Humanities Division, University of Oxford - Ertegun Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities

What the Ertegun scholarship gives you

You will receive your full course fees as well as a living allowance of approximately 25,200 EUR per year (21,805 GBP for 2026–27). This is generally sufficient to cover the cost of living for one person in Oxford. The funding applies for the entire duration of your studies. For longer degree programmes, it is renewed annually, provided you maintain good academic performance. You will also have access to Ertegun House, a dedicated study area where scholarship holders can take part in lectures, events, concerts and a cultural programme. The scholarship is awarded by the University of Oxford and funded by a donation of 26 million GBP from Mica Ertegun, made in 2012.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a new full-time Master’s or PhD (DPhil) programme at Oxford. If you are already studying at Oxford, you can only apply for a new degree programme, not the one you are currently undertaking.
• Field of study: Your degree programme must be in one of the humanities subjects at the University of Oxford listed as eligible, such as History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Theology, English, Modern Languages, Linguistics or regional studies such as Japanese Studies, Chinese Studies or Middle Eastern Studies. There are more than 90 degree programmes eligible.
• University: You are studying at the University of Oxford.
• Nationality: You can apply from any country, including the UK. There are no age or gender restrictions.
• Admission: You meet the entry requirements for your degree programme, including the English language proficiency requirements.
• Only one award: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other funding.

How to apply

You should apply for this at the same time as applying for your degree programme at Oxford. In the ‘Funding’ section of the postgraduate application form, please select the Ertegun Scholarship. You must also upload a separate personal statement. In this, you should answer three questions relating to the programme’s objectives, using up to 500 words for each. Your application cannot be processed without this personal statement. The faculties draw up a shortlist of candidates, who then undergo an interview (usually via video or telephone), and a selection committee makes the final decision. The first offers of admission will be sent out by the end of March, and the selection process will be completed by the end of April.

How realistic are your chances?

This is one of the most competitive scholarships at Oxford: over 1,500 applicants compete each year for around 15 scholarships, which equates to an average success rate of just under 1.5 per cent. As it is open to applicants from all countries and covers more than 90 degree programmes, the field of applicants is very large. Good academic results alone are not enough. A compelling personal statement that demonstrates a genuine alignment with the programme’s focus is what sets the few successful applicants apart from the rest.