Clarendon Fund, University of Oxford - Clarendon Scholarships

What the Clarendon Fund gives you

You will receive your full course fees paid as well as a living allowance of at least about EUR 24,000 per year (£20,780 in 2025-26) if you are studying full-time. This funding applies for the entire period during which tuition fees are payable. For most Master’s programmes, this is approximately one year, and for a DPhil (as a PhD is known at Oxford) three to four years. Tuition fees are covered regardless of whether you are classified as a home or international student. Part-time students receive a smaller allowance instead, usually one-sixth, one-third or half of the same rate, as specified in your offer letter. This is Oxford’s largest scholarship for postgraduate students. It is funded primarily from surpluses generated by Oxford University Press, with over 230 new scholarships awarded each year and around 700 scholarship holders from some 70 countries studying at the University at any given time.

Who can apply

• Level: You are applying for a new full-time or part-time Master’s programme (e.g. MSc, MSt, MBA, MPhil or BPhil) or a DPhil programme at Oxford.
• Field of study: Every subject in every department at Oxford.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality and residing in any country may apply without restriction.
• Grades: You have an outstanding academic record, typically a degree with honours or an equivalent qualification (for example, an average mark of at least 3.7 out of 4.0).
• Potential: Your references and your research proposal demonstrate great academic potential and a high level of motivation.
• Not eligible: Degree programmes leading to a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma, as well as applicants with deferred admission.

How to apply

There is no separate scholarship application form. You will automatically be considered if you apply for your Master’s or DPhil programme by the application deadline – depending on the programme, either by 2 December or by 8 January. Your department will nominate the best candidates. Each academic department then makes its selection in February or March, and successful applicants will receive a response by the end of April.

How realistic are your chances?

Clarendon is open to applicants of all nationalities and from all academic disciplines; it therefore attracts a very large number of applicants from around the world, and Oxford itself describes the selection process as extremely competitive. Grades alone do not determine admission. With over 230 scholarships spread across all four faculties, you will be competing against the very best applicants in your field; therefore, first-class grades, combined with a compelling research proposal and strong references, are crucial to standing out from the crowd. Admission to Oxford is the first hurdle, as only successful applicants are considered.