The University of Oxford Clarendon Fund offers more than 200 new fully funded graduate scholarships each year for outstanding Master’s and DPhil applicants. For 2027–28 entry, applicants are automatically considered for Clarendon when they submit an eligible Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January course deadline.
Application alert
There is no separate Clarendon scholarship application. Apply to your chosen Oxford graduate course by its published December or January funding deadline.
Key details
- Host: University of Oxford
- Country: United Kingdom
- Study level: Master’s and DPhil
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Number of awards: More than 200 new fully funded scholarships each year
- Fields: All eligible graduate subject areas
- Study mode: Full-time and part-time eligible courses
- Funding: Full course fees plus living-cost support
- Separate scholarship form: No
- Deadline: The relevant December or January deadline for your Oxford course
Scholarship benefits
Clarendon scholarships cover Oxford course fees in full for both Home and Overseas fee-status students. Full-time scholars also receive an annual grant for living expenses at least equal to the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate. Oxford states that the 2025–26 minimum was £20,780; the amount applicable to 2027–28 will depend on the rate in force for that academic year.
Part-time scholars receive a study-support grant toward non-fee costs. The value varies according to the course structure and duration. Clarendon funding is normally provided for the scholar’s period of fee liability.
Who can apply?
Clarendon is unusually broad compared with many international scholarship schemes. Applicants can be considered if they:
- Apply for a new eligible Master’s or DPhil course at Oxford
- Submit the course application by the relevant December or January deadline
- Meet the academic and admissions requirements of their chosen programme
- Are applying in any eligible subject area
There are no nationality or ordinary-residence restrictions. Current Oxford Master’s students may be considered when applying for a new DPhil or a second Master’s course. However, applicants holding a deferred graduate offer and students continuing on the same Oxford degree are not eligible for Clarendon consideration.
Selection criteria
Clarendon is highly competitive and selection is based primarily on academic merit and future potential. Oxford lists three central areas:
- Outstanding academic record: Successful scholars commonly hold a first-class degree or equivalent. Oxford gives a GPA of about 3.7/4.0 as a guideline, while noting that many scholars exceed this level.
- Future potential and aptitude: References, research proposals and evidence of research ability may be used to assess potential.
- Motivation: The personal statement and referee reports are considered for evidence of commitment to the proposed course.
Exact evaluation varies by discipline and by whether the degree is taught or research-based.
Required documents
Clarendon itself does not require an extra form or additional scholarship documents. Applicants submit the normal materials required for their chosen Oxford graduate programme. Depending on the course, this can include academic transcripts, references, a statement of purpose or personal statement, a research proposal, written work, a CV and proof of English-language proficiency.
Because document requirements vary by programme, applicants should use the official Oxford course page as the definitive checklist.
How to apply
- Search Oxford’s graduate course catalogue and choose an eligible Master’s or DPhil programme.
- Open the course page and confirm its admissions and funding deadline.
- Prepare all required academic and supporting documents.
- Submit the complete Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline.
- No separate Clarendon form is needed; eligible applicants are considered automatically.
- Departments assess applications and nominate top candidates for scholarship consideration.
Find an Oxford Graduate Course
Read the official Clarendon Fund information
Scholarship timeline
- December or January 2026–27: Submit the Oxford course application by the relevant course funding deadline
- February–March 2027: Academic divisions review departmental scholarship nominations
- By the end of April 2027: Most initial Clarendon offers are normally sent
- Mid-June 2027: Applicants who have not been contacted should normally assume they were not selected
Oxford contacts successful Clarendon candidates by email. Unsuccessful applicants are generally not contacted individually.
Why this scholarship is highly competitive
Clarendon is one of Oxford’s flagship graduate funding schemes and is open across nationalities and academic disciplines. The combination of full tuition, living-cost support and automatic consideration attracts a very large international applicant pool. Strong grades are important, but departments also assess academic trajectory, research promise, references and the overall strength of the graduate application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers full course fees and provides living-cost support. Full-time scholars receive an annual grant, while part-time scholars receive a study-support grant.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Clarendon has no nationality or ordinary-residence restrictions.
Do I need a separate Clarendon application?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an Oxford graduate course by the relevant funding deadline.
Which degrees are eligible?
Eligible full-time and part-time Master’s and DPhil courses are considered across Oxford’s subject areas.
What is the deadline?
There is no single Clarendon deadline. You must meet the December or January funding deadline shown on your chosen Oxford graduate course page.
Official sources
- University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund
- Oxford – Clarendon information for applicants
- Oxford graduate scholarships
Related opportunities
Verification note: ScholarshipHubNow checked this guide against the University of Oxford’s official Clarendon and graduate funding pages on 15 September 2026. Applicants should always confirm the deadline and document requirements on their specific course page before submitting.
