If you dream of studying at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the Clarendon Fund Scholarships at the University of Oxford could be your opportunity. These scholarships are fully funded and highly competitive, awarded to outstanding postgraduate students ready to make an impact in their fields.
Clarendon Fund Scholarships support both Master’s and PhD (DPhil) studies and are available to applicants from all countries and academic backgrounds. You are automatically considered for a Clarendon Scholarship simply by applying for a graduate program at Oxford — there is no separate scholarship application required.
In this guide, you will learn what Clarendon offers, who is eligible, how to apply, deadlines, and why it is such a prestigious award.
What Is the Clarendon Fund?
The Clarendon Fund is a major graduate scholarship programme at the University of Oxford. Each year, the fund awards around 200 new scholarships to excellent students pursuing full-time Master’s or DPhil (PhD) degrees.
Clarendon Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and potential. They aim to attract the best global talent and support their studies with financial freedom and access to Oxford’s academic community.
What the Scholarship Covers
Clarendon Fund Scholarships provide full financial support:
Full Tuition and Fees
The scholarship covers 100% of your tuition and college fees for your programme at Oxford, for both domestic and international students.
Annual Living Stipend
Scholarship recipients receive a generous annual living allowance to help cover accommodation, food, and other essential expenses.
Recent scholarship holders have received an annual stipend of approximately £18,622, although amounts may vary.
Who Is Eligible?
The Clarendon Fund is open to all nationalities. There are no restrictions based on country of origin.
Academic Level
- Master’s degrees (MPhil, MSc, etc.)
- Doctoral degrees (DPhil / PhD)
You must be applying for a new graduate programme at Oxford by the relevant deadline.
Field of Study
Clarendon supports students from all subject areas, including humanities, sciences, social sciences, engineering, law, business, and medicine.
Automatic Consideration
No separate scholarship application is required. Simply apply to your Oxford graduate course, and your application will automatically be reviewed for a Clarendon Scholarship.
Note: Deferred offers and continuing students studying the same degree are not eligible.
How to Apply
Applying to the Clarendon Fund is straightforward:
- Apply for a graduate programme at Oxford (Master’s or DPhil).
- Prepare your documents, including transcripts, CV/resume, personal statement or research proposal, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency if required.
- Submit your Oxford graduate application by the specified deadline.
- Your application will be automatically considered for a Clarendon Scholarship.
No extra essays or forms are required.
Deadlines for 2026 Entry
The Clarendon Fund Scholarships 2026 deadlines are tied to your graduate course application:
- 2 December 2026 – Early deadline for many Master’s programs
- 8 January 2027 – Late deadline for many DPhil (PhD) programmes
Check your programme’s specific deadline on Oxford’s official graduate applications page.
What Makes Clarendon Special?
The Clarendon Fund is highly prestigious and sought after because:
- Only the most academically outstanding applicants are selected.
- Students from all over the world are eligible.
- There is no separate scholarship application. Your graduate application is your scholarship application.
- All academic disciplines at Oxford are eligible.
Tips for Improving Your Chances
- Maintain excellent academic performance.
- Write a compelling personal statement or research proposal.
- Choose references who can vouch for your academic and personal potential.
- Submit applications early to avoid technical issues.
Final Thoughts
The Clarendon Fund Scholarships 2026 at the University of Oxford offer outstanding fully funded opportunities for students worldwide. With full tuition coverage, a generous living stipend, and automatic consideration, this scholarship provides financial security and academic prestige.
Apply early to your Oxford graduate programme, and you could join the ranks of some of the most talented postgraduate students in the world.
