COVID-19 RESPONSE
Information about the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Last reviewed 10 October 2023
Coronavirus research
Researchers across the University of Oxford are at the forefront of global efforts to understand COVID-19 and protect our communities. Find out more on the Coronavirus research page.
The Oxford Vaccine
The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine team has worked at unprecedented speed in a race against the global threat to human health that is coronavirus. Information is available on The Oxford Vaccine page.
Information for staff and students
The University’s Crisis Response Framework is no longer active. Staff and students should continue to follow Government health advice, and may find the following pages useful:
Health information
For the latest advice on reducing the spread, and living safely with COVID-19, please visit the UK Government website.
If you have minor respiratory symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends that you consider limiting contact with others and wearing a face covering while out and around others. If you have a high fever or feel very unwell, you should stay at home and consider contacting the NHS via 111. You can view further information on the Government's COVID-19 webpages. Please note that we expect to maintain business as usual as the default position.
If you study or work in a hospital, the latest guidance is available on the NHS Hospital Trust webpage.
For information on how COVID-19 health hazards should be risk assessed, please visit the Risk Assessment and COVID-19 page of the Safety Office’s website.
To find out how to get vaccinated, go to the NHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine webpage.
Overseas travel and fieldwork
Information on how to manage the risks associated with fieldwork and overseas travel, including COVID-19 considerations, is available on the University Safety Office’s website.
Welfare and wellbeing
There is a range of support available to students and staff at Oxford, including help to deal with the impact of the pandemic.
For students
Before arriving at Oxford
There are a number of important vaccinations, including COVID-19, that are recommended before arriving at Oxford. International students should visit the Visa & immigration page for Information on the type of visa you may require, and how to apply before you arrive.
Adapting to life at Oxford
We want everyone to enjoy their time at Oxford, and succeed in their studies, regardless of their background. However COVID-19 has impacted you, we are working together across the University and colleges to help you make the most of your time here. The Oxford Transition Support page has lots of resources as well as tips from our current students about making the transition to Oxford.
Problems completing assessments
If you’re struggling to complete an assessment or are unwell on the day of your exam, there are steps you can take to be excused or to apply for mitigating circumstances. Visit the problems completing your assessment page on the Oxford Students website.
Research degree disruption
Advice for postgraduate research students who have faced disruption to their studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Degree ceremonies
Having resumed ceremonies from September 2021, the University is working hard to accommodate as many graduands as possible at the ceremonies – whether they are current students, or those who have already left the University. For more information go to the Degree ceremonies page.
COVID-19 financial support
Details of the University’s support can be found on the financial support page.
For staff
New Ways of Working
New Ways of Working supports the needs and circumstances of professional services staff working in different ways, building on our experiences during the pandemic.
Remote working
Guidance and support for remote working can be found on the HR Support website.
Research degree disruption
Advice for staff on disruption to postgraduate research student research and on mitigations for postgraduate research students due to the COVID-19 pandemic.