St Catherine's College, University of Oxford - College Scholarships (Sciences)

College Scholarship (Sciences) at St Catherine's

You will be granted 3,300 GBP per year (about 3,850 EUR) for up to 3 years, provided you continue to pay tuition fees. You will also be granted limited access to ‘High Table’ meals and the option to book a single room in the college accommodation for up to two years, which you will pay for yourself at the standard rate. This scholarship is awarded by St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford. You may receive it alongside funding from another institution, provided that institution is not another college at Oxford. For the 2026 round, 3 scholarships are available.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are undertaking a research degree at the University of Oxford, either a DPhil (PhD) or an MSc by Research.
• Field of study: Your degree subject falls within the field of natural sciences and encompasses mathematics, physics, life sciences and medical sciences; it is a degree programme for which St Catherine’s accepts postgraduate students.
• Enrolment: You are a full-time student at the University of Oxford.
• Timing: You are starting your degree in October or have spent no more than two years to date conducting postgraduate research at the University of Oxford.
• College: You can apply from another college in Oxford, but if you are offered a place, you must transfer to St Catherine’s College. You should therefore first check whether your current college permits this. You cannot apply if you are an associate member or if you are splitting your time between several universities.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities.
• Selection basis: You have an excellent academic record, underpinned by achievements beyond your grades, such as awards, publications, public lectures or leadership roles, and you are able to explain your research to a wide audience.

How to apply

You must complete an online form (one version for current Oxford students, another for external applicants) and attach a single PDF file containing a one-page personal statement, a research summary of up to 1,200 words and a two-page CV. The application deadline is 27 February at 23:59 British time. Shortlisted candidates will be invited in April to an interview with an academic panel, which will take place either in person or online.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is quite narrowly targeted. You must be enrolled on a specific academic research degree programme at Oxford and be prepared to study at St Catherine’s College; consequently, the pool of applicants is smaller than for open, nationwide scholarships. With 3 places available in the 2026 round and clear criteria, a well-suited applicant who can demonstrate achievements beyond just good grades has a strong chance of success. Prepare a research summary that is accessible even to non-specialists, as this is precisely what the selection panel looks for.