The paper synthesized the progress in introduction and utilization of oat germplasm resources from foreign countries. Through a long period of efforts, China had introduced 2099 accessions of oat germplasm resources from 28 countries, covering 29 species of Avena genus. It has greatly increased the number of oat accessions and enriched the species and genetic diversity of oat conserved in China. Meanwhile, the introduced oat germplasm resources were used to develop a number of new varieties and enhanced the productivity of oat in China. The considerable progress has been made in utilization of the introduced wild species of oat for germplasm enhancement, studies on origin and evolution, and genetics of oat. It was suggested that the oat germplasm introduction from abroad should be strengthened. Priorities should be given to evaluate and utilize the wild oat germplasm resources. At the same time, the international collaboration on oat germplasm resources should be strengthened.