foundation of Mr Charles D. D. Gibbs - Classics Gibbs Prize

Classics Gibbs Prize (University of Oxford)

You get a one-off cash prize of up to about 585 EUR (500 GBP) for outstanding results in your Classics exams and coursework at the University of Oxford. Several separate Gibbs Prizes cover different parts of the subject. Examples are the best overall performance in the first-year exams (Honour Mods), Greek Literature papers, Ancient History, and the Philosophy papers in Literae Humaniores. Smaller prizes of around 290 to 465 EUR (250 to 400 GBP) go to top performers in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, and to the runner-up in that field. The prizes were founded by Charles D. D. Gibbs and are offered again in 2026.

Who can apply

• University: You study at the University of Oxford.
• Field of study: You study Classics: Literae Humaniores, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, Greek Literature or Ancient History.
• Study phase: You are working towards a final Honour School (the final undergraduate degree exams at Oxford). One prize is instead for the best result in the first-year Honour Mods exams.
• Nationality: All nationalities welcome.
• Results: You are among the top performers in your exams and coursework. Examiners can decide not to award a prize in a year if no one is judged good enough.

How to apply

You do not apply. The prizes are awarded automatically based on your exam and coursework results, unless a specific subject notice tells you otherwise.

How realistic are your chances?

You do not apply for this; it rewards being at or near the top of your year in a specific Classics field. Each prize goes to the single best (or runner-up) candidate, so only the strongest results win it, and in a weak year it may not be awarded at all. If your exam performance is outstanding, it comes to you without any extra effort.