University of Oxford Clarendon Fund Scholarships for Graduate Students (UK) 2025 – 2026

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The University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world and ranked 3rd globally by QS World University Rankings, is a beacon of academic excellence, hosting over 26,000 students from 150+ countries.

The Clarendon Fund Scholarships, established in 2001 and primarily funded by Oxford University Press, offer over 200 fully funded scholarships annually to outstanding graduate students worldwide, including Nigerians, for the 2026 academic year.

These prestigious awards support full-time and part-time Master’s and DPhil (Oxford’s PhD equivalent) programs across all disciplines, fostering a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of scholars.

With over 2,500 Clarendon scholars since its inception, the program is highly competitive, emphasizing academic merit and potential.

This comprehensive guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for international applicants aiming to join Oxford’s esteemed academic community.

Why Choose the Clarendon Fund Scholarships?

The Clarendon Fund Scholarships are among Oxford’s most prestigious awards, designed to remove financial barriers and attract the world’s brightest minds. Key reasons to pursue this opportunity include:

• Fully Funded Support: Covers full tuition, college fees, and a generous living stipend, enabling focus on studies without financial stress.
• World-Class Education: Access Oxford’s renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a legacy of producing global leaders, including 61 Nobel laureates.
• Global Community: Join the Clarendon Scholars’ Association, connecting with over 500 on-course scholars from 50+ countries for networking and cultural events.
• Cultural Enrichment: Engage in Oxford’s rich cultural scene, including lectures, symposia, theatre visits, and historic site tours across the UK.
• Career Impact: Graduates receive a two-year UK work visa, enhancing professional opportunities, with alumni leading in academia, policy, and industry.

Scholars like Chiamaka from Nigeria, who pursued a DPhil in Global Health, credit the scholarship for enabling groundbreaking research and lifelong connections.

Program Overview

The Clarendon Fund Scholarships support graduate students pursuing degree-bearing courses at Oxford, including:

• Full-Time Programs: One-year Master’s (e.g., MSc, MSt, MBA), two-year Master’s (e.g., MPhil, BPhil), and DPhil programs (3–4 years).
• Part-Time Programs: Master’s and DPhil courses, ideal for professionals balancing study with work.

Approximately 200 scholarships are awarded annually, with no restrictions on nationality, residency, or field of study. Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas are ineligible. Scholars are selected for their academic excellence and potential, contributing to Oxford’s mission of advancing research and education.

Eligibility Criteria

The Clarendon Fund targets outstanding graduate students globally. Eligibility requirements include:

• Nationality: Open to all countries, including Nigeria, with no quotas by nationality or residency.
• Academic Background: A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree (e.g., minimum GPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent).
• Program Status: Applicants must apply for a new full-time or part-time Master’s or DPhil course starting in October 2026. Current Oxford Master’s students applying for a DPhil or a second Master’s are eligible, but those continuing the same degree are not.
• English Proficiency: Meet Oxford’s English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 with minimum component scores). Nigerians educated in English-medium institutions may be exempt.
• Admission Offer: Secure an offer for a graduate course by applying by the relevant December 2025 or January 2026 deadline.
• Restrictions: Applicants with deferred offers for 2026–27 are ineligible, as are those applying for Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas.

Selection prioritizes academic merit and potential, assessed by faculty in the applicant’s chosen field. Special considerations may apply for courses with unique requirements.

Benefits of the Clarendon Fund Scholarships

The scholarships provide comprehensive support for the duration of the course’s fee liability period:

• Tuition and College Fees: Fully covered for both full-time and part-time programs.
• Living Stipend: For 2025–26, full-time students receive at least GBP 18,622 annually (approximately USD 24,000) for living expenses. Part-time students receive a study support grant (e.g., one-sixth to half of the UKRI doctoral stipend rate, adjusted for course costs).
• Additional Opportunities: Access to the Clarendon Scholars’ Association, funding for cultural and academic events, and career networking with alumni.
• Post-Graduation Benefits: A two-year UK work visa, facilitating professional opportunities in academia, industry, or policy.

These benefits allow scholars to focus on their studies, engage in Oxford’s vibrant community, and build professional networks without financial constraints.

Fields of Study Covered

The Clarendon Fund supports all degree-bearing graduate courses across Oxford’s four academic divisions and the Department for Continuing Education, including:

• Humanities: History, philosophy, literature, theology.
• Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences: Physics, chemistry, computer science, biology.
• Medical Sciences: Global health, neuroscience, clinical medicine.
• Social Sciences: Law, economics, anthropology, international relations.
• Continuing Education: Part-time Master’s and DPhil programs in fields like archaeology and creative writing.

Nigerians may prioritize fields like global health or international development, aligning with regional challenges. Applicants should select a course matching their academic and career goals.

Application Process

The Clarendon Fund Scholarships require no separate application; candidates are automatically considered upon applying for an eligible graduate course. The process includes:

1. 1. Choose a Course: Select a full-time or part-time Master’s or DPhil program from Oxford’s course directory, ensuring alignment with your academic interests.
   2. Prepare Documents:
      • Academic transcripts reflecting a strong academic record.
      • CV detailing academic and professional achievements.
      • Personal statement (500–1,000 words) outlining your motivation and research goals.
      • Two to three academic or professional references.
      • English proficiency test scores (if required).
      • Program-specific documents (e.g., research proposal for DPhil applicants).
   3. Submit Application: Apply online via Oxford’s graduate application portal by the course’s December 2025 or January 2026 deadline (typically December 3, 2025, or January 7–8, 2026, depending on the program).
   4. Assessment: Faculty assess applications for academic quality and suitability. Departments nominate top candidates for the Clarendon Scholarship in February–March 2026.
   5. Selection: Academic divisions shortlist nominees based on merit and potential. Successful candidates are notified by email in April–May 2026 with a funding offer letter.
   6. Accept Offer: Accept the scholarship and meet any conditions of the course admission offer (e.g., degree verification).
   7. College Placement: Final college assignments and funding packages, including partnership awards (e.g., Helmore or Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships), are confirmed by June 2026.

Unsuccessful applicants are not contacted; if no offer is received by June 2026, assume non-selection.

Tips for a Successful Application

The Clarendon Scholarships are highly competitive, with over 200 awards granted from thousands of applicants. Maximize your chances with these strategies:

• Apply Early: Submit your graduate application by early December 2025 to avoid technical issues and ensure thorough review.
• Highlight Academic Excellence: Emphasize a strong GPA, publications, or academic awards in your CV and personal statement.
• Tailor Your Statement: Clearly articulate your research interests, career goals, and alignment with Oxford’s academic community.
• Secure Strong References: Choose referees who can attest to your academic potential and research capabilities.
• Check Course Requirements: Ensure your application meets specific program criteria, such as research proposals for DPhil courses.
• Avoid Plagiarism: Submit original documents, as plagiarism leads to disqualification.

Contact Oxford’s Graduate Admissions (graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk) for application queries.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2026

Key dates for the 2026 cycle include:

• September 2025: Graduate application portal opens.
• December 3, 2025, or January 7–8, 2026: Course-specific application deadlines (check individual course pages).
• February–March 2026: Departmental nominations for Clarendon Scholarships.
• April–May 2026: Scholarship offer notifications.
• June 2026: Final college placements and funding details confirmed.
• October 2026: Programs and scholarship tenures begin.

Verify exact deadlines on your course’s webpage to ensure eligibility.

Life as a Clarendon Scholar

Clarendon scholars join a dynamic community in Oxford, a historic city with a vibrant academic and cultural scene. Scholars access world-class libraries, labs, and events like symposia and cultural outings to UK landmarks.

The Clarendon Scholars’ Association organizes networking events, fostering connections among scholars from diverse fields and countries.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

• Rhodes Scholarship: For outstanding international students pursuing graduate studies at Oxford.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Fully funded graduate awards at the University of Cambridge.
• Chevening Scholarship: UK-funded Master’s scholarships for global leaders.

These programs offer similar financial support and academic prestige.

Conclusion

The Clarendon Fund Scholarships for 2026 offer Nigerians and international graduate students a fully funded opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, a global leader in research and education.

Covering tuition, fees, and living expenses, the scholarships enable scholars to focus on academic excellence and join a prestigious community of over 2,500 alumni.

With no separate application, candidates must apply for a Master’s or DPhil program by December 2025 or January 2026. Early preparation, a strong academic record, and tailored documents are key to securing this competitive award. Visit www.ox.ac.uk for more details.

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