Clarendon Full Graduate Scholarship for Study at Oxford University

Scholarship Overview

The Clarendon Fund is a major graduate scholarship scheme at the University of Oxford. In 2013/14, there will be well over 300 Clarendon scholars at Oxford from more than 50 different nations.

Host School

Study at Oxford University
Awards are made based on academic excellence and potential across all subject areas, enabling the most distinguished scholars to study at Oxford University, one of the world’s top five universities and the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Field(s) of Study

All degree-bearing courses at graduate level are eligible.
This encompasses all full-time and part-time Master’s courses (MSt, MSc, BCL/MJur, MBA, MFE, MPhil, BPhil, MSc by Research, MTh, MPP) and all DPhil programmes. A list of all the graduate courses offered by the University of Oxford can be found on the Courses page.

What does the scholarship cover?

University fees cover your tuition fees in full.
Scholars on a full-time course also receive a tax-free annual grant that is normally sufficient to cover the living expenses of a single student living in Oxford.

How many scholarships are given?

Which countries are targeted?

All applicants for graduate study at the University of Oxford are eligible.
Clarendon scholars come from all continents in the world: from the USA to Australia, Venezuela to Vietnam and from Norway to Nigeria!

Am I Eligible to Apply?

The University has one goal in mind when selecting Clarendon scholars: to elect the best students worldwide, as decided by experts in each student’s field.
This aspect makes the scholarship unique: while many other scholarships stress the need for demonstrated leadership in their selection criteria, Oxford believes that by electing and nurturing the best and brightest minds in any given field the advancement of their study at Oxford will, by its very nature, produce leaders in that field.
Furthermore, the process of selection means that the Clarendon scholarly community contains equal number of students from each of the University’s four academic divisions, and this diversity is an immense strength for inter-disciplinary interaction amongst the scholars.

An excellent academic record is essential: A high first class honours degree or its equivalent (a GPA score of at least 3.7 if the mark is out of 4, noting that most successful candidates achieve a score higher than 3.7) or an outstanding academic record at Master’s level is necessary (noting that an outstanding Master’s degree can compensate for a moderate first degree performance). Other indicators of high academic achievement may include individual marks on student transcripts; evidence of previous university prizes or awards; information on your overall position within your cohort; and publications (if applicable).
Aptitude for the proposed course of study: This may be assessed by reviewing academic references, the research proposal, demonstrated evidence of aptitude for research, and the likelihood the scholar will contribute significantly to their field of study.
Student motivation: This is assessed through evidence of the applicant’s commitment to their proposed course, evaluated by the personal statement and referees’ reports.

How do I Apply – Next Steps

Applications for Clarendon Fund scholarships for entry are now open. You must apply to the University by the January deadline relevant to your proposed course in order to be considered for a scholarship.
By applying for graduate study at Oxford University (Graduate Application) you will automatically be considered for a Clarendon Scholarship.
You do not need to submit any additional documents specifically for the Clarendon Scholarships and there is no separate scholarship application form.

Closing Date:

Applications for entry opened on 1st September. If you wish to be considered for Clarendon, you must apply before the January deadline relevant to your course.
Deadline varies but all are in January

How do I get more information?