Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford - Concessionary fees for weekly classes and day schools

What you get

You are paying half the normal tuition fee for a short course at Oxford Lifelong Learning, a division of the University of Oxford’s Department of Continuing Education. This is a fee reduction of 50%, not a cash payment. It applies to weekly courses (held on-site or online in Oxford), day and weekend events, lecture series and most short online courses. You may claim this once per academic year.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are registering for a short course with Oxford Lifelong Learning. Flexible online courses categorised as ‘continuing professional development’ are not included.
• Field of study: Every subject offered on these degree programmes.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. You must meet one of the eligibility criteria listed below for people on low incomes or former care home residents in the United Kingdom.
• Money you need: You must provide documentary evidence of at least one of the following: You receive a state benefit in the United Kingdom (e.g. Universal Credit, housing benefit, disability or carer’s allowance, or a council tax reduction). Or your sole income consists of a UK state pension plus ‘Pension Credit’. Or you are a former resident of a care home in the United Kingdom during the same academic year in which the course takes place.

How to apply

Please complete the application form for reduced fees and the course registration form. Both are available as PDF files on the course website. Please send these, together with a copy of your supporting documentation, to the course office specified on the form. There is no fixed deadline. A set amount of funding is allocated each term on a ‘first come, first served’ basis until it is exhausted. You should therefore apply as early as possible.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive scholarship. If you are taking an eligible course and can provide evidence of eligibility for social security benefits, a pension, or your status as a former resident of a care home, you will receive the reduction for as long as funds are available for the relevant semester. The main risk relates to timing: funds are limited per semester and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You should therefore apply for the reduction as soon as possible after your enrolment.