A sunset with the Maths Institute and Green Templeton College
The Mathematics Institute, looking towards the Radcliffe Observatory
(Image Credit: Sheng Peng (DPhil in History) / Graduate Photography Competition)

Scholarships and funding for under-represented groups

About

The University is proud to offer a range of scholarships to support graduate offer holders from under-represented groups.

Oxford aims to attract and admit students with outstanding academic potential, whatever their background, providing a unique experience including the chance to work with leading academics in world-class facilities.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Oxford's academic mission.

Awards for 2024-25 Study

A range of graduate scholarships available for under-represented groups can be found on this page. We have categorised these scholarships into themes according to their primary eligibility criteria, as a result some may appear in multiple categories.

Ethnicity

Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).

The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.

All Souls Hugh Springer Graduate Scholarships

These scholarships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in or nationals of a Caribbean country, who identify as of Black or Mixed Black ethnicity, and who are applying to any full or part-time master’s or DPhil course at Oxford. Country restrictions apply.  Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page

Black Academic Futures Scholarships

Open to UK Black and Mixed Black applicants to full or part-time master's or DPhil courses. Country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Academic Futures webpage.

Green Templeton College Charlie Perkins Scholarship

Open to graduate applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian nationality. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Green Templeton College website and more information can be found on the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust website. 

Humanities: AHRC Open-Oxford-Cambridge DTP

In October 2021 the DTP launched a scheme to increase the number of studentship awards made through the standard route competition to Black and Global Majority students who are ordinarily resident in the UK. Course restrictions apply. More information is available on the DTP website.

Jane Street Graduate Scholarships in mathematical subjects

Open to UK Black and Mixed Black students as part of the University's Black Academic Futures scholarships to those applying to specific MSc courses in Mathematical subjects. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Mathematical Institute website and information about Jane Street can be found on the Jane Street website

Oxford Black Leaders Scholarships for the MBA

Open to UK and North American Black and Mixed Black applicants to the MBA. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.

Roma Education Fund Scholarship for the MPP

Open to applicants to the MPP with Roma ethnicity only. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Blavatnik School of Government website. 

Social Sciences: ESRC Grand Union DTP

In October 2022 the DTP launched a scheme to increase the number of studentship awards made to British Black or Mixed Black students. Course and country restrictions apply. More information is available on the DTP website.

University College Beacon Programme Graduate Scholarships

Open to UK Black and Mixed Black applicants applying to a master's or DPhil programme. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the University College website.

Financial need

Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).

The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.

Crankstart Graduate Scholarships

Open to former undergraduate Crankstart scholars applying to pursue taught postgraduate study at Oxford. Country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Graduate Admissions website.

Department for Continuing Education: departmental bursaries

Open to UK-based students who receive benefits because they are on a low income. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department for Continuing Education website.

Department of Oncology: The Adrian Harris Applied Cancer Science Scholarship

This scholarship provides funding for a student from a socioeconomically disadvantaged group within the UK to study the MSc Applied Cancer Science. The scholarship covers the tuition fees at the current Home fees rate, and provides a monthly stipend towards living expenses. You do not need to put in a separate application for this scholarship, it will be awarded to the highest ranked student at interview who is classified as being in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged group. 

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department of Oncology website.

Department of Oncology: The Precision Cancer Medicine LMIC Scholarship

This scholarship provides funding for a student from a low or low-middle income country to study on the part-time, online MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine. The scholarship covers the tuition fee at the current Overseas fee rate for two years. You do not need to put in a separate application for this scholarship. It will be awarded to the highest ranking student at interview who is a national of and currently resident in a country which is in the least developed, low income, or lower middle income categories on the most recent version of the list of ODA recipients.

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department of Oncology website.

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation programme

The Mathematical Institute have partnered with the Martingale Postgraduate Foundation's programme of scholarships for students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. These awards are open to applicants to STEM DPhil courses, with preference given to those whose family income has been, or would be, a barrier to postgraduate education. Course restrictions apply. More information about eligibility and criteria can be found on the Martingale Foundation website.

MSc in Law and Finance Financial Aid Awards

Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Faculty of Law website.

MSc Scholarship in Global Health Science and Epidemiology

This new studentship will provide full financial support to a talented UK-resident applicant from an underprivileged background. Course restrictions apply.  Details are available on the Department of Population Health website.

Refugees / those who have experienced displacement

Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).

The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and Funding section.

Oxford University Graduate Scholarships for Ukraine

This scholarship programme is open to nationals of Ukraine who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine, and will provide support for taught master's students beginning one-year courses at Oxford in the 2024/-25 academic year.  Full details are available on the scholarship webpage.

Refugee Academic Futures Scholarships

The Refugee Academic Futures scheme offers financial support to pursue graduate study at Oxford to students who are refugees, or other people with lived experience of displacement. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Academic Futures webpage.

The Hope Scholarship and Leadership Programme 

The Hope Scholarship and Leadership Programme has been created to support refugees and those who have been displaced due to conflict, persecution, or other serious human rights violations or deprivations, whether this is outside or within their country. This scholarship will be subject to the same eligibility criteria as the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and further information can be found on this on the Weidenfeld Scholarship webpages

The Kavli Scholar Award 

Applications are invited from DPhil candidates in the area of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics who are Ukrainian nationals and have been displaced due to the conflict in their home country. Further information including how to apply can be found on the department website.  

Residency or nationality

Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).

The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.

All Souls Hugh Springer Graduate Scholarships

These scholarships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in or nationals of a Caribbean country, who identify as of Black or Mixed Black ethnicity, and who are applying to any full or part-time master’s or DPhil course at Oxford. Country restrictions apply.  Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page

Departmental scholarships for courses in International Development

The Department of International Development offer a number of departmental awards to support students on their courses. Selection is based on academic ability and citizenship of (and normal residence in) a developing country as defined by the United Nations, with a preference for candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa. Full details can be found on the department webpages

Green Templeton College Charlie Perkins Scholarship

Open to graduate applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian nationality. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Green Templeton College website and more information can be found on the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust website. 

Mark Le Page Africa Diploma Scholarship for Women

Open to female applicants ordinarily resident in an African country. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process is available on the Saïd Business School website.

Nuffield Department of Medicine Tropical Network Fund

Open to students from low and middle income countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Nuffield Department of Medicine website.

Oriel Graduate Scholarship for Sub-Saharan African Scholars

The Oriel Graduate Scholarship for Sub-Saharan African Scholars is open to all Oriel graduate students who are citizens of any sub-Saharan African country and/or have permanent residence in a country in sub-Saharan Africa, all of whom will be automatically considered for the award upon receiving an offer to study at Oriel. The prize exists to support students from sub-Saharan Africa who are interested in solving the biggest problems currently facing the African continent, be that public health, ensuring stable economic growth, mitigating the worst effects of the climate crisis, or something else.

Find out more about the Oriel Graduate Scholarship for Sub-Saharan African Scholars.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Graduate Scholarships

These scholarships are open to applicants to full-time master's and DPhil courses who are resident in, and nationals of, specific majority-Muslim countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships webpage.

Somerville College: The Savitribai Phule Scholarship

Applicants must be ordinarily resident in India and identify with one or more of the following categories

  • Dalit, Bahujan and Adivasi (SC/ST/OBC)
  • First generation learners

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process is available on the Somerville College website.

St Catherine’s College: Great Eastern Scholarship

For Indian nationals who will be reading for any Oxford University research degree (DPhil, MLitt, or MSc by Research) for which St Catherine’s admits graduate students. One Graduate Scholarship worth £3,300 per annum, tenable for up to three years whilst the recipient is liable for course fees. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on St Catherine’s College's webpage.

St Catherine’s College: Overseas Scholarship

For Overseas fee status who will be reading for any Oxford University research degree (DPhil, MLitt, or MSc by Research) for which St Catherine’s admits graduate students. Two Graduate Scholarships worth £3,300 per annum, tenable for up to three years whilst the recipient is liable for course fees. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on St Catherine’s College's webpage.

Wadham College: Beit Trust Wadham Scholarship

One scholarship is open to applicants to the full-time Master of Public Policy course and the other scholarship is open to applicants to any full-time one-year taught Masters course to which Wadham admits. In both cases they should be normally resident in Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe, and they will be expected to show evidence of their intention to return to their home country on completion of their course.

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on Wadham College's webpage.

Wadham College: FirstRand Scholarship

Applicants for the following courses: MSc African Studies; Master in Public Policy (MPP); and MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment. Applicants will be ordinarily resident in South Africa, and have not previously studied at a university outside of South Africa. The successful applicant will demonstrate the potential to be a destiny changer, and to rise to a position of leadership and influence. This scholarship is for full-time study only (not part-time).

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on Wadham College's webpage.

Wadham College: Standard Bank Africa Chairman’s scholarship

The Standard Bank Africa Chairman’s scholarships are available for applicants to any full-time, one-year taught master’s course (excluding Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy) who are ordinarily resident in Angola, Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on Wadham College's webpage.

Women

Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).

The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.

Adara Foundation Scholarships for the MBA

One MBA scholarship covering 50% of course fees is open to female candidates from African countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process is available on the Saïd Business School website.

Department of Engineering Science Energy Systems Scholarship

The MSc Energy Systems Scholarship is open to offer-holding applicants to the MSc Energy Systems programme, with preference for female students from developing countries. Course restrictions apply.

Executive MBA Forté Fellowships for Women

Open to female applicants applying for the Executive MBA programme. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. Course restrictions apply.

Forté Fellowships for Women for the MBA

Open to female applicants applying to the MBA. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. Course restrictions apply.

Green Templeton College: Oxford-Intesa Sanpaolo MBA Graduate Scholarship

Open to female applicants accepted for an MBA. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of exceptional academic merit and financial need. Tenable at Green Templeton College only. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Green Templeton College website and further information can be found on the Saïd Business School website. 

The Laidlaw Scholarships for the MBA

Open to female applicants applying to the MBA. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. 

MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership Scholarship for Women

Open to female applicants applying for the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. 

MSc in Major Programme Management Scholarships for Women

Open to female applicants applying for the MSc in Major Programme Management. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.

Optiver Foundation Scholarships

Open to female applicants to MPLS master's courses who are ordinarily resident in low to middle-income countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Optiver Foundation Scholarships webpage.

Oxford-Maryam Mirzakhani Scholarship

Open to female applicants of any nationality to complete a standard four-year DPhil in Mathematics beginning in 2024/25. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Mathematical Institute website. 

The Oxford Executive MBA Scholarships for Women in association with the 30% Club

Open to female applicants applying for the Executive MBA programme. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. 

Oxford Executive Diploma Scholarships for Women

Open to female applicants applying for a Diploma programme. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. 

Women in Law BCL Scholarship

A studentship offered to one woman starting the BCL degree. Course restrictions apply. Details are available on the St Edmund Hall website.

Yalda Hakim Graduate Scholarship for Female Afghan Scholars

A fully-funded scholarship, awarded on the basis of academic merit and potential, for a woman from Afghanistan to complete a one-year Master’s course in any subject. See the Oriel College website for more details. 

Other underrepresented groups

Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).

The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.

Care-Experienced Academic Futures

Open to care-experienced graduate applicants. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Academic Futures webpage.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Graduate Scholarships

These scholarships are open to applicants who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and from a Muslim community, apply to a full-time master's or DPhil course (with preference given to those from a financially disadvantaged household). Course and country restrictions apply.  Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships webpage.

Wadham College: Kalisher Trust - Wadham Scholarship

UK residents applying for the full-time MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The bursary is generously supported by the Kalisher Trust (http://www.thekalishertrust.org/) and Wadham College, Oxford. In addition to satisfying the high academic standards of the Centre for Criminology, Faculty of Law, and Wadham College candidates for the award must satisfy the Kalisher Trust’s objectives of furthering access to the Criminal Bar for students from backgrounds who are under-represented in the legal profession. The scholarship is intended to encourage and assist those intending to practise at the Criminal Bar who demonstrate ‘exceptional promise but modest means’.

Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on St Catherine’s College webpage.

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