents submitted after the application deadline may not be considered.
Applicants to the Saïd Business School at Oxford should note that SBS operates a separate admissions procedure. For specific requirements, you should contact SBS directly.
For further details on the application process and document requirements, refer to the following resources: