he China Oxford Scholarship Fund (COSF) - China Oxford Scholarship Fund

China Oxford Scholarship Fund

You will receive up to about 23,000 EUR (up to 20,000 GBP) for one academic year as a grant towards the costs of a postgraduate programme at University of Oxford. The exact amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the funds available and your personal circumstances. The grant is valid for one year only and cannot be extended. As this is a partial grant, you will need additional financial resources to fund your studies. The fund is managed by volunteers and awards up to 20 grants each year as part of various designated funding programmes. Since 1992, it has awarded 397 grants.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of the People’s Republic of China (mainland or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region). You may apply even if you are already studying abroad.
• Oxford place: You have been offered a place (either an official or conditional offer) on a full-time postgraduate programme (Master’s or DPhil) at Oxford, or you are already studying there.
• Field of study: All fields of study are eligible. For some scholarships, certain fields of study or universities may be given preference; however, this is an advantage rather than a requirement.
• First time in the UK: You will be given priority if you are studying in the UK for the first time and are applying for the first time.
• Not eligible: Visiting scholars from China who are undertaking studies at Oxford are not eligible to apply.

The selection process takes into account your academic achievements, your financial need, your leadership qualities and your commitment to China’s development. Financial need is just one of several factors, not the only one.

How to apply

Apply directly to the fund between 1 January and 15 April – regardless of whether you have been offered a place at Oxford – and submit all documents in English. Shortlisted candidates are usually invited to an interview between the end of May and July; a video interview is also an option. The results will be announced around August.

How realistic are your chances?

As only Chinese nationals who wish to study at a specific university – namely Oxford – are eligible to apply, the pool of applicants is smaller than for open scholarships. With up to 20 scholarships awarded each year, competition is nevertheless fierce. Outstanding academic achievement, together with a clear explanation of how your work will benefit China, will set applicants apart from the crowd. It is advantageous to apply during your first year in the UK, as the fund gives preference to such applicants.