- Fully FundedScholarship type
- University of OxfordHost institution
- ~225 / yearNew awards
- Any nationalityEligibility
- Master’s & DPhilStudy levels
- Automatic considerationApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€45k
Max amount
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
Any country
Country
University of Oxford
Provider
The Clarendon Scholarship is the University of Oxford's flagship graduate scholarship, funding outstanding students from any country to pursue full-time master's or doctoral study at Oxford. Established in 2001 and funded principally by Oxford University Press, it is among the largest graduate scholarship schemes in the UK. Clarendon makes around 225 new awards each year, supporting a community of more than 800 scholars at any time. Awards are fully funded — covering full tuition and college fees plus a generous annual living stipend — and are made purely on academic merit and potential, across the full range of subjects Oxford offers. There is no separate Clarendon application: every eligible graduate applicant who applies to Oxford by their course's funding deadline is automatically considered. Clarendon Scholars also join a vibrant scholarly community with dedicated events and a strong alumni network.
What's covered
- Tuition & college fees — Full university and college fees for your Oxford course.
- Living stipend — A generous annual grant for living costs (~£18,000+/year, reviewed annually).
- Duration — Funding for the fee liability period of your course (e.g. up to ~3–4 years for a DPhil).
- Scholar community — Access to the Clarendon community, events, and the Clarendon Fund network.
How to apply
There is no separate Clarendon application. Apply for your Oxford graduate course by the relevant December/January funding deadline and you are automatically considered for the scholarship.
- Choose your Oxford course — Select a full-time master's or DPhil course and note its funding deadline.
- Prepare your application — Assemble transcripts, references, a personal statement, and (for research) a proposal.
- Apply by the funding deadline — Submit your Oxford graduate application by the December or January deadline for your course.
- Automatic consideration — No extra form — eligible on-time applicants are automatically assessed for Clarendon.
- Selection — Departments and the Clarendon Fund nominate and select scholars on academic merit.
- Offer — Successful candidates are notified alongside or after their course offer, typically by spring.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to graduate applicants of any nationality (home and overseas).
Degree soughtA full-time master's or DPhil (PhD) course at the University of Oxford.
Academic meritAn outstanding academic record and the highest potential — selection is merit-based.
Oxford admissionYou must apply for and gain admission to your Oxford course.
DeadlineApply to Oxford by your course's December or January funding deadline to be considered.
No separate scholarship form — all eligible applicants who meet the course funding deadline are automatically considered for Clarendon. Part-time courses are generally not eligible.
Eligible countries
Any country
Deadlines
2027 entry (typical course funding deadline)2027-01-08
Selection
Clarendon Scholars are selected purely on academic excellence and future potential, assessed through the Oxford graduate admissions process. Academic departments nominate their strongest admitted applicants, and the Clarendon Fund confirms awards across the collegiate University. No financial-need test applies.
Verified sources
- Clarendon Fund — University of Oxfordox.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The Clarendon Fund is the University of Oxford's flagship graduate scholarship scheme, established in 2001 and funded principally by Oxford University Press together with collegiate and departmental partners. It awards scholarships purely on academic merit to outstanding graduate students from around the world, building a large and diverse community of Clarendon Scholars at Oxford.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Clarendon Scholarship?
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The University of Oxford's flagship graduate scholarship, established in 2001 and funded principally by Oxford University Press. It fully funds master's and DPhil study at Oxford and makes ~225 new awards a year.
Who is eligible?
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Academically excellent graduate applicants of any nationality applying for a full-time master's or DPhil at Oxford. Selection is purely on merit — there is no financial-need requirement.
What does it cover?
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Full university and college fees plus a generous annual living stipend (~£18,000+), for the fee liability period of your course (e.g. up to ~3–4 years for a DPhil).
How do I apply for the Clarendon Scholarship?
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There is no separate application. Apply for your Oxford graduate course by its December/January funding deadline and you are automatically considered for Clarendon.
When is the deadline?
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You must meet your Oxford course's funding deadline — typically ~early December or ~early January, depending on the course. Check your course page for the exact date.
How many Clarendon Scholarships are awarded?
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Around 225 new scholarships each year, supporting a community of more than 800 Clarendon Scholars at any one time.
What can I study?
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Any subject Oxford offers at master's or doctoral level — Clarendon spans the full range of divisions, from sciences and medicine to humanities and social sciences.
Is there a financial-need test?
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No — Clarendon is awarded purely on academic merit and potential. Your financial circumstances are not part of the assessment.
How competitive is it?
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Highly — Clarendon selects from the strongest applicants admitted to Oxford graduate courses worldwide. Only the most academically outstanding are nominated and awarded.
Does it cover part-time courses?
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Generally no — Clarendon supports full-time master's and DPhil study. Part-time courses are usually not eligible.
Can I combine Clarendon with my college?
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Yes — many Clarendon Scholars are matched with an Oxford college and may hold a joint Clarendon-college award; this is arranged within the University.
When will I know if I have won?
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Clarendon outcomes are typically communicated alongside or after your course offer, usually by spring, in time to plan for an October start.