Securing an admission offer from the University of Oxford is an unparalleled academic milestone. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses in the UK can present a substantial hurdle for international applicants. Fortunately, Oxford hosts one of the most generous financial aid ecosystems in the world, ensuring that the brightest minds can study unburdened by financial strain.
If you are aiming to join this historic institution, here is a comprehensive guide to the Top 10 fully funded scholarships at Oxford for international students, covering eligibility, benefits, and critical application timelines.
The Benefits of a Fully Funded Oxford Scholarship
An Oxford education is an investment in your future, but fully funded awards transform that investment by covering everything. Typically, a fully funded scholarship at Oxford includes:
- 100% of University Tuition Fees: Covers both the standard university fees and college fees.
- An Annual Living Stipend: A tax-free grant distributed quarterly to cover accommodation, food, utilities, and personal expenses (usually aligned with the UKRI national minimum stipend rate).
- Travel Grants: Many premium scholarships also provide round-trip airfare from your home country to the UK at the start and end of your course.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships at Oxford
1. The Clarendon Fund Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund is Oxford’s flagship scholarship scheme, granting around 200 new fully funded awards every year to outstanding graduate students.
- Degree Level: Master’s and DPhil (PhD).
- Eligibility: Open to all international students regardless of nationality, age, or field of study. Selection is based entirely on exceptional academic merit.
- How to Apply: There is no separate application form. If you apply for your chosen graduate course by the relevant December or January deadline, you are automatically considered.
2. The Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is arguably the most prestigious international fellowship in the world, bringing exceptional young leaders to Oxford since 1903 (Pietsch, 2017; Rinn, 2003).
- Degree Level: Post-graduate (Master’s, DPhil, or second undergraduate degrees).
- Eligibility: Students from specific Rhodes constituencies across the globe (including India, the US, Canada, Australia, and various African and European nations). Selection heavily emphasizes intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to public service (Pietsch, 2017).
- How to Apply: Requires a dedicated online application via the Rhodes Trust website, including a personal statement, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Deadlines vary by country but usually fall between July and October.
3. Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
Part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships, this initiative targets exceptional individuals from developing and emerging economies who are dedicated to driving social change.
- Degree Level: Taught Master’s degrees.
- Eligibility: Open to applicants from selected countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe who intend to return to their home countries to contribute to public life.
- How to Apply: Select the checkbox for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship in the funding section of the graduate application portal and submit the mandatory Weidenfeld-Hoffmann statement along with your course application by the January deadline.
4. Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships
For individuals looking to tackle global challenges, the Pershing Square Foundation awards up to five fully funded scholarships for the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme.
- Degree Level: 1+1 MBA (a master’s degree from a participating department combined with an MBA from the Saïd Business School).
- Eligibility: Open to all international students displaying strong academic capabilities and potential for global leadership.
- How to Apply: Applicants must apply to both their chosen Master’s course and the MBA program simultaneously, fulfilling the essay requirements for the Pershing Square Scholarship by the early January deadline.
5. Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening enables global leaders to pursue a one-year Master’s degree anywhere in the UK, including Oxford.
- Degree Level: One-year taught Master’s.
- Eligibility: Open to citizens of over 160 Chevening-eligible countries who possess at least two years of work experience and commit to returning home for two years after graduation.
- How to Apply: Apply directly through the central Chevening website. The application portal generally opens in August and closes in early November prior to the academic year of entry.
6. Commonwealth Scholarships
These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving individuals from Commonwealth nations who would otherwise be unable to afford a premium UK education.
- Degree Level: Master’s and DPhil (PhD).
- Eligibility: Citizens or permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth country.
- How to Apply: Applications must be channeled through national nominating agencies or selected non-governmental organizations in your home country, typically between September and December.
7. Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities
For students passionate about human culture, literature, history, and art, the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship provides an unparalleled environment.
- Degree Level: Master’s and DPhil in the Humanities Division.
- Eligibility: Open to all international students applying to eligible courses within the Humanities.
- How to Apply: Complete the standard Oxford graduate application and attach a separate Ertegun supporting statement to your application before the January deadline.
8. Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann/Chevening Scholarships
A unique partnership between Chevening and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, this award blends the funding power and network of both organizations to support master’s students.
- Degree Level: One-year taught Master’s.
- Eligibility: Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for both the Chevening Scholarship and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme.
- How to Apply: Check both options during your respective applications and ensure submissions are completed before the early winter deadlines.
9. Oxford-Creat Group Graduate Scholarships
This targeted funding stream is designed to support high-caliber international graduate students across a broad array of disciplines, ensuring socio-economic barriers do not prevent talent from entering Oxford.
- Degree Level: Master’s or DPhil.
- Eligibility: Open to all international applicants showing exceptional academic achievement.
- How to Apply: Automatic consideration is granted to all eligible applicants who apply for graduate study by the relevant December/January course deadline.
10. Hill Foundation Scholarships
The Hill Foundation provides fully funded opportunities specifically for students looking to return to their home communities to create a positive domestic impact.
- Degree Level: First second-undergraduate degrees, Master’s, or DPhil.
- Eligibility: Citizens of the Russian Federation or neighboring specified regions who hold a first degree from a domestic university.
- How to Apply: Select the Hill Foundation Scholarship checkbox in the funding section of the university application form by the January graduate deadline (or UCAS deadline for second undergraduate applications).
Comprehensive Summary Table
| Scholarship Name | Degree Levels Covered | Target Nationalities | Application Action Required |
| Clarendon Fund | Master’s, DPhil | All International | Automatic via course application |
| Rhodes Scholarship | Master’s, DPhil, Second BA | Specific Constituencies | Separate Application (July–Oct) |
| Weidenfeld-Hoffmann | Taught Master’s | Emerging/Developing Nations | Checkbox + Statement via portal |
| Pershing Square | 1+1 MBA | All International | Separate Essay via portal |
| Chevening | 1-Year Master’s | 160+ Eligible Countries | External Website Portal (Aug–Nov) |
| Commonwealth | Master’s, DPhil | Commonwealth Nations | External Agency Nomination |
| Ertegun Programme | Master’s, DPhil (Humanities) | All International | Additional Statement via portal |
| Chevening/Weidenfeld | 1-Year Master’s | Emerging Nations | Dual Application Paths |
| Oxford-Creat Group | Master’s, DPhil | All International | Automatic via course application |
| Hill Foundation | Postgrad / Second BA | Specific Regional Citizens | Checkbox via portal |
Insider SEO Tips for Securing an Oxford Scholarship
- Apply to the Early Deadlines: For graduate entry, applying by the December or January deadline is mandatory to be eligible for the vast majority of university-managed funding pools. Missing this date means missing out on automatic scholarships like Clarendon.
- Refine Your Academic Profile: Because funding at Oxford is highly competitive, selection committees place immense weight on your GPA, research proposal (for DPhils), and academic references. Ensure your writing samples and proposals are polished to perfection.
- Draft a Compelling Statement of Purpose: Clearly state how your academic path aligns with the goals of the specific scholarship program—whether that means exhibiting leadership, serving your community, or advancing ground-breaking research.