A complete step-by-step guide to studying at the University of Oxford with a fully-funded scholarship (focusing on the Clarendon Scholarship, the most well-known fully-funded option). The procedures, requirements, deadlines, eligibility, documents needed, age & nationality, and how to increase your chances successfully.
1. Choose Your Level of Study
Oxford offers fully funded scholarships primarily for graduate degrees, Master’s (taught) and DPhil (PhD-level research).
For undergraduates, there are some other full scholarships (e.g., Reach Oxford, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship), but Clarendon is for graduate study only.
First decide whether you want to study:
Master’s (e.g., MSc, MSt)
DPhil (Oxford’s name for a PhD)
There is no specific age limit for Oxford scholarships, selection is based on academic excellence, not age.
2. Understand What the Clarendon Scholarship Covers
If awarded a Clarendon Scholarship:
Full tuition fees paid by Oxford
Annual living stipend to cover living expenses
Support for the full length of your degree (period of fee liability)
You do not need a separate scholarship application—just the Oxford degree application.NB: Clarendon is based on academic excellence and potential. Highly competitive!
3. Key Deadlines & Timeline
Academic Application Deadlines
Oxford usually has December or January deadlines for graduate courses.
Example: for entry in October 2026, many deadlines fall in Dec 2025 → Jan 2026 (depending on your course).
You must apply by the earliest deadline to be eligible for scholarships applications after March or later are not considered for most Oxford scholarships.
Scholarship Decision Timeline
- Clinical/department reviews: Feb–Mar
- Offers sent: Mar–Apr
- Final decisions: by June
If you haven’t heard by mid-June, assume you were not selected.
4. Required Academic & Supporting Documents
When applying to a Master’s or DPhil, you’ll need:
Academic Documents
Undergraduate (and graduate, if relevant) transcripts/degree certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Personal statement (why you want to study this program)
Research proposal (for DPhil applicants)
English language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL) if required for your course
References
✔ Typically 3 academic references are required for graduate applications.
Identification
✔ Passport copy or valid ID document
You do not submit separate documents for the Clarendon Scholarship—your course application materials are used for scholarship consideration.
5. Eligibility (Who Can Apply)
Nationality
✔ Open to applicants of all nationalities (including Nigeria and other countries worldwide).
Course Eligibility
All full-time graduate (Master’s and DPhil) degree courses are eligible for Clarendon.
Academic Merit
Oxford selects based on:
- Academic excellence (grades, transcripts)
- Research potential (for DPhil)
- Personal statement and references
There is no strict age restriction—focus instead on academic strength.
6. Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s what you actually do:
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Visit Oxford’s course listings and pick the exact Master’s or DPhil programme you want to study.
Step 2: Check Course Requirements
Every Oxford course has specific entry requirements degree level, GPA equivalents, language tests, etc.
Check the course page for details
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Collect transcripts, references, CV, personal statement
Arrange for language test scores (if needed)
Step 4: Submit Oxford Graduate Application
Apply through the Oxford online portal by Dec/Jan deadlines.
There is no separate Clarendon form. As long as you apply for the course on time, you are automatically considered.
Step 5: Wait for Offer
If the department offers you a place and selects you for Clarendon, you’ll receive:
Offer of admission
Scholarship award letter
(aka “CB1”) followed by funding details.
7. English Language Requirements
If your first language isn’t English or you’re from a non-English speaking education background, you’ll likely need one of these:
✔ IELTS
✔ TOEFL
✔ Oxford Test of English
Minimum scores vary by course—check the course page.
8. Tips to Improve Your Chances
Strong Academic Record: Excellent grades, research experience
Compelling Personal Statement
Good Reference Letters
Apply Early (two weeks before deadline ideally)
Summary Checklist
Choose graduate programme (Master’s or DPhil)
Confirm course requirements and deadlines
Prepare transcripts, CV, personal statement, references
Take English test (if required)
Submit Oxford application by Dec/Jan deadline
Automatic consideration for Clarendon Scholarship
Wait for offers and scholarship notification.