Clarendon Fund Scholarship 2026 |Guide to Study at Oxford

Clarendon Fund Scholarship stands as one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities available to international students worldwide. Unlike many scholarship programs that offer partial support, the University of Oxford provides comprehensive funding through the Clarendon Fund that enables exceptional graduate students to pursue their academic dreams in the United Kingdom without financial constraints. As a result, the Clarendon Fund Scholarship has become a symbol of academic excellence and global leadership, offering talented students from all over the world access to world-class education at the oldest university in the English speaking world. check: Cambridge Trust

The Clarendon Fund Scholarship is not merely a funding opportunity; it is a life changing experience that shapes global leaders, fosters international understanding, and builds bridges between nations. With the Clarendon Fund Scholarship, students can immerse themselves in Oxford’s historic academic culture while receiving exceptional education and full financial support. The program plays a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding between the UK and the international community, attracting the brightest minds to contribute to Oxford’s diverse and inclusive research environment. check: Fully Funded Scholarships

Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship opens doors to an extraordinary educational and cultural journey. It welcomes academically outstanding and highly motivated graduate students to become part of a prestigious international network, the Clarendon Scholars’ Association, where they can engage with diverse perspectives. Moreover, the Clarendon Fund supports studies across virtually all academic disciplines, from STEM and Medical Sciences to Humanities and Social Sciences. Through these opportunities, the program prepares students to become global citizens who contribute meaningfully to their home countries while building lasting connections with the University of Oxford.

The University of Oxford has long been a leading destination for international graduate education, and the Clarendon Fund, primarily sponsored by Oxford University Press, sits at the heart of this tradition. Established in 2000, the fund was created to remove financial barriers for the best international graduate students. Today, Oxford boasts some of the world’s most advanced research facilities and innovative teaching methods. The Clarendon Fund Scholarship represents an investment in the next generation of researchers and professionals who are prepared to create positive change in society.

Scholarship Summary

Types of Clarendon Awards Explained

What financial benefits does the Clarendon Fund Scholarship offer? The university provides a complete funding package to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their research and studies:

• Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers 100% of the course fees for both Home and Overseas students for the entire period of fee liability.
• Generous Living Stipend: Scholars on full-time courses receive an annual grant for living expenses. For the 2025-26 academic year, this is at least £18,622 (aligned with UKRI rates).
• Part-Time Study Support: For students on part-time Master’s or DPhil courses, the fund provides a study support grant to assist with non-fee costs (ranging from £2,502 to £5,003).
• Clarendon Scholars’ Association: Access to a vibrant community that organizes social, cultural, and academic events, fostering interdisciplinary interaction and lifelong friendships.
• Partnership Awards: Many Clarendon scholarships are co-funded by Oxford colleges or external partners (such as the Oxford-Indo-British Partnership), though the benefits remain consistent for the scholar.

Eligibility Criteria

What are the criteria for the Clarendon Fund Scholarship? Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Nationality: Open to students from all countries worldwide. There are no restrictions based on nationality or ordinary residence.
• Level of Study: Must be applying for a new degree-bearing graduate course (Master’s or DPhil) at Oxford. Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas are not eligible.
• Academic Excellence: Successful candidates typically hold a first-class honors degree or a GPA of at least 3.7/4.0. An exceptional Master’s degree can also compensate for a moderate undergraduate result.
• Potential and Aptitude: Assessment is based on the applicant’s future academic potential and suitability for the proposed course of research.
• Motivation: Evidence of the applicant’s commitment to their field, evaluated through personal statements and referee reports.
• Exclusions: Students with deferred offers or current students continuing the same degree are not eligible for new consideration.

Required Documents

Because consideration is automatic, the documents required are those necessary for a standard Oxford graduate application:

• Official Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Research Proposal
• English Proficiency
• Written Work/Portfolio

Deadline

• December Deadline: Some courses in Medical Sciences and Humanities have a deadline in early December 2025.
• January Deadline: Most other courses close by mid-January 2026. Applying by your course’s relevant January deadline ensures automatic consideration for Clarendon.

Step by step Application Process

• Step 1: Visit the Oxford University graduate course page to find your specific Master’s or DPhil program. here
• Step 2: Ensure your chosen course is a “degree-bearing” program (e.g., MSc, MPhil, BCL, DPhil).
• Step 3: Prepare your application materials, including your statement of purpose and research proposal.
• Step 4: Submit your graduate application through the Oxford online portal by the relevant December or January deadline.
• Step 5: There is no separate application form for the Clarendon Scholarship; your course application serves as your scholarship application.
• Step 6: Your application will first be assessed by the academic department for admission.
• Step 7: Nominated candidates are then reviewed by the academic divisions for scholarship shortlisting based on merit.
• Step 8: Successful candidates receive an offer via email, usually by early April 2026.
• Step 9: Accept the scholarship offer and complete the university’s financial declaration to secure your funding and place.