The University of Oxford expects to offer more than 1,200 full or partial graduate scholarships for new students in 2027–2028. Learn how Oxford scholarships work, who may qualify, when to apply and which awards require no separate scholarship application.
The University of Oxford expects to offer more than 1,200 full or partial graduate scholarships for new students in the 2027–2028 academic year, alongside additional external funding opportunities.
For prospective master’s and doctoral students, one of the most important features of Oxford’s funding system is that many scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application. For the majority of awards, including the Clarendon Fund, applicants are automatically considered if they submit their graduate course application by the relevant December or January deadline and meet the scholarship eligibility criteria.
Oxford explains that its scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential. Depending on the award, funding may cover some or all course fees, provide a grant toward living costs, or combine both forms of support.
Oxford Graduate Scholarships 2027–2028 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Oxford |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Study level | Graduate |
| Expected number of awards | More than 1,200 |
| Funding type | Full or partial scholarships |
| Main selection basis | Academic excellence and potential |
| Tuition support | Some scholarships cover some or all course fees |
| Living support | Some awards provide grants for living costs |
| Separate scholarship application | Not required for the majority of Oxford scholarships |
| Clarendon consideration | Automatic if relevant course deadline is met |
| Main scholarship deadline | Usually the December or January course deadline |
| Scholarship decisions | Mostly late February to June |
| International applicants | Eligibility varies by scholarship |
| Under-represented groups | Dedicated funding opportunities available |
| External scholarships | Also available |
| College scholarships | Many consider eligible applicants automatically |
How Many Scholarships Will Oxford Offer in 2027–2028?
Oxford states that for the 2027–2028 academic year, it expects to be able to offer:
more than 1,200 full or partial graduate scholarships for new students.
This figure covers a large range of University and college funding opportunities.
It does not mean that 1,200 applicants will all receive identical awards.
Some scholarships may be:
- Fully funded
- Partially funded
- Fee-only awards
- Living-cost awards
- Combined fee and living-cost support
The conditions depend on the individual scholarship.
What Do Oxford Scholarships Cover?
Oxford says scholarships may cover:
- Some course fees
- All course fees
- A grant for living costs
- A combination of course fees and living support
The funding normally applies for the student’s period of fee liability, subject to the terms of the individual scholarship.
Applicants should therefore review the details of each scholarship rather than assuming every award provides full tuition and living expenses.
Are Oxford Scholarships Fully Funded?
Some Oxford scholarships can be highly comprehensive, but the University’s overall 2027–2028 funding page describes its awards as:
full or partial graduate scholarships.
This means it would be inaccurate to describe all 1,200-plus awards as fully funded.
The exact package depends on the particular scholarship.
Some may cover:
- Full course fees
- Living costs
while others may provide only part of the total cost.
Who Can Apply for Oxford Scholarships?
Eligibility varies considerably between scholarships.
Oxford explains that some awards are open to the majority of new graduate students, while others are restricted according to factors such as:
- Degree subject
- Country of ordinary residence
- Applicant background
- Particular scholarship objectives
The University also offers a number of scholarships specifically supporting applicants from under-represented groups.
Applicants should therefore use the University’s scholarship search tools to identify awards matching their individual profile.
How Are Oxford Scholarships Awarded?
Oxford states that scholarships are usually awarded based on:
academic excellence and potential.
For many scholarships, selection is based on the information already submitted in the graduate application.
This makes the quality of the course application especially important.
Academic records, references, research potential and other materials required by the relevant course can also indirectly affect scholarship consideration where those materials form part of the graduate application.
Do I Need a Separate Oxford Scholarship Application?
For the majority of Oxford scholarships:
No.
Oxford explains that applicants normally only need to submit their graduate course application by the relevant:
December or January deadline.
There is generally:
- No separate scholarship application
- No additional scholarship supporting documentation
for those awards.
Oxford uses the information contained in the graduate application to automatically consider eligible applicants for many scholarships.
Clarendon Fund Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund is specifically included among the scholarships for which applicants generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Applicants who submit their graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline are automatically considered where they meet the applicable criteria.
Students should still check the requirements for their specific course because application deadlines vary.
Are All Oxford Scholarships Automatic?
No.
Although the majority of Oxford scholarships do not require a separate application, some do.
Oxford recommends using its:
Fees, Funding and Scholarships Search
to identify scholarships requiring additional steps. Applicants should also review individual college websites for college-specific funding opportunities.
College Scholarships at Oxford
Oxford colleges also provide graduate scholarships.
The University explains that the vast majority of college scholarships do not require applicants to select that particular college as their preference on the graduate application form.
Eligible applicants who apply by the relevant deadline can still be considered.
If a student is selected for a scholarship associated with another college, Oxford may move the student’s college place to the relevant college.
When Should You Apply?
For most Oxford scholarships, applicants need to submit their graduate course application by the relevant:
December or January deadline.
There is no single universal scholarship deadline that applies to every Oxford graduate programme.
Applicants need to check the deadline stated for their particular course.
Why the Course Deadline Matters
For many Oxford scholarships, the scholarship process is linked directly to the graduate admissions application.
If a candidate submits after the scholarship-eligible deadline, they may lose consideration for certain awards even if the course continues accepting applications later.
Applicants who need funding should therefore identify their course deadline early.
When Are Oxford Scholarships Announced?
Oxford says most scholarship decisions are made between:
late February and June.
The approximate decision date for a particular award is normally available through the University’s scholarship information.
Can You Receive a Scholarship Before Admission?
Oxford explains that a scholarship may be awarded:
- At the same time as a departmental offer
- After the departmental offer
- Before a college place is confirmed
- After a college place is confirmed
Applicants should therefore not assume they have been unsuccessful simply because they receive an academic offer before receiving a funding decision.
Oxford Scholarships for International Students
Oxford’s scholarship portfolio includes awards with different eligibility requirements.
Some scholarships may be open broadly to new graduate students, while others are restricted according to country of ordinary residence, academic field or other criteria.
International applicants should therefore use the scholarship search system to identify opportunities relevant to their nationality, residence and course.
The supplied funding page does not state that all 1,200-plus scholarships are open to all nationalities.
Scholarships for Students From Africa
Oxford’s external funding section includes a dedicated category for:
Students from Africa.
This can help applicants identify additional external scholarship opportunities beyond funding administered directly by Oxford.
Scholarships for Students From Asia
The external scholarship section also provides a regional category for:
Students from Asia.
Scholarships for North American Students
Oxford lists external scholarship search resources for:
Students from North America.
Scholarships for South American Students
External funding resources are also provided for:
Students from South America.
Scholarships for Students From Europe
Oxford provides external scholarship resources for students from:
the UK and the rest of Europe.
Scholarships for Students From Australasia
Students from Australasia also have a dedicated external funding search category.
External Scholarships
Oxford encourages students to look beyond scholarships provided directly by the University.
Its external scholarship section includes funding administered by organizations outside Oxford.
Because these awards are independently managed:
- Application processes vary
- Eligibility requirements vary
- Deadlines vary
Applicants need to contact the relevant external organization where necessary.
Why Applicants Should Search Beyond Oxford Funding
Oxford explicitly advises students to explore funding from:
outside the University as well as within.
The University notes that, despite offering a large number of scholarships, not every student will receive funding.
This makes external scholarships, charitable funding and other support particularly important.
Scholarships for Under-Represented Groups
Oxford offers funding specifically intended to support applicants from:
under-represented groups.
Applicants who may qualify should review these opportunities alongside broader academic-merit scholarships.
Research Council Funding and Studentships
Oxford also provides access to information on:
Research Councils and Studentships.
These opportunities can fund specific research projects and may be particularly relevant to doctoral applicants.
Can Current Oxford Students Get Scholarships?
Oxford cautions applicants that funding for students who are already on-course is:
very limited.
Many scholarship schemes are designed specifically for new students.
Applicants starting multi-year degrees should therefore plan how they will finance the full duration of their studies before beginning.
Funding Multi-Year Courses
Students enrolled in programmes lasting more than one year should think carefully about:
- Future tuition costs
- Living expenses
- Funding duration
- Scholarship renewal conditions
Oxford advises applicants to have a funding plan covering their whole course rather than assuming additional funding will become available later.
Can Students Work While Studying at Oxford?
Oxford warns students not to rely on earning enough through employment to finance their studies.
The University notes that full-time courses leave relatively little time for paid work, while part-time students also need to ensure that employment does not interfere with their studies.
Limited paid work may be possible, but it should not replace a realistic funding plan.
How to Apply for Oxford Scholarships 2027–2028
For most applicants, the process is relatively straightforward.
Step 1 — Choose an Oxford Graduate Course
Identify the master’s or doctoral programme you want to pursue.
Step 2 — Check the Course Deadline
Find the December or January deadline that applies to your chosen course.
Step 3 — Prepare a Strong Graduate Application
Because most scholarships use information from the graduate application, applicants should make sure all required materials are complete and competitive.
Step 4 — Submit by the Scholarship-Eligible Deadline
Submitting by the relevant deadline is essential for automatic consideration for many Oxford scholarships.
Step 5 — Check Whether Additional Scholarship Applications Are Required
Use Oxford’s funding search to identify scholarships that require separate forms or additional documentation.
Step 6 — Research College Scholarships
Check relevant college funding opportunities.
Step 7 — Explore External Scholarships
Do not depend exclusively on Oxford-administered funding.
Step 8 — Monitor Scholarship Decisions
Most Oxford scholarship decisions are made between late February and June.
Documents Needed for Oxford Scholarships
For the majority of scholarships, Oxford says there is no additional scholarship documentation beyond the standard graduate application.
The actual graduate application documents vary by course.
Applicants should therefore consult the requirements for their chosen programme rather than using a generic scholarship document checklist.
Some scholarships requiring a separate application may ask for additional materials.
How Competitive Are Oxford Scholarships?
Oxford does not provide an overall acceptance rate for its 1,200-plus graduate scholarships on the supplied funding page.
However, scholarship decisions generally use:
- Academic excellence
- Academic potential
- Scholarship-specific eligibility
as important criteria.
Applicants should therefore expect strong competition, particularly for prestigious University-wide scholarships.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Funding
Oxford itself emphasizes starting the funding search early.
The University notes that many schemes make decisions between February and April and advises applicants not to wait for an academic offer before beginning their funding search.
Applicants should also:
- Apply by the correct course deadline
- Research multiple scholarships
- Check external funding
- Review college scholarships
- Plan for the full duration of their degree
- Avoid relying on paid work as the main source of funding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Every Oxford Scholarship Is Fully Funded
Oxford offers both full and partial scholarships.
Missing the December or January Deadline
For many scholarships, automatic consideration depends on applying by the relevant course deadline.
Looking Only for Scholarships With Separate Applications
Many Oxford scholarships require no separate application.
Ignoring College Scholarships
College awards can expand the range of possible funding.
Choosing a College Only for a Scholarship
Oxford says most college scholarships will consider eligible applicants even if they did not list that college as their preference.
Waiting for an Admission Offer Before Searching for Funding
Oxford specifically advises applicants to start their funding search early.
Assuming Funding Will Become Available in Later Years
On-course funding is limited.
Depending on Part-Time Work
Oxford cautions against relying on employment to fund graduate study.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many graduate scholarships will Oxford offer in 2027–2028?
Oxford expects to offer more than 1,200 full or partial graduate scholarships for new students.
Are all Oxford scholarships fully funded?
No.
Oxford describes the awards as full or partial scholarships.
What can Oxford scholarships cover?
Depending on the award, scholarships may cover some or all course fees and/or provide a grant toward living costs.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
For the majority of Oxford scholarships, no.
Is Clarendon automatic?
Applicants who submit their graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline are automatically considered for Clarendon where eligible.
When should I apply?
Usually by the December or January deadline for your chosen graduate course.
Are international students eligible?
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Some awards are broad, while others are restricted by criteria such as subject or country of ordinary residence.
Are scholarships awarded on merit?
Oxford says scholarships are usually awarded based on academic excellence and potential.
When are Oxford scholarship decisions released?
Most are awarded between late February and June.
Can I receive a scholarship after receiving my course offer?
Yes. Scholarships may be awarded at the same time as or after a departmental offer.
Are college scholarships available?
Yes.
Do I need to choose a particular college to receive its scholarship?
For the vast majority of college scholarships, no.
Does Oxford offer funding for under-represented groups?
Yes.
Are external scholarships available?
Yes. Oxford provides regional external scholarship search resources.
Can I rely on getting funding after starting my course?
Oxford advises against this because funding for current students is very limited.
Can I fund my studies through employment?
Oxford cautions students against relying on paid work to finance their studies.
Why Oxford Scholarships 2027–2028 Are Worth Considering
The scale of Oxford’s graduate funding makes the University particularly important for applicants searching for postgraduate scholarships.
For 2027–2028, Oxford expects to offer over 1,200 full or partial awards, while additional funding is available from outside organizations.
Another major advantage is the simplicity of the process for many awards.
Instead of submitting numerous separate scholarship forms, applicants are automatically considered for many scholarships when they submit a strong graduate application by the appropriate deadline.
The most important strategy is therefore to begin early, select the right course, understand the relevant deadline and research both Oxford and external funding opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The University of Oxford’s 2027–2028 graduate scholarship programme is expected to provide more than 1,200 full or partial scholarships for new students, making it one of the University’s major sources of graduate funding.
Awards are generally based on academic excellence and potential and may cover some or all course fees, provide living-cost support, or combine the two.
For the majority of Oxford scholarships, including Clarendon, applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, submitting the graduate course application by the relevant December or January deadline normally provides automatic consideration for scholarships where the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.
Applicants should still use Oxford’s scholarship search tools to identify awards requiring separate applications and should explore college and external funding opportunities as well.
Most scholarship decisions are expected between late February and June, and Oxford strongly advises prospective students to begin searching for funding as early as possible rather than waiting for an admission offer.
For graduate applicants seeking funding for study at Oxford in 2027–2028, the most important first step is to identify the deadline for the intended course and submit a complete, competitive graduate application on time.
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