About the opportunity
The Reach Oxford Scholarship (formerly Oxford Student Scholarships) is offered to students from low-income Official Development Assistance recipient countries who, for political or financial reasons or due to a lack of suitable educational facilities, cannot study for a degree in their own countries. The scheme covers undergraduate study across all subjects offered by the University of Oxford, except Medicine. Around 2 to 3 awards are offered each year. Candidates must hold an offer of admission from Oxford to be considered for the award. Scholars are expected to return to their home country following completion of their studies.
Funding and benefits
- Full course fees coverage
- Grant for living costs
- One return air fare per year
- Funding duration of 3 or 4 years, depending on course length
Who can apply?
- Must be a national of a DAC OECD Official Development Assistance recipient country
- Must receive an offer of admission for an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford (all subjects except Medicine)
- Must demonstrate high academic ability, financial need, social commitment, and lack of opportunity to study for a degree in their home country
- Must intend to return to their home country following completion of their studies
- Priority is given to candidates who have not studied at the undergraduate level before
Required documents
- Undergraduate offer of admission from the University of Oxford
- Completed Reach Oxford Scholarship application form
- Annual academic and social progress reports (for award continuation in subsequent years)
When to apply
- Applications for 2026 entry are closed
- Details on how to apply for 2027 entry will be published on the official page in January 2027
- Scholarship application deadline for 2027 entry: January 26, 2027
- Selection process takes place in April 2027
- Applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of May 2027
- Deferred entry offer holders must apply in January of the year they will start their Oxford course (e.g., January 2027 for October 2027 start)
How to apply
- Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Oxford before applying for the scholarship
- Receive an offer of admission from an Oxford college
- Access the official scholarship application details when released in January 2027
- Submit the Reach Oxford Scholarship application by January 26, 2027
- If awarded, transfer arrangements will be made if your admitting college is not participating in the scheme that year
Additional information
- Not all Oxford colleges offer Reach Oxford Scholarships every year; being accepted by a non-participating college will not prevent candidates from receiving the award
- Astrophoria Foundation Year students should apply for the scholarship in January of the year they begin their undergraduate degree course
- Applications for Oxford undergraduate scholarships can only be submitted once per applicant
- Competition is extremely high, and the University has no additional funding for non-selected candidates
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…
- Undergraduate applicants from DAC OECD low-income countries
- Students who demonstrate high academic ability and a clear commitment to social progress
- Individuals who lack the opportunity to pursue a degree in their home country
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship is extremely competitive and requires a prior offer of admission from an Oxford college
- Scholars are explicitly expected to return to their home country after completing their studies
- Medicine is excluded from this scholarship, so you must ensure your intended course is eligible
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who need financial support to access world-class education. It is a perfect fit for those whose primary goal is to gain a prestigious degree and then return home to apply their knowledge to local challenges.
Our take
Students who meet the strict eligibility criteria and are committed to returning home should apply, though they must have a strong backup plan given the high level of competition.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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