It is a statutory requirement of the University that all students must matriculate or incorporate as members of the University at the beginning of their course. Please see for details.
Visiting Students required to matriculate are Erasmus students taking the Diploma in Legal Studies or the MSt in Modern Languages. Maximilaneum, Notre Dame, Amherst, Tsinghua and WISC (OSAP) students do not matriculate.
The main matriculation ceremony is on the Saturday of Week 1 of Michaelmas Term (in 2025/26 this is Saturday 18 October 2025). Instructions are sent to Freshers before the ceremony itself. Your matriculation is a celebratory event, where you will get to take part in one of the most famous Oxford traditions. A college year group photo will be taken to commemorate the occasion, as well as individual portraits. You will be able to purchase copies from the photographer.
You will be required to wear academic dress and . Gowns may be bought in Oxford from local outfitters. The Head Porter will also have some second-hand gowns for sale in 0th Week of Michaelmas Term.
Please make certain you do not make other arrangements for this day; leave to matriculate at a later date in the term is only given in exceptional circumstances.
The majority of students matriculate but, under an ancient arrangement, graduate students of Cambridge University and Trinity College, Dublin are permitted to incorporate their Cambridge or Trinity College, Dublin degrees, so long as they are pursuing a prescribed course of study at Oxford University. If you fall into this category, and would like to incorporate (for new students there will now be a charge of £120) please email Felicity Reeves in the Academic Office for further details.
There are small matriculation ceremonies at the end of each term to matriculate students who start their course in terms other than Michaelmas Term.
Further enquiries should be directed to the Student Services & Events Administrator, Felicity Reeves: student.services@new.ox.ac.uk
