The Clarendon Fund is now accepting applications!

First established in 2001 to support international students, the Clarendon Fund has since expanded its reach in 2012 to include UK and EU students, offering funding across all fee categories. Despite this growth, its core mission remains the same: to provide financial support to academically exceptional graduate students pursuing their studies at the University of Oxford.

Clarendon scholarships are highly competitive, prestigious, and fully funded. They cover course fees and offer a generous living expenses grant, helping to alleviate financial obstacles that might prevent top students from around the globe from studying at Oxford.

In 2024/25, over 230 new scholarships are expected to be awarded, adding to the approximately 500 scholars currently studying at Oxford, making it the university’s largest scholarship scheme. There are no nationality or degree level quotas—any student who applies for their course by the January deadline will be automatically considered. While most scholars pursue a DPhil (Oxford's version of a PhD), the scholarship is also available for one- and two-year graduate degrees like the MPhil, MSc, MBA, or MSt. For further details, visit the Full-time and Part-time applicants pages.

To ensure the Fund operates effectively, it is managed by the Clarendon Fund Steering Group, which consists of representatives from across the University. This group ensures consistency across the University’s departments and divisions, upholding the Fund’s commitment to supporting the most outstanding students.

The selection process aims to identify the best candidates worldwide, based on their academic excellence and future potential. Oxford believes that investing in these brilliant minds will nurture future leaders in various fields. Many Clarendon scholars have already gone on to assume leadership roles and make a positive impact beyond Oxford.

Scholarship Benefits

For full-time students, Clarendon scholarships cover 100% of course fees for both Home and Overseas students. Scholars also receive an annual grant for living expenses, which meets or exceeds the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend (£18,622 for 2023-24), ensuring it’s sufficient for a single student living in Oxford.

For part-time students, Clarendon covers course fees and offers a study support grant, which varies depending on the course’s nature and duration. This grant could range from one-sixth to one-half of the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend. The value of the grant is adjusted if the course fees already cover certain study costs, like accommodation during residential study periods.

Eligibility Criteria

Full-time applicants: Candidates starting a new DPhil or Master’s course at Oxford are eligible, including those re-applying for a DPhil or a second Master’s degree.

Part-time applicants: Candidates applying for a new part-time DPhil or Master’s course are also eligible, with similar criteria for those reapplying.

Applications are evaluated on the following:

- Outstanding academic record: Typically, successful applicants have at least a first-class honors degree or equivalent, such as a GPA of 3.7 or higher, or an exceptional Master’s degree to compensate for a weaker undergraduate performance.

- Future potential and aptitude: Special attention is given to the applicant’s research potential and the likelihood of contributing significantly to their field of study.

- Student motivation: This is assessed through personal statements, referees’ reports, and the applicant’s dedication to their course of study.

Application Process

1. Submit your application for a full-time or part-time graduate course at Oxford by the relevant January deadline.

2. Your application will be automatically considered for the Clarendon Fund based on academic merit, future potential, and fit for the scholarship—no separate application is required.

3. Shortlisted candidates are assessed by field-specific experts.

4. Successful applicants will be notified and may have to follow additional acceptance procedures depending on the course and scholarship terms.

Application Deadline: December 3, 2024

For more information and to apply, click on this link: Oxford Clarendon Scholarship