Q. Can I have a Merton prospectus?

A. All the information you need as a prospective student is now online. We no longer produce a hard-copy prospectus—only a very basic leaflet which directs readers to this website. Feel free to make use of the search facility to find what you’re looking for. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

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Q. Is there a separate application form for the College?

A. No, all applications are made initially to the University and candidates may list up to two choices of college on the university application form. Information on the process for applying to Oxford for graduate studies may be found on the university website.

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Q. Do you consider all programmes of study offered by the University?

A. Information on fields of graduate study pursued at Merton can be found in our graduate subjects section. A complete list of programmes of study considered by all Oxford colleges may be found in the Graduate Studies Prospectus 2013-14.

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Q. How will Merton make its decision about my application?

A. When the College receives your dossier it will be passed on to the college tutor whose interests are closest to your own. The tutor will make a recommendation to the Tutor for Admissions, who will make the final decision in the light of the overall competition for graduate places. Merton aims to take c. 106 new graduates per year across the subjects we consider for. Because of our system of targets and the strength of the competition for graduate places at Merton, not all well-qualified candidates can be offered places at the College. In deciding between candidates, within the constraints imposed by our system of targets, Merton will take account of proven and potential academic excellence, academic ability and commitment, and the fit between particular research projects and the interests of Merton's tutors. Because Merton is a popular college, well-qualified candidates who apply late in the admissions cycle (i.e. after we have filled our places) may not be offered a place at Merton.

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Q. How will I hear about the outcome of my application?

A. If Merton is able to offer you a place, you will hear from us directly. Our letter will explain what you need to do in order to confirm your place. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified directly by the University.

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Q. Does the college have scholarships available for graduate students?

A. Yes. Please refer to our list of scholarships for details on funding opportunities.

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Q. What is the College fee?

A. Please visit our fees & charges details for full details on college fees.

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Q. Does Merton offer a reduction of College fee for University employees?

A. The College does not charge reduced fees for employees of the University.

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Q. Can you offer advice on visa applications?

A. The University International Office is able to handle enquiries about applying for visas and information may be found on their website.

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Q. Do I have to meet any conditions to be admitted to Merton?

A. Any academic conditions set by the faculty admitting you—such as attaining a particular standard in your undergraduate degree or passing an English language test—will also be required for entry to Merton. We also require proof that you have funding or are able to financially support yourself for the full duration of your research or course.

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Q. What sort of proof of funding will the College require?

A. If you are in receipt of a grant from a funding council, your home University or government, you must send a copy of the notification of that grant to the Admissions Officer at Merton. If you intend to finance all or part of your studies from your own or your family's resources, we will ask you to supply proof, in the form of a letter from your bankers, that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your studies.

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Q. Are there opportunities for graduates to earn money to help fund their studies while at Merton?

A. Regrettably, the opportunities for finding paid employment are very limited both in the University and Oxford in general. It is not normal in the UK for students to work their way through graduate school as in the USA, for example. The College cannot accept the intention of finding a job as proof of adequate funding for a course.

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Q. Do you offer accommodation to all fresher graduates?
A. The College is normally able to accommodate graduates for two years and many Merton graduates live in College accommodation for the duration of their studies. We have some flats for couples, but there is generally a waiting list for these.

Pleas also see information on accommodation offered by the University.

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