Scholarships for the University of Oxford: A Complete Guide

Why the University of Oxford?

The University of Oxford consistently ranks among the top three universities in the world. For international students, the cost can be a barrier — but Oxford administers one of the most generous scholarship ecosystems of any university, with several fully funded scholarships for the University of Oxford covering tuition, college fees, and a living stipend.

This guide walks through the major scholarships, who they're for, and when to apply.

Top scholarships for the University of Oxford

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is the most famous fully funded scholarship for the University of Oxford. It covers full tuition, college fees, and a generous annual stipend (around £18,000+), plus flights to and from Oxford. It is open to students from over 20 constituencies worldwide for postgraduate study.

• Level: Master's, DPhil
• Funding: Full tuition + stipend + flights
• Deadline: Usually October each year (varies by constituency)

Clarendon Scholarship

The Clarendon Fund offers around 200 fully funded scholarships for the University of Oxford each year, awarded on academic merit across all subject areas. It covers tuition and college fees and provides a generous stipend.

• Level: Master's, DPhil
• Funding: Full tuition + college fees + stipend
• Deadline: Early/mid-January (apply by the December course deadline)

Oxford Graduate Scholarships

Many Oxford colleges and departments offer their own scholarships funded by partners and benefactors. When you apply for your course by the funding deadline, you're automatically considered for most of these — no separate application required.

Eligibility tips

• Apply by the funding deadline. Most Oxford scholarships require you to submit your course application by early or mid-January.
• Choose a college that awards scholarships. All colleges offer places, but some offer additional college-funded awards.
• Strong references matter. Academic references are weighted heavily at Oxford.

How to apply

1. Identify your course on the Oxford admissions site.
2. Submit your application by the January funding deadline.
3. You'll be auto-considered for Clarendon and most college scholarships.
4. Apply separately for externally administered awards (Rhodes, Marshall, Commonwealth).

Don't miss the deadline

Oxford deadlines come early in the academic year. Use ScholarPath's deadline reminders so you're notified a month before each deadline closes.

Looking for Oxford scholarships? Browse the full UK list on ScholarPath and get matched to awards that fit your profile.