FAQs (Frequently asked questions)
Q: When do admissions open/close?
A: Applications will be accepted from 1 February 2024. Early application is advised as applications are reviewed on receipt and admissions will close when all places have been filled or by 12 noon UK time on 15 April 2024 (extended from 1 April), whichever comes first. Please see Applications for further information.
Q: How do I apply for the programme?
A: North American applicants plus any student enrolled in a North American institution or professional working within North America, regardless of nationality, should apply through the George Washington University Law School with whom the programme is jointly run. All other applicants should submit an online application through Oxford University Bonavero Institute for Human Rights. Please see Applications for detailed information on making an application through Oxford University.
Q: Is there a minimum level of English language required?
A: This course is an intensive programme of postgraduate-level study and students must be linguistically prepared for such a programme. Therefore, if your first language is not English, you must supply evidence of your proficiency before a place can be offered unless you have grounds to apply for a waiver. Please see Applications for detailed information on the accepted English tests and minimum scores, plus the grounds on which you may apply for waiver.
Q: Can I get credit for the course?
Students who apply to the programme through the George Washington University will receive American Bar Association (ABA) credit. Students who apply through the Oxford University Bonavero Institute for Human Rights are not offered credit by the University but they may wish to approach their home institution about providing credit. This course is not eligible for CATS and ECTS points as it is not accredited. Please see Applications for further information about whether you should apply through George Washington University or Oxford University. Please see About the programme for further information on certificates and credit.
Q: What do the fees include?
A: Fees include tuition, reading materials, library fees, accommodation and meals. Please see Fees and payment for further information.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: Yes, students are provided with single study bedrooms at New College, Oxford. Meals will be taken in the college dining hall. Most of the bedrooms have ensuite (private) bathrooms but there are a small number with shared bathroom facilities. Please see Fees and payment for further information about the allocation of rooms.
The rooms are intended primarily for undergraduate students and are as such fairly basic in their décor and furnishings, though all include a desk, wardrobe and mini fridge. Bedrooms vary considerably in age, shape and layout. Please see About the programme for further information.
Q: Can I attend the Summer School but not stay in the accommodation provided?
A: We encourage all participants to take advantage of the accommodation provided at New College but, for those who already live nearby or for whom the accommodation would not be suitable, it is possible to attend the programme on a non-residential basis. Please contact the Oxford Course Administrator at ihrl-events@law.ox.ac.uk for further information.
Q: Is it possible to attend the Summer School online?
A: No, the Summer School is offered on an in-person basis only.
Q: How is the Summer School structured/what would a typical class day look like?
A: Please see About the programme for information on the course structure, academic programme and schedule for a typical class day.
Q: Can I cancel my place after I have paid my fees?
A: Please see Fees and payment for further information about our cancellation policy. Please note that we strongly recommend participants take out vacation cancellation insurance.