The Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities - The Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities

What you get

You will receive a full scholarship scholarship to study for a Master’s degree in the humanities at University of Oxford. This will cover all tuition fees at universities and higher education institutions for the entire duration of your studies. You will also receive a living costs allowance of approximately 24,100 EUR per year (20,780 GBP for 2025/26). The funding covers the entire duration of your studies: one year for a one-year Master’s programme (MSt), two years for an MPhil, or several years for a PhD (DPhil). You will also have access to Ertegun House, a study and social centre in Oxford, as well as a programme of lectures, seminars, concerts and cultural excursions alongside the other scholarship holders. The programme is funded by Mica Ertegun, the widow of Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun.

Who can apply

• Level: You are applying for a full-time postgraduate programme at the University of Oxford: a Master’s degree (MSt, MPhil, MSc) or a doctoral programme (DPhil, BPhil).
• Field of study: Your degree programme falls within the humanities and is included on the University of Oxford’s list of eligible degree programmes, such as History, English, Philosophy, Music, Theology, Classics, Linguistics, Art History, or Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, whether from the UK or abroad.
• New course only: You are starting a new degree programme. If you are already studying at Oxford, you can only apply for a different, new degree programme. You cannot apply for funding for a degree programme you are already undertaking.
• Not eligible: Part-time degree programmes, postgraduate certificates or diplomas, and courses for non-enrolled students.

How to apply

Applications are made using the standard application form for postgraduate programmes at Oxford. In the ‘Funding’ section, tick the box for the Ertegun Scholarship and upload the additional Ertegun statement of purpose. Submit your application by the deadline in early January for your chosen programme. Your faculty will then shortlist candidates and may conduct an interview with you via video call or telephone. Offers of admission will be sent out from the end of March through to April.

How realistic are your chances?

This is one of the most competitive scholarships at Oxford: each year, around 15 scholarships are awarded to over 1,500 applicants, meaning the success rate is well below 2 per cent. To stand a real chance, you will need outstanding academic achievements and a compelling application to Oxford itself. Even a well-suited candidate should regard this as a rather unlikely prospect and also apply for other funding opportunities.