UPDATED: 15 June 2021
OSAP is keeping abreast of the Covid-19 situation in the UK in a robust way, and is regularly passing updates to our students and partner programmes.
OSAP aims to provide the most intensive and enriching experience possible for all of our students during the current disruption to overseas study. We encourage all applicants and current students to review the OSAP Covid-19 Policies and Guidelines document, linked below, which is updated regularly. Please note that all OSAP programmes for Summer 2021 – as well as each term of the 2021-2022 Academic Year – are continuing as planned, and online applications are open (www.osapabroad.com/apply).
OSAP Covid-19 Policies and Guidelines
In addition, current students, prospective students, parents/guardians and home university administrators may consult various updates, detailed below, which include the latest guidance from the University of Oxford as well as OSAP’s responses.
Phases one to four of the British Government’s five-phase timeline for ending restrictions in England have now been implemented, with the most recent easing occurring on 17th May:
17th May: Social contact rules lifted for all outdoor activities. Six people or two households can mix indoors. Restaurants and pubs to offer indoor table service.
On Monday 14th June 2021, Prime Minister Johnson announced that the final stage, originally scheduled for 21st June, will be delayed for four weeks out of an abundance of caution:
19th July: All legal limits on social contact removed (the end of lockdown).
In response to earlier government announcements, the University of Oxford has issued the following guidance (https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/status):
“Arrangements for students after 17 May (Updated 14 May):
The UK Government has confirmed that restrictions on in-person teaching in universities will be removed from Monday 17 May. Large group teaching and lectures at Oxford are likely to remain online. However, where feasible, departments may be able to offer in-person teaching to students. Colleges are also looking to make tutorials available in-person where possible. All students are now permitted to return to Oxford.”
OSAP expects that in-person teaching for most students will resume by the start of 4th Week of Trinity term (17th May). OSAP and some college facilities will be available to all students throughout this time.
Please note that international students are able to leave the UK at any time should they need to return to their home country for any reason; however, they will need to quarantine when they return to the UK. Students should contact the OSAP Office if they have country-specific questions regarding quarantine requirements.
As always, please inform the OSAP Office right away if you or any of your housemates have Covid symptoms. You will in such circumstances need to take a test as soon as possible so that we can coordinate an appropriate self-isolation regime for individual student properties.
Travel to the UK from the USA or Canada* (updated 10th March 2021):
Hopefully, these steps will eventually be streamlined into a single, easy-to-use webform.
Please contact OSAP at [email protected] should you have any questions about current travel requirements, or if you need assistance in any way as you plan your journey to Oxford.
Travel to the USA from the UK:
US authorities currently require all incoming travellers–including US citizens–from the United Kingdom to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the United States. If this requirement is still in place in April (the scheduled end date for Hilary term accommodation), OSAP will help students receive such a test in a timely manner, as indeed we will do at any point during the term whenever any student experiences Covid symptoms.
In addition, all travelers departing from England for an international destination must complete a declaration form stating that you are travelling for essential reasons (e.g. returning to your home country after completing a semester studying abroad). See this page for the form and for further instructions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-declaration-form-for-international-travel
If you are an OSAP student affected by a travel ban, you will be able to stay in OSAP accommodation for as long as necessary (although you should check in with your home university regularly and follow their advice at all times).
Departing from England:
All travelers departing from England for an international destination must complete a declaration form stating that you are travelling for essential reasons (e.g. returning to your home country after completing a semester studying abroad). See this page for the form and for further instructions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-declaration-form-for-international-travel
The University of Oxford and its constituent colleges intend to make provisions for all students for the 2020-21 Academic Year.
Please consult this website, maintained and updated regularly by the University of Oxford, for useful coronavirus advice for University colleges, students, and staff.
Public Health England and the UK Government have published these guidelines for anyone in any setting, chief among which is covering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing, disinfecting surfaces, and frequent and thorough hand-washing.
Academic Year 2020-21: Michaelmas Term 2020, Hilary Term 2021, and Trinity Term 2021
All OSAP programmes for the 2020-21 Academic Year (Michaelmas Term 2020, Hilary Term 2021, and Trinity Term 2021) are scheduled to continue, and online applications are open.
Should you have further questions, please contact [email protected].
The OSAP overseas program in Oxford hosts the largest number of students each year.
MORE INFO"The academic program was excellent. The OSAP administration was great. OSAP events were well planned, and it appears that OSAP gives us more privileges, access, etc. to the University than other programs."
"OSAP is the best academic study abroad program in Oxford."