- Full fees + living grantCoverage
- ~5 awards/yearNumber (est.)
- Oxford (UK)Host institution
- UndergraduateStudy level
- Low-income countriesEligibility
- Annual return airfareIncluded
At a glance
full
Funding
€60k
Max amount
Feb 7, 2027
Deadline
Selected low-income countries (see Oxford's official eligible-country list, updated each year)
Country
University of Oxford
Provider
The Reach Oxford Scholarship — formerly the Oxford Student Scholarship — is offered by the University of Oxford and its colleges to undergraduate students from low-income countries who, for financial or political reasons, cannot study for a degree in their own country. The University of Oxford, with roots going back to 1096, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The scholarship is full: it covers 100% of university and college fees, a grant for living costs, and one return air fare each year of the course. Around ~5 awards are offered each year, and the scholarship runs for the full length of the first undergraduate degree. It is not available for the standard Medicine course, because clinical training places cannot be funded on the same basis. Applicants must first apply to Oxford through UCAS by the mid-October deadline, and shortlisted candidates then submit a separate scholarship application, usually around early February (est.). Treat the award count and date here as estimates and confirm current eligibility, the country list, and deadlines on Oxford's official scholarship pages.
What's covered
- University & college fees — Full (100%) tuition and college fees (these would otherwise be ~£28,000–£45,000 per year depending on the course).
- Living costs grant — An annual grant to cover accommodation and living expenses while at Oxford.
- Travel — One return air fare to and from your home country for each year of the course.
- Duration — For the full length of the first undergraduate degree (typically ~3 years).
- Not for Medicine — The standard Medicine course is excluded because clinical placements cannot be funded the same way.
How to apply
Apply to Oxford through UCAS first, then submit the separate Reach Oxford Scholarship application if you are shortlisted.
- Choose an eligible course — Pick an Oxford undergraduate course (other than standard Medicine) and check the entry requirements.
- Apply through UCAS — Submit your Oxford application via UCAS by the mid-October deadline, including any admissions test/written work.
- Take part in admissions — Sit any required tests and attend interviews as part of Oxford's selection.
- Submit the scholarship form — If shortlisted, complete the separate Reach Oxford Scholarship application by its deadline (~early February, est.).
- Scholarship selection — The scholarship committee reviews shortlisted candidates on need and merit.
- Offer & enrolment — If awarded, accept the scholarship alongside your Oxford place and enrol.
Eligibility
CountryA national of, and resident in, one of the eligible low-income countries on Oxford's list.
Financial/political needUnable, for financial or political reasons, to study for a degree in your own country.
First degreeApplying for your first undergraduate degree (not a second degree).
CourseAny eligible Oxford undergraduate course except the standard Medicine course.
Oxford offerGoing through the Oxford admissions process via UCAS and being shortlisted for the scholarship.
A small number of awards (around ~5) are made each year, so the scholarship is highly selective. You must already be applying to Oxford for entry; the scholarship cannot be applied for on its own.
Eligible countries
Selected low-income countries (see Oxford's official eligible-country list, updated each year)
Deadlines
2027 entry2027-02-07
Selection
Oxford first selects applicants for a place through its standard undergraduate admissions process (UCAS application, any tests, and interviews). Shortlisted candidates from eligible countries are then assessed by the scholarship committee on financial need together with academic merit, and the small number of awards are made to the strongest cases.
Verified sources
- University of Oxford — Reach Oxford Scholarshipox.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The University of Oxford, with teaching traced back to 1096, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Through the Reach Oxford Scholarship, Oxford and its colleges fund a small number of undergraduates from low-income countries who cannot, for financial or political reasons, study for a degree in their own country.
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 Reach Oxford Scholarship?
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A full undergraduate scholarship from the University of Oxford and its colleges for students from low-income countries who, for financial or political reasons, cannot study for a degree in their own country. It was formerly called the Oxford Student Scholarship.
What does it cover?
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Full university and college fees, a grant for living costs, and one return air fare for each year of the course.
How many scholarships are there?
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A small number — around ~5 each year — so it is highly selective. Confirm the current number on Oxford's pages.
Who is eligible?
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Nationals of eligible low-income countries on Oxford's list who cannot, for financial or political reasons, study for a degree at home and are applying for their first undergraduate degree.
Can I use it for Medicine?
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No — the standard Medicine course is excluded because clinical training places cannot be funded on the same basis. Other undergraduate courses are eligible.
How do I apply?
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Apply to Oxford through UCAS by the mid-October deadline first. If you are shortlisted, you then submit a separate Reach Oxford Scholarship application.
When is the deadline?
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The UCAS deadline is around 15 October the year before entry; the scholarship form for shortlisted applicants is due around early February. The 2027 date here is an estimate — check Oxford's pages.
Is it for graduate study?
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No — it funds a first undergraduate degree only, not master's or doctoral study.
Which countries are eligible?
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Selected low-income countries; Oxford publishes the eligible-country list and updates it, so check whether your country is included before applying.
How long does it last?
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For the full length of your undergraduate course (typically ~3 years), subject to continued enrolment.
How old is the University of Oxford?
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Oxford has roots going back to 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the University of Oxford's official Reach Oxford Scholarship page, which lists eligible countries, coverage, and the application deadlines.