About the opportunity
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, is an intensive full-time graduate degree designed to equip future public leaders with the skills and insights needed to address complex policy challenges. Recognising that graduate study represents a significant financial commitment, the University and the Blavatnik School offer a wide array of scholarships, awards, and financial aid options. Around 90% of MPP students receive full or partial scholarships in recent years, with over 75% receiving full scholarships. Funding mechanisms include automatic university-wide schemes, school-specific awards, and external scholarships. Successful candidates are encouraged to explore all financing avenues early to ensure complete coverage of course fees and living expenses.
Funding and benefits
- Over 1,000 full or partial scholarships offered annually by the central University and affiliated colleges.
- Access to various full-fee scholarships covering living cost grants, such as Clarendon, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann, and Academic Futures awards.
- Blavatnik School of Government scholarships offering variable funding, ranging from partial awards to full course fees and living stipends.
- Specialised regional and partner awards covering course fees, living stipends, and occasionally travel support.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must have received an offer of admission to study the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford.
- Eligibility for specific scholarships varies widely by country of origin, regional focus, academic merit, and demonstrated financial need.
- Certain awards require specific professional backgrounds, such as current employment in public service or a commitment to returning to the home country.
Required documents
- General University of Oxford graduate admissions application
- Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship Questionnaire (completed after receiving an offer)
- Additional documentation as required by specific external or partner scholarship foundations
When to apply
- General graduate applications and supporting scholarship considerations must be submitted by the December application deadline.
- Blavatnik School Scholarship Questionnaires are typically due within one week of receiving an offer letter.
- Course fee deposit deadline for successful applicants is 31 May 2027.
- External scholarship deadlines vary and may precede the MPP application deadline, such as Chevening in early October.
How to apply
- Submit the online graduate application for admission to the Master of Public Policy programme by the December deadline to be automatically considered for most university-wide scholarships.
- Apply separately for external awards or specific partner foundations that require independent applications (e.g., Chevening, Commonwealth, or Eisenhower).
- Complete and submit the Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship Questionnaire within one week of receiving an official course offer.
- Pay the required course deposit of £8,200 by 31 May 2027, unless waived due to confirmed full external funding.
Additional information
- The annual course fee for entry in 2027-28 is £54,650 for both Home and Overseas students.
- The MPP is an intensive full-time programme; students are strongly discouraged from taking on outside work commitments.
- UK government regulations limit the ability of student dependents to join students unless studying on specific research degrees or holding government financial awards.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Exceptional professionals and recent graduates aiming for high-impact leadership roles in public service, government, or international organisations.
- Candidates with outstanding academic records who can leverage a high volume of available university-wide and school-specific funding options.
- Applicants seeking an interdisciplinary, globally diverse cohort experience embedded within a premier academic institution.
What should you think carefully about?
- The programme carries substantial course fees (£54,650 for 2027–28) alongside high living costs in Oxford, requiring careful financial planning.
- The intensive, full-time format prevents students from undertaking outside employment during the academic year.
- Securing a Blavatnik School scholarship depends on receiving an admission offer first, and school funding is limited.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This financial overview helps prospective Master of Public Policy students map out realistic funding strategies for an intensive, transformative year at Oxford. Because external and internal awards have varying eligibility criteria and application timelines, understanding the complete financial landscape early allows applicants to align external grants with Oxford's December admissions deadlines.
Our take
Prospective applicants with a strong commitment to public policy and leadership should apply early for admission and actively investigate all matching internal and external funding routes to offset the substantial cost of attendance.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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