UPDATED: 08 November 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 each term of the 2021-2022 Academic Year, including Summer 2022 terms, 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.
All legal limits on social contact have been removed. There are currently no limits on social gatherings indoors or outdoors, and masks are no longer mandatory (although the British government advises that masks should still be worn on public transport and in supermarkets).
On 8th November, the University of Oxford issued the following statement (from https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/status):
“The University moved to Level 1 of the University’s Business Continuity Planning (BCP) framework on Monday 6 September 2021. The move to BCP 1 removed most COVID-19 restrictions that were previously in place at the University. It brings the University in line with Step 4 of the UK Government’s Roadmap, allowing for in-person learning and assessment wherever possible, a return to working on-site for all staff, and increased public access to University and college facilities.”
Moreover (from https://www.ox.ac.uk/coronavirus/students):
“[The University] will continue to focus on personalised teaching and supervision from leading academics, including tutorials and other types of small group learning, such as masters’ seminar groups.
In line with the latest UK Government guidance, we are planning to provide most teaching in-person in the new academic year, as normal. This will be enhanced by high-quality online resources and, in some instances, online teaching.
Face coverings will be required for in-person teaching of larger groups (unless you are exempt). They will not be expected in smaller group University teaching, seminars and classes.”
Accordingly, WISC/OSAP expects that in-person teaching will continue for all WISC/OSAP students for the remainder of the 2021-22 academic year (note that all Fall term 2021 students, currently in residence, have had the benefit of face-to-face teaching throughout the term).
OSAP and college facilities/social activities will be available throughout this time.
IMPORTANT: Our partner colleges within the University of Oxford have advised us that all students should strive to be fully vaccinated by the time they arrive in England – this will allow OSAP students to avoid a lengthy quarantine period and participate fully in in-person events from the outset of their stay in Oxford (90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over have now had a vaccine).
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.
(Updated 8th November 2021)
If you are fully vaccinated* you must (before your departure to the UK):
[Your Name]
WISC/OSAP
Third Floor, Chester House
21-27 George Street
Oxford OX1 2AY
United Kingdom
*Please review https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countries-with-approved-covid-19-vaccination-programmes-and-proof-of-vaccination for information on how to prove you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 upon entering the UK.
If you are not fully vaccinated you must:
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.
The University of Oxford and its constituent colleges intend to make provisions for all students for the 2021-22 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.
Online applications for all WISC/OSAP programmes for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Academic Years are open:
https://www.osapabroad.com/apply
Should you have further questions, please contact [email protected].
The OSAP overseas program in Oxford hosts the largest number of students each year.
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