Scholarships and funding for under-represented groups
About
The University is proud to offer a range of scholarships to support graduate offer holders from under-represented groups.
The University is proud to offer a range of scholarships to support graduate offer holders from under-represented groups.
Oxford aims to attract and admit students with outstanding academic potential, whatever their background, providing a unique experience including the chance to work with leading academics in world-class facilities.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Oxford's academic mission.
Awards for 2025-26 Study
A range of graduate scholarships available for under-represented groups can be found on this page. We have categorised these scholarships into themes according to their primary eligibility criteria, as a result some may appear in multiple categories.
Ethnicity
Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).
The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.
All Souls Hugh Springer Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in or nationals of a Caribbean country, who identify as of Black or Mixed Black ethnicity, and who are applying to any full or part-time master’s or DPhil course at Oxford. Country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page.
Black Academic Futures Scholarships
Open to UK Black and Mixed Black applicants to full or part-time master's or DPhil courses. Country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Academic Futures webpage.
Green Templeton College Charlie Perkins Scholarship
Open to graduate applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian nationality. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Green Templeton College website and more information can be found on the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust website.
Humanities: AHRC Open-Oxford-Cambridge DTP
In October 2021 the DTP launched a scheme to increase the number of studentship awards made through the standard route competition to Black and Global Majority students who are ordinarily resident in the UK. Course restrictions apply. More information is available on the DTP website.
Jane Street Graduate Scholarships in mathematical subjects
Open to UK Black and Mixed Black students as part of the University's Black Academic Futures scholarships to those applying to specific MSc or DPhil courses in Mathematical subjects. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Mathematical Institute website and information about Jane Street can be found on the Jane Street website.
Jesus College: Aziz Foundation Scholarship
The Scholarships Programme offers 100% tuition fee Masters scholarships to support British Muslims to study at UK universities, and is aimed at those who wish to advance their careers and bring about positive change to their communities, and beyond. More information is available on the Jesus College website.
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) to offer a range of scholarships for African candidates applying for taught postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford for 2025/26 entry. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page and the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships page.
Oxford Black Leaders Scholarships for the MBA
Open to UK and North American Black and Mixed Black applicants to the MBA. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Social Sciences: ESRC Grand Union DTP
In October 2022 the DTP launched a scheme to increase the number of studentship awards made to British Black or Mixed Black students. Course and country restrictions apply. More information is available on the DTP website.
University College Beacon Programme Graduate Scholarships
Open to UK Black and Mixed Black applicants applying to a master's or DPhil programme. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the University College website.
Financial need
Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).
The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.
Amansa Graduate Scholarship - Somerville College Oxford
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, relevance of studies to the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development’s interdisciplinary aims, understanding of the development challenges faced by India, and leadership and entrepreneurial potential. Financial need will also be taken into account. Full Eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Somerville College website.
Crankstart Graduate Scholarships
Open to former undergraduate Crankstart scholars applying to pursue postgraduate study at Oxford. Country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Crankstart Graduate Scholarships website.
Denis O’Leary Scholarships – Department of Education
The maximum value of this award is up to £2,500 per annum for the agreed course as a contribution towards your course fees on the MSc in Medical Education course. The award is made for the full duration of the period of fee liability for the agreed course, subject to satisfactory academic progress being made. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department of Education website.
Department for Continuing Education: departmental bursaries
Open to UK-based students who receive benefits because they are on a low income. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department for Continuing Education website.
Dr Gita Piramal Graduate Scholarship - Somerville College Oxford
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, relevance of studies to the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development’s interdisciplinary aims, understanding of the development challenges faced by India, and leadership and entrepreneurial potential. Financial need will also be taken into account. Full Eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Somerville College website.
Martingale Postgraduate Foundation programme
The Mathematical Institute have partnered with the Martingale Postgraduate Foundation's programme of scholarships for students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. These awards are open to applicants to STEM DPhil & MSc courses, with preference given to those whose family income has been, or would be, a barrier to postgraduate education. Course restrictions apply. More information about eligibility and criteria can be found on the Martingale Foundation website.
MSc in Law and Finance Financial Aid Awards
Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Faculty of Law website.
MSc Scholarship in Global Health Science and Epidemiology
This new studentship will provide full financial support to a talented UK-resident applicant from an underprivileged background. Course restrictions apply. Details are available on the Department of Population Health website.
Regent's Park College: Greyfriars Postgraduate Scholarship
Regent’s Park College is offering a postgraduate scholarship worth up to £4,000 for a full-time home student who is currently engaged in, or has been accepted for, masters-level studies in a humanities subject at the University of Oxford. More information about eligibility and criteria can be found on the Regent's Park College website.
Saïd Business School: Laidlaw Scholarships
The Laidlaw Scholarships are intended to encourage extraordinary women with clear leadership potential to enrol onto the Oxford MBA programme when they would not have previously considered the qualification due to financial constraints. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Refugees / those who have experienced displacement
Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).
The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and Funding section.
Refugee Academic Futures Scholarships
The Refugee Academic Futures scheme offers financial support to pursue graduate study at Oxford to students who are refugees, or other people with lived experience of displacement. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Academic Futures webpage.
The Hope Scholarship and Leadership Programme
The Hope Scholarship and Leadership Programme has been created to support refugees and those who have been displaced due to conflict, persecution, or other serious human rights violations or deprivations, whether this is outside or within their country. This scholarship will be subject to the same eligibility criteria as the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and further information can be found on this on the Weidenfeld Scholarship web page.
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) to offer a range of scholarships for African candidates applying for taught postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford for 2025/26 entry. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page and the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships page.
Residency or nationality
Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).
The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.
All Souls Hugh Springer Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in or nationals of a Caribbean country, who identify as of Black or Mixed Black ethnicity, and who are applying to any full or part-time master’s or DPhil course at Oxford. Country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page.
Corpus Christi/African Studies graduate scholarship
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship, this opportunity is available to female master's students domiciled in Africa. More information can be found on the Corpus Christi webpage.
Denis O’Leary Scholarships – Department of Education
The maximum value of this award is up to £2,500 per annum for the agreed course as a contribution towards your course fees. The award is made for the full duration of the period of fee liability for the agreed course, subject to satisfactory academic progress being made. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department of Education website.
Departmental scholarships for courses in International Development
The Department of International Development offer a number of departmental awards to support students on their courses. Selection is based on academic ability and citizenship of (and normal residence in) a developing country as defined by the United Nations, with a preference for candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa. Full details can be found on the Department of International Development website.
FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship
FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship for an MSc in African Studies at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford.
FirstRand has entered into a partnership, for another four years, with the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies to allow an outstanding South African student to study for an MSc in African Studies at Wadham College. More information about the scholarship can be found on the FirstRand website.
Green Templeton College Charlie Perkins Scholarship
Open to graduate applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian nationality. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Green Templeton College website and more information can be found on the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Trust website.
Gwynne Jones Scholarship
One scholarship worth approximately £13k for any graduate degree course at Keble College, with preference given to an individual from Sierra Leone or a Yoruba-speaker from Nigeria. More information is available on the Keble website.
Mark Le Page Africa Diploma Scholarship for Women
Open to female applicants ordinarily resident in an African country. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) to offer a range of scholarships for African candidates applying for taught postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford for 2025/26 entry. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page and the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships page.
Nuffield Department of Medicine Tropical Network Fund
Open to students from low and middle income countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Nuffield Department of Medicine website.
Optiver Foundation Scholarships
Open to female applicants to MPLS master's courses who are ordinarily resident in low to middle-income countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Optiver Foundation Scholarships webpage.
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships are open to applicants to full-time master's and DPhil courses who are resident in, and nationals of, specific majority-Muslim countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships webpage.
Oxford-Reuben-Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship
The Oxford-Reuben Graduate Scholarships, established through an £80m gift from the Reuben Foundation, support students with outstanding academic potential. The University has supplemented these scholarships with an additional £7.5m. Scholarships cover full fees and a living stipend (UKRI equivalent). Eligible applicants include those applying to the MPP, MSc in Public Policy Research, or DPhil in Public Policy, with preference for candidates from under-represented socio-economic groups. The application process involves completing the Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship Questionnaire, sent to all offer holders. Full information about the scholarship can be found on the Blavatnik School of Government website.
Somerville College: The Savitribai Phule Scholarship
Applicants must be ordinarily resident in India and identify with one or more of the following categories
- Dalit, Bahujan and Adivasi (SC/ST/OBC)
- First generation learners
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process is available on the Somerville College website.
Vicky Noon Education Foundation Oxford Scholarship - Blavatnik School of Government
Up to two full/partial scholarships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in Pakistan. You should be intending to return to Pakistan once your course is completed. If you have previously studied outside Pakistan you will not normally be considered unless there are exceptional circumstances which explain why you have studied abroad. The size and duration of awards vary according to each scholar's circumstances. The scholarship is jointly funded by the University and the Vicky Noon Educational Foundation. More information can be found on the Blavatnik School of Government website.
Wadham College: Beit Trust Wadham Scholarship
Open to applicants to any full-time one-year taught Masters course to which Wadham admits. In both cases they should be normally resident in Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe, and they will be expected to show evidence of their intention to return to their home country on completion of their course.
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on Wadham College's website.
Wadham College: FirstRand Scholarship
Applicants for the following courses: MSc African Studies; Master in Public Policy (MPP); and MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment. Applicants will be ordinarily resident in South Africa, and have not previously studied at a university outside of South Africa. The successful applicant will demonstrate the potential to be a destiny changer, and to rise to a position of leadership and influence. This scholarship is for full-time study only (not part-time).
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on Wadham College's website.
Women
Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).
The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.
Adara Foundation Scholarships for the MBA
One MBA scholarship covering 50% of course fees is open to female candidates from African countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Corpus Christi/African Studies graduate scholarship
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship, this opportunity is available to female master's students domiciled in Africa. More information can be found on the Corpus Christi webpage.
Department of Engineering Science Energy Systems Scholarship
The MSc Energy Systems Scholarship is open to offer-holding applicants to the MSc Energy Systems programme, with preference for female students from developing countries. Course restrictions apply.
Executive MBA Forté Fellowships for Women
Open to female applicants applying for the Executive MBA programme. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. Course restrictions apply.
Forté Fellowships for Women for the MBA
Open to female applicants applying to the MBA. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website. Course restrictions apply.
Green Templeton College: Oxford-Intesa Sanpaolo MBA Graduate Scholarship
Open to female applicants accepted for an MBA. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of exceptional academic merit and financial need. Tenable at Green Templeton College only. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Green Templeton College website and further information can be found on the Saïd Business School website.
Lady Margaret Hall: The Jex-Blake Scholarship
The Henrietta Jex Blake Scholarship offers an award for Lady Margaret Hall (LMH) students who are continuing their academic journey by pursuing a further graduate degree at LMH. This scholarship is specifically available to DPhil students who are in at least their second year of study. The selection for this award is based on academic merit, recognising and supporting outstanding scholars in their advanced research endeavours. For full guidance on how to apply and details on eligibility criteria, please get in contact with graduate.admissions@lmh.ox.ac.uk.
Linacre College: Madge Adams Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Linacre alumni in honour of pioneering women like Madge Adam. Dr Adam was the first in a long line of postgraduate research students in Solar Physics at Oxford, and later she became internationally known for her work on the nature of sunspots and their magnetic fields.
For female identifying students studying for any taught or research degree in Science. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply can be found on the Linacre College webpage.
The Laidlaw Scholarships for the MBA
Open to female applicants applying to the MBA. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) to offer a range of scholarships for African candidates applying for taught postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford for 2025/26 entry. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page and the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships page.
MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership Scholarship for Women
Open to female applicants applying for the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
MSc in Major Programme Management Scholarships for Women
Open to female applicants applying for the MSc in Major Programme Management. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
New College: Taylor Bursary
The Taylor Bursaries (of up to £5,000 per annum) were established by the gift of Mr Bernard Taylor, restorer of Rycote Park and Chapel, the original home of Lord Williams. They are available to support students of Lord Williams's Thame or any publicly funded state secondary schools in the historic area of South Oxfordshire to attend the Universities of either Oxford or Cambridge. The bursaries are designed to help women and girls* who study STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths).
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the New College website.
Optiver Foundation Scholarships
Open to female applicants to MPLS master's courses who are ordinarily resident in low to middle-income countries. Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Optiver Foundation Scholarships webpage.
Oxford-Emmy Graduate Scholarship
The scholarships include course fees and stipend for up to four years at the standard rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Oxford-Emmy Graduate Scholars will also join the Emmy Network’s international community of senior fellows, visiting fellows and graduate scholars, which offers opportunities for enhanced professional development and interdisciplinary networking across diverse disciplines ranging from mathematics and physics to biology and economics. The Emmy Network will host an annual conference at Keble College, to bring leading figures from relevant fields to interact with scholars and their peers in Oxford.
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply can be found on the Keble College website.
Oxford-Maryam Mirzakhani Scholarship
Open to female applicants of any nationality to complete a standard four-year DPhil in Mathematics beginning in 2024/25. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Mathematical Institute website.
The Oxford Executive MBA Scholarships for Women in association with the 30% Club
Open to female applicants applying for the Executive MBA programme. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Oxford Executive Diploma Scholarships for Women
Open to female applicants applying for a Diploma programme. Course restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Saïd Business School: Adara Foundation Scholarships
The Adara Foundation, a non-profit social enterprise in Nigeria, focuses on empowering women and advancing education in Africa. The Foundation shares Saïd Business School’s commitment to greater gender parity in education and supports our aim to foster a global MBA community with representation from all over the world. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Saïd Business School: MSc Financial Economics Scholarship for Women
One scholarships worth £20,000 is available for exceptional female candidates on the MSc Financial Economics.
This scholarship is open to female applicants who are ordinarily resident in Europe. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply can be found on the Saïd Business School website.
Yalda Hakim Graduate Scholarship for Female Afghan Scholars
A fully-funded scholarship, awarded on the basis of academic merit and potential, for a woman from Afghanistan to complete a one-year Master’s course in any subject. See the Oriel College website for more details.
Other underrepresented groups
Select each scholarship below to find out further information about that scholarship's eligibility criteria and how to apply. To be considered for most scholarships, you simply need to apply by the December or January application deadline for your course (shown on the relevant course page).
The information below is provided in addition to the information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford, which can be found in our dedicated Fees and funding section.
Anthony Wood Bursaries – New College
The Anthony Wood Bursaries* (of up to £5,000 per annum) were established by the gift of an alumnus of Lord Williams's School, Thame. The donor's intent is to help students from Lord Williams's, Thame or other publicly funded secondary schools in the historic area of South Oxfordshire to attend New College, or other colleges at the University of Oxford.
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply can be found on the New College website.
Care-Experienced Academic Futures
Open to care-experienced graduate applicants. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Academic Futures webpage.
Educational Citizenship Scholarship
The maximum value of this award is up to £2,000 per annum for the agreed course as a contribution towards your course fees. The award is made for the full duration of the period of fee liability for the agreed course, subject to satisfactory academic progress being made. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Department of Education Website.
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) to offer a range of scholarships for African candidates applying for taught postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford for 2025/26 entry. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs. Full eligibility criteria is available on the A-Z of scholarships page and the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships page.
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Graduate Scholarships
These scholarships are open to applicants who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and from a Muslim community, apply to a full-time master's or DPhil course (with preference given to those from a financially disadvantaged household). Course and country restrictions apply. Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships webpage.
Saïd Business School: Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) LGBTQ+Fellowships
These fellowships enhance and extend the Oxford MBA’s existing LGBTQ+ network.
The Reaching Out MBA LGBTQ+ Fellowships are a joint effort between and Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) to develop the LGBTQ+ and active ally business leaders of tomorrow. This partnership strengthens the School's reputation for inclusivity and helps to increase the number of students interested in promoting the empowerment and representation of LGBTQ+ students in top business schools.
Full eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply is available on the Saïd Business School website.
Further information
Our dedicated Fees and funding pages provide further information about the full range of options for funding graduate study at Oxford.
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you have a query about graduate admissions at Oxford, we're here to help: