DIVERSITY
The University of Oxford, whose earliest teaching activities can be traced back to 1096, is a federation of more than 40 self-governing colleges and halls, with most colleges housing a diverse mix of students and academics who study a wide variety of subjects.
Unlike academic departments, these colleges are small, multidisciplinary communities offering library and internet facilities, accommodation, sports events, social networking and so on.
Now, about one third of its students are international citizens coming from more than 140 countries and regions.
Hamilton emphasized that "it is this diversity that makes Oxford University's collegiate system so special."
Every year, tens of thousands of students apply to Oxford, but only a small proportion of them get accepted.
In academic year 2014-15, Oxford received 18,000 applications for around 3,200 undergraduate places, and 21,000 applications for about 4,500 graduate places, according to statistics provided by the university.
WHAT OXFORD EXPECTS
So what is the advice from the vice-chancellor for students who aspire to study at Oxford?
Deciphering "what Oxford expects", Hamilton suggested a number of ways for prospective students to increase their chances.
The most important thing, the university head said, is that students need to "find the right course."
"The right course might be at Oxford or somewhere else, so they should do as much research as they can about what the different courses offer," he explained.
He noted that Oxford is looking for students that possess "a proven outstanding academic record and a passion for a subject."
"Extracurricular activities are not taken into account in Oxford's selection process. Selection is based purely on an applicant's proven ability in the subject they want to study," he clarified.
His other tips include "a very high level of English language proficiency", the ability for academic debate, and the powers of critical and analytical thinking.
"The tutorial education system requires candidates to discuss ideas in English, and explain their thoughts and approaches out loud," he advised.
"In tutorials, they also need to critically appraise ideas and concepts, and may have to engage in an academic debate with their tutor, using evidence to justify their response," added the veteran educator.
Hamilton is scheduled to leave Oxford at the end of this year to become the next president of New York University. Previously, he also served as Provost of Yale University from 2004 to 2008.
