Overview / About the Scholarship
The Clarendon Fund is a major, highly competitive graduate scholarship scheme at the University of Oxford. Established in 2000 and welcoming its first cohort in 2001, the fund was created to break down financial barriers for the world's brightest minds. Financed primarily by the Oxford University Press, the Clarendon Scholarship assists outstanding postgraduate students from all over the globe, fostering a vibrant, internationally diverse, and multidisciplinary community of scholars.
The Clarendon Scholarship is a fully funded, merit-based award that covers tuition, college fees, and living expenses for exceptional international graduate students at the University of Oxford. It is awarded purely on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and future potential, across all degree-bearing disciplines at the postgraduate level.
Scholarship Value / Benefits
The Clarendon Fund provides substantial financial support to enable scholars to focus fully on their academic and research goals. The core benefits include:
Full Fee Coverage: 100% of the University of Oxford course fees and associated college fees are paid for the entire duration of the scholar's fee liability period.
Generous Annual Living Grant: Full-time scholars receive a substantial, tax-free annual stipend to cover living costs, accommodation, and food (set at over £18,622 per year).
Part-Time Support: Scholars enrolled in part-time graduate programs are not left out; they receive a specialised study support grant to assist with non-fee modular costs.
The Clarendon Community: Beyond money, scholars gain automatic entry into the Clarendon Scholar Association, granting access to a dynamic network of over 700 on-course scholars, academic symposia, career development workshops, and elite social events.
Eligibility Criteria
Clarendon stands out due to its straightforward, non-restrictive eligibility requirements:
Nationality: Open to citizens of all nationalities. There are absolutely no restrictions based on country of origin, citizenship, or ordinary residence.
Academic Merit: Candidates must demonstrate an exceptional academic record. Successful applicants typically hold a first-class honours degree or an international equivalent (such as a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7 out of 4.0, though many selected scholars present even higher scores). A stellar Master's degree can also compensate for a slightly lower undergraduate GPA.
Aptitude and Motivation: Evaluation is heavily weighted on the applicant's future academic potential, research capability, and clear motivation for their chosen program.
Level & Field of Study
The scholarship supports all degree-bearing graduate courses at the University of Oxford. This includes:
Master’s Degrees: All full-time and part-time Master's programs (e.g., MSc, MSt, MPhil, MBA, MPP).
Doctoral Degrees: All full-time and part-time DPhil (PhD) courses.
Note: Non-degree courses, such as Postgraduate Certificates or Diplomas (PGDiplomas/PGCerts), are strictly excluded from funding.
Host University / Provider Info
The unique host and provider of this fund is the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Review of International Higher Education in the UK:
The Clarendon Scholarship is exclusive to Oxford, but it functions within a nation that is incredibly receptive to overseas talent. A comprehensive review of the UK higher education landscape indicates that, of the roughly 160 recognised universities, nearly all actively accept and sponsor international students.
Leading institutions such as University College London (UCL), the University of Manchester, and the University of Edinburgh host thousands of global scholars each year. However, because the Clarendon Fund is structurally integrated into Oxford's internal collegiate system, you must secure admission to the University of Oxford to be eligible for this specific fund.
Required Documents
No separate documents are required specifically for the Clarendon Scholarship. The Oxford admissions committee uses the exact documentation you upload for your graduate course application to assess your scholarship candidacy. This portfolio includes:
Official Academic Transcripts: Detailed university grading records.
Letters of Recommendation: Typically 3 professional or academic reference letters.
Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose: An essay showcasing your motivations and academic goals.
Research Proposal: Required for research degrees (DPhil/MPhil), illustrating the viability and impact of your proposed project.
CV/Résumé: Highlighting your research experience, publications, prizes, or relevant professional work.
How to Apply
Applying for a Clarendon Scholarship is incredibly streamlined:
Select an Eligible Course: Find a Master's or DPhil program at Oxford that aligns with your career goals.
Apply by the Deadline: You must submit your complete application via the Oxford graduate admissions portal by the specific December or January deadline relevant to your course.
Automatic Consideration: By applying before the course deadline, you are automatically put forward for the Clarendon Scholarship. There is no separate form to fill out, and no extra fees to pay.
Selection Notification: Academic departments nominate the top candidates to their respective university divisions in February and March. If selected, you will receive your official Clarendon offer letter by late April.
