If you’ve ever pictured yourself strolling through ancient college courtyards, studying in one of the world’s most iconic libraries, and joining a global alumni network — well, Oxford University might just be your place.
But let’s be real: studying at Oxford isn’t cheap. The good news? There are several prestigious scholarships specifically for international students, and some of them even fully fund your studies.
📌 Why Study at Oxford University?
- Ranked in the top 3 universities globally
- Home to 26,000+ students from over 160 countries
- Offers over 350 graduate programs and dozens of undergraduate courses
- Access to world-class faculty, research facilities, and centuries of tradition
📋 Top Scholarships at Oxford for International Students
1️⃣ Rhodes Scholarships
- One of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide
- Fully funds tuition fees, college fees, a living stipend, and travel costs
- Available for students from over 60 countries
- Covers Master’s and DPhil (PhD) programs
2️⃣ Clarendon Scholarships
- Fully funded scholarships for outstanding graduate students (Master’s and DPhil)
- Covers full tuition and college fees plus a generous living allowance
- Open to students of any nationality
- No separate application — automatically considered if you apply by the January deadline
3️⃣ Reach Oxford Scholarships
- For students from low-income countries with no access to higher education opportunities at home
- Covers tuition, college fees, a return airfare, and a living stipend
- Available for undergraduate programs
- Super competitive and based on both academic merit and financial need
4️⃣ Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships
- Fully funded for Master’s students committed to addressing global challenges
- Covers tuition fees, college fees, and living expenses
- Also includes a leadership development program
- Requires a separate scholarship statement during application
5️⃣ Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarships
- For exceptional undergraduate students from Asian countries
- Covers course fees and living expenses
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
📊 Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Scholarship | Master’s, DPhil | Full fees, stipend, travel | Students from select countries |
| Clarendon Scholarship | Master’s, DPhil | Full fees, stipend | All nationalities |
| Reach Oxford Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full fees, stipend, airfare | Low-income, developing countries |
| Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship | Master’s | Full fees, stipend, leadership program | Students addressing global issues |
| Simon and June Li Scholarship | Undergraduate | Course fees, living expenses | Students from Asian countries |
📌 Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply early — Oxford’s graduate deadlines are typically in December–January
- Prepare a strong personal statement explaining your academic ambitions and how Oxford fits into your future
- Secure outstanding recommendation letters
- Highlight leadership experience, research work, or community service
- For some scholarships, like Weidenfeld-Hoffmann, submit a separate scholarship statement
Feedback: Don’t get discouraged by the competition. Many applicants self-reject because they assume they won’t get in. If you have the grades, ambition, and a good story — go for it.
📅 Application Timeline (2025 Entry)
| Month | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| September–November | University and scholarship applications open |
| December–January | Application deadlines for most courses & scholarships |
| February–March | Shortlisting and interviews for select scholarships |
| April–May | Scholarship offers sent |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Oxford University is more accessible than people think, especially with the incredible scholarships available for international students. Whether you’re an undergraduate from a low-income country or a Master’s student aiming to tackle global issues, there’s likely a funding opportunity for you.
Pro Tip: Check the Oxford scholarships search tool on their official website — you can filter scholarships by country, degree level, and subject area.
