Clarendon Scholarships

University of Oxford

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Open to all nationalities and all subjects. You must apply for a new full-time or part-time Master's or DPhil at Oxford by the course deadline. Deferred-offer holders and current Oxford students continuing the same degree are not eligible.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Clarendon Fund is the University of Oxford’s flagship graduate scholarship scheme, awarding over 200 new, fully funded scholarships every year across all academic divisions (Medical Sciences, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences). Every international applicant who submits their Oxford graduate application by the December or January deadline is automatically considered without needing any separate scholarship application.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Open to all nationalities and all subjects. You must apply for a new full-time or part-time Master's or DPhil at Oxford by the course deadline. Deferred-offer holders and current Oxford students continuing the same degree are not eligible.
2. Note the deadline. Dec – Jan (annual; there is no separate application - you are considered automatically if you apply to your Oxford course by its December or January deadline) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Oxford Graduate Application Form: Submitted prior to the specific course's December or January deadline.; Official Academic Transcripts: University transcripts demonstrating First Class Honours or top-tier GPA.; Statement of Purpose / DPhil Research Proposal: Course-specific personal statement or rigorous DPhil research proposal.; Three Academic Letters of Recommendation: 3 strong academic references testifying to your standing at the top of your cohort..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Pure Academic Excellence & Future Potential: Oxford academic departments nominate their top-ranked admitted applicants based on GPA, research proposal originality, publications, and academic references → Divisional Funding Panels allocate awards in Feb–April.

Profile of past winners

Top-ranked applicants in each Oxford department whose academic transcripts, publications, and research proposals place them in the top 2–5% of their admitted graduate cohort.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Clarendon Scholarships?

Open to all nationalities and all subjects. You must apply for a new full-time or part-time Master's or DPhil at Oxford by the course deadline. Deferred-offer holders and current Oxford students continuing the same degree are not eligible.

What does Clarendon Scholarships cover?

Full course fees plus a living grant (at least the UKRI doctoral stipend; GBP 20,780 a year in 2025-26) for full-time scholars

When is the deadline for Clarendon Scholarships?

Dec – Jan (annual; there is no separate application - you are considered automatically if you apply to your Oxford course by its December or January deadline) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Clarendon Scholarships?

Host countries: United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for Clarendon Scholarships?

Oxford Graduate Application Form: Submitted prior to the specific course's December or January deadline.; Official Academic Transcripts: University transcripts demonstrating First Class Honours or top-tier GPA.; Statement of Purpose / DPhil Research Proposal: Course-specific personal statement or rigorous DPhil research proposal.; Three Academic Letters of Recommendation: 3 strong academic references testifying to your standing at the top of your cohort..

How are applicants selected for Clarendon Scholarships?

Pure Academic Excellence & Future Potential: Oxford academic departments nominate their top-ranked admitted applicants based on GPA, research proposal originality, publications, and academic references → Divisional Funding Panels allocate awards in Feb–April.

How much work is the Clarendon Scholarships application?

High: No Separate Scholarship Form Required (Evaluated via Oxford Graduate Admission Application, Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample/Proposal & 3 References)