Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford - Leathersellers' Company Scholarship

Leathersellers' Company Scholarship (Sciences)

You will receive about 5,900 EUR per year (£5,000) for up to three years, provided you still owe tuition fees. You may also live in a single room on the college campus for up to two years, paying the standard room rent. You may combine this scholarship with funding from other organisations, but not with another scholarship from an Oxford college. St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, awards three of these scholarships in partnership with the Leathersellers’ Company, a guild of the City of London.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are about to start a research degree at Oxford, or are already studying for one – either a DPhil (PhD) or an MSc by Research.
• Subject: Your field of specialism is one of the following: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, engineering, materials science, mathematics, physics or statistics.
• College: You are studying at St Catherine’s College. If you are studying at another college in Oxford, you will need to transfer to St Catherine’s College in order to accept the prize. You should check beforehand that your college permits this.
• Where you graduated: You have obtained a degree from a European university, including one in the United Kingdom.
• Timing: You are starting a new degree course in October 2026, or you are already studying but have not spent more than two years on a research degree programme at Oxford by October 2026.
• Enrolment: You study full time.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the university’s online scholarship form. If you are not yet enrolled at the university, please submit your application documents by email. The application deadline is 27 February. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which will take place in April for applicants from the natural sciences.

How realistic are your chances?

Only three scholarships are awarded, and the pool of applicants is limited to European graduates who are commencing a specific science-based research programme at a college in Oxford. This means the pool of applicants is smaller than it would be for an open call for applications. The selection process takes into account your grades, your achievements and awards, as well as the quality of your research proposal. If you clearly meet the requirements of the department and the college and can demonstrate a strong track record, your chances are good.