Oxford Department of International Development - Departmental Awards

Departmental Awards at Oxford

You will receive a full scholarship: it covers your tuition fees in full and provides a contribution towards your living costs. The scholarship is awarded by the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) at the University of Oxford. One scholarship is awarded annually for each degree programme within the department, so the number of places is strictly limited. For multi-year degree programmes (MPhil and DPhil), funding will only be continued if you maintain outstanding academic performance.

Who can apply

• Course: You have applied for one of the ODID’s postgraduate programmes: two DPhil programmes (PhD), one MPhil programme or one of the four one-year MSc programmes.
• Grades: You have achieved excellent results at school.
• Nationality and home: You are a national of a developing country (as defined by the United Nations) and normally live there.
• Region: Preference will be given to applicants from sub-Saharan Africa, but applicants from other developing countries may also be considered.

How to apply

There is no separate application process. Please submit your standard course application by the deadline for the relevant course. If you are offered a place, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship. Decisions are usually communicated by email at the end of May or beginning of June.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is very limited: only one scholarship is awarded per degree programme each year, and it is reserved exclusively for top candidates from developing countries, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa. Securing a place at ODID is already a highly competitive process, and funding is very limited, so your academic achievements will be the deciding factor. If you clearly meet the criteria regarding country of origin and grades and are offered a place, you have a genuine chance, as eligible candidates are automatically considered.