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What is Sub Fusc and where can I buy it? 

Su Fusc is academic dress worn at Oxford for certain occasions, including matriculation and exams. There are a few shops on the High Street in Oxford that sell it: Shepard & Woodward, Eve & Ravenscroft and the Varsity Shop. There are strict rules on what you can wear for your subfusc. To find more information about this, you can read the Oxford Class Act Society's guide to sub fusc.

What’s the Free Sub Fusc Scheme? 

The Sub Fusc Scheme is run by the Oxford Class Act Society and designed to make Oxford’s traditions more accessible. The scheme works by collecting donations of second-hand sub fusc items from students who no longer need them and redistributing them to underrepresented students. For many students, buying the required clothing for exams and matriculation can be an added financial pressure, and this initiative aims to ease that burden. 

Donations typically include items such as Commoners Gowns, Scholar Gowns, Advanced Student Gowns, mortar boards, ties/bow ties and ribbons.

How can I donate sub fusc? 

You can get involved by donating any spare sub fusc at the different collection points dotted over Oxford. These are currently based at:

  • Radcliffe Science Library
  • Radcliffe Camera
  • Exam Schools
  • Oxford SU

See the picture of the green sub-fusc recycling box below. You can donate your sub fusc at any point over the academic year and over the long vacation in summer. 

How can I apply to be a beneficiary of the scheme? 

Applications open early September and close early October. The application window falls just before the start of Michaelmas term, as Oxford students will need their subfusc for their matriculation for first week. All applicants will be informed of the outcome before the end of 0th week. 

When applications open, you will be able to find the application form on this webpage so stay tuned. 

To qualify for the scheme, you must meet at least one of the following criteria: 

  • State comprehensive education (non-selective state school) 

  • Care Experienced (any type or duration) 

  • Estranged (formally or informally recognised) 

  • Young Carer (formally or informally recognised) 

  • Foundation year student (Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year) 

  • First generation (first in your family to attend University, not first in your family to attend Oxford) 

  • Opportunity Oxford Residential student 

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are completely confirmation. Individuals will have the opportunity to declare any relevant information if they don't meet the full criteria but still wish to be considered.