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Oxford University UK Scholarships

Oxford University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented students from the UK and around the globe. These awards aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, enabling students to access world-class education regardless of their background. This comprehensive guide covers key Oxford scholarships and bursaries available for students starting in October 2025, including eligibility, benefits, application procedures, and additional financial support.

Oxford University UK Scholarships

Reach Oxford Scholarship (Undergraduate International Students)

  • Purpose: Fully funded scholarships for students from low-income developing countries who cannot study for a degree in their home country due to political, financial, or educational reasons.
  • Eligibility: Nationals of countries on the OECD Development Assistance Committee list; offer holders for undergraduate courses (except medicine).
  • Coverage: Full tuition fees, living costs, and one return airfare per year.
  • Application: Apply for admission by October 15, 2024; scholarship application deadline February 12, 2025.
  • Selection: Highly competitive; results announced in April 2025.

Clarendon Scholarship (Graduate Students)

  • Purpose: Supports outstanding graduate applicants worldwide.
  • Eligibility: Open to all Master’s and DPhil applicants; strong academic record (typically GPA ~3.7/4.0).
  • Coverage: Full tuition fees plus a living stipend of at least £15,009 per year.
  • Application: Automatic consideration upon applying for a graduate course by the January 2025 deadline.
  • Number of Awards: Approximately 130 annually.

Rhodes Scholarship

  • Purpose: Prestigious postgraduate scholarship emphasizing academic excellence and leadership.
  • Eligibility: Age 18-24, from eligible countries, with leadership qualities.
  • Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend (~£19,800/year), travel, health insurance.
  • Application: Regional deadlines vary; includes interviews.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

  • Purpose: Graduate scholarships for students with academic excellence and leadership potential.
  • Coverage: Full tuition and living costs.
  • Eligibility: GPA ~3.5/4.0 or higher; leadership qualities.
  • Deadline: January 2025.
  • Awards: About 35 annually.

Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships

  • Purpose: For graduate students pursuing a combined Master’s + MBA program.
  • Coverage: Tuition and living expenses for both years.
  • Eligibility: Academic excellence (GPA >3.5/4.0), leadership, societal impact commitment.
  • Deadline: January 2025.
  • Awards: 5 annually.

Crankstart Scholarships (UK Undergraduates)

  • Purpose: For UK-resident students from households with income £32,500 or less, studying their first undergraduate degree.
  • Coverage: Non-repayable bursary up to £6,090 per year towards study and living costs, plus funded internships, volunteering, and social events.
  • Application: Automatic based on financial assessment during Oxford admission.

Oxford Bursaries for Home Fee Students

    • Purpose: Support UK/EU students with Home fee status from lower-income households.
    • Eligibility: Household income up to about £42,875.
    • Coverage: Non-repayable bursaries towards living costs, ranging from £1,050 to £4,200 annually depending on income.
    • Application: Automatic via UK government Student Finance assessment.
Annual Bursary Table

Annual Bursary Awards

Financial Support Based on Household Income

Household Income Annual Bursary
£25,000 or less
£4,200
£25,001 - £32,500
£3,680
£32,501 - £37,500
£3,150
£37,501 - £42,875
£2,100
£42,876 - £50,000
£1,050
Note: Bursary amounts are calculated annually based on verified household income. Higher income brackets receive proportionally lower bursary amounts to ensure fair distribution of financial support.

Oxford Travel Supplement for UK Bursary Holders

  • Purpose: Helps with travel costs for UK bursary recipients living more than 80 miles from Oxford.
  • Coverage: £220/year if 80–150 miles away; £550/year if over 150 miles.
  • Application: Automatic with bursary award.

Support for Care Experienced and Estranged UK Undergraduates

  • Benefits: Non-repayable bursary up to £3,500 per year, dedicated welfare support, 365-day accommodation, counselling, career services, and peer support networks.
  • Application: Accessed via college welfare teams; bursary linked to financial assessment.

Oxford Assistance Fund and Hardship Funds

  • Purpose: To assist students facing unforeseen financial difficulties or pandemic-related hardship.
  • Coverage: Grants ranging from £100 to over £3,000.
  • Application: Apply through college hardship officers with supporting documents.

Other Notable Oxford Scholarships

  • Bright Oceans Scholarship: For Chinese mainland students in Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences.
  • Hill Foundation Scholarship: For Russian nationals pursuing a second undergraduate degree.
  • Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship: For UK Muslim students (excluding medicine and PGCE).
  • Palgrave Brown Scholarships: For students from specific Eastern European countries or Norfolk/Suffolk residents.
  • Felix Scholarships: For MBA and MSc Advanced Computer Science students.
  • Departmental and College Scholarships: Various scholarships linked to specific subjects or colleges.

Note: Applications for many of these scholarships close by February 12, 2025

External Scholarships

Oxford students may also apply for scholarships administered by external organizations, such as:

  • A*STAR (Singapore)
  • Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
  • Black Heart Foundation
  • Charles Wallace Trusts (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma)
  • Ellison Scholars Programme (tech-focused undergraduates)

These have separate application processes and deadlines.

How to Maximize Your Chances for Oxford Scholarships

  • Apply Early: Meet all university and scholarship deadlines.
  • Maintain Academic Excellence: Strong GPA and test scores.
  • Prepare Tailored Applications: Personal statements and essays highlighting your achievements and goals.
  • Secure Strong References: From academic or professional mentors.
  • Demonstrate Financial Need: Provide clear documentation if applying for need-based aid.
  • Show Leadership and Commitment: Many scholarships value social impact and leadership.
  • Use University Support: Seek advice from Oxford’s admissions and financial aid offices.
  • Stay Organized: Track deadlines and required documents carefully.

Conclusion

  • Oxford University’s scholarships and bursaries provide transformative opportunities for students worldwide and within the UK. Whether you are an international student seeking full funding or a UK resident eligible for bursaries like Crankstart or Oxford Bursaries, Oxford offers extensive financial aid and support networks to help you succeed.

    Careful preparation, academic excellence, and clear demonstration of your potential and need are key to securing funding. For personalized guidance or assistance with specific scholarship applications, Oxford’s admissions and financial support teams are valuable resources.

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