Clarendon Scholarships 2027–2028 at the University of Oxford offer an opportunity for academically outstanding students to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK with their course fees covered in full and financial support for living expenses.
The scholarship welcomes applicants from all nationalities and academic disciplines, making it an option for students who want to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate at Oxford without having to rely entirely on personal or family funding.
This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligible courses, application requirements, deadlines and steps to take to be considered for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Clarendon Scholarships |
| Host Institution | University of Oxford |
| Study Destination | United Kingdom |
| Academic Session | 2027–2028 |
| Degree Levels | Master’s and DPhil (PhD) |
| Eligible Students | UK and international applicants |
| Eligible Subjects | All academic disciplines |
| Funding Type | Fully funded for eligible full-time scholars |
| Tuition Coverage | Full course fees |
| Living Allowance | Annual grant for living expenses |
| Application Fee | Oxford’s graduate application fee may apply |
| Separate Scholarship Form | No |
| Application Deadline | Relevant December or January graduate admissions deadline for the chosen course |
| Official Application Route | Oxford graduate admissions application |
The Clarendon Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund is one of the University of Oxford’s major graduate scholarship programmes. It was established to support academically outstanding students and help them pursue advanced education and research at Oxford.
The programme originally focused on overseas students but was expanded in 2012 to include applicants with UK and European Union fee status. It now considers eligible applicants from around the world without nationality quotas or restrictions based on academic discipline.
Clarendon is a competitive scholarship awarded through Oxford’s graduate admissions and funding process. The University reported that it had more than 230 Clarendon scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year and approximately 700 scholars studying at Oxford. The number of awards and available funding may vary from year to year.
The scholarship is particularly attractive because applicants do not need to complete a separate Clarendon application. Eligible applicants who submit their graduate applications by the relevant funding deadline are automatically considered.
However, automatic consideration does not mean automatic funding. Applicants must still demonstrate exceptional academic ability, a strong fit with their proposed course and the potential to contribute meaningfully to their academic field.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, prospective applicants should focus on preparing a strong Oxford graduate application and meeting the deadline listed for their intended course.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
Clarendon Scholarships provide substantial financial support for postgraduate study at Oxford. The exact funding arrangement depends on the scholar’s course, study mode and period of fee liability.
Full tuition fees
The scholarship covers course fees in full for the period specified in the award. This applies to both Home and Overseas fee-status students.
For international students, this is particularly valuable because overseas postgraduate tuition fees at Oxford can be substantial. The scholarship removes the need for recipients to fund the covered tuition costs themselves.
Annual living allowance
Scholars undertaking full-time courses receive an annual grant for living expenses. Oxford states that this grant is at least the UK Research and Innovation minimum doctoral stipend rate.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the published minimum was £20,780. This figure is a reference point rather than a confirmed allowance for 2027–2028. Applicants should not assume that the same amount will apply to their award in the new academic year.
The allowance is intended to help with ordinary living costs while studying in Oxford, including accommodation, food, local transport and other essential expenses. Actual costs will depend on personal circumstances and lifestyle.
Funding for the duration of the course
Clarendon awards are normally provided for the scholar’s period of fee liability. This means the funding period is linked to the period during which the student is liable to pay course fees for the approved programme.
Some awards may cover an additional period of study at the discretion of the relevant academic division. Where this happens, the additional period may receive living-cost support without covering continuation charges.
Applicants should therefore read the duration and conditions stated in their scholarship offer carefully.
Support for part-time students
Clarendon also considers eligible part-time master’s and DPhil applicants. However, the funding arrangement differs from the standard full-time package.
Part-time scholars receive a study support grant to help with non-fee expenses. The value varies according to the course and its structure. Oxford indicates that such grants may amount to a sixth, a third or half of the minimum doctoral stipend rate.
Applicants considering part-time study should not assume that they will receive the same living allowance as a full-time scholar.
Additional funding through partnerships
Clarendon works with Oxford colleges, academic divisions, departments, trusts and external partners to provide additional funding.
Successful scholars may receive a package supported by one or more of these partners. The University manages the matching process after an initial scholarship offer, taking account of the relevant award conditions.
Applicants do not generally need to submit a separate application for these partnership awards. If a partnership award requires a change of college, the Clarendon team will communicate the arrangement to the scholar.
What may not be covered?
Although Clarendon is commonly described as fully funded, applicants should understand the precise terms of their award.
The scholarship covers course fees and provides the applicable living-cost support. However, continuation charges and some additional costs may fall outside the award. Funding for part-time students is also structured differently.
Do not assume that the scholarship includes every personal, research or travel expense. Review the formal funding letter and ask Oxford about any cost that is not clearly covered.
Eligible Programs and Courses
Clarendon supports eligible master’s and DPhil programmes across the University of Oxford.
There are no general restrictions based on subject area. Applicants can therefore be considered across a broad range of academic disciplines, provided that their chosen course qualifies and they meet the relevant admissions and scholarship requirements.
Eligible degree categories include:
- Doctoral programmes: Eligible full-time and part-time DPhil programmes, Oxford’s equivalent of a PhD.
- Master’s programmes: Eligible taught and research master’s degrees.
- One-year graduate degrees: Programmes such as eligible MSc, MSt, MBA and MFE courses.
- Two-year graduate degrees: Programmes such as eligible MPhil and BPhil courses.
These are examples of degree categories, not a guarantee that every programme with one of these titles qualifies. The course must be an eligible, degree-bearing Oxford graduate programme.
The scholarship is intended for students starting a new eligible course. Applicants who are already studying for a master’s degree at Oxford may still be considered if they apply for a new DPhil or another master’s programme. However, students continuing the same Oxford degree are not eligible for a new Clarendon award for that continued course.
Before applying, identify your intended programme and review its admission requirements, course-specific deadline, duration and fee information.
Eligibility Requirements
Clarendon does not impose a general nationality restriction. Applicants from Nigeria and other countries may be considered, provided they satisfy the programme and course requirements.
The main eligibility conditions are as follows.
- Apply for a new eligible graduate course. You must apply for an eligible master’s or DPhil programme at the University of Oxford.
- Meet the relevant admissions deadline. Your graduate application must be submitted by the December or January deadline applicable to your course. The exact deadline varies by programme.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic ability. Academic excellence is central to Clarendon selection. Oxford states that the majority of successful scholars typically have at least a first-class honours degree or its equivalent.
- Show a strong academic fit. Your application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the proposed course and explain why it is appropriate for your academic background and future plans.
- Meet the course’s admission requirements. You must satisfy the academic, language and other entry requirements specified for your chosen Oxford programme.
- Apply for a qualifying degree-bearing programme. The scholarship does not automatically apply to every short course, certificate or diploma offered by Oxford. Confirm that your intended course is eligible.
- Be prepared for a competitive selection process. Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee an award. Departments and academic divisions assess candidates and nominate those they consider strongest.
Are international students eligible?
Yes. Clarendon has no general nationality or ordinary-residence restrictions. Students from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan and other countries may be considered alongside UK applicants.
There are no general subject-based quotas either. Selection is based on academic merit and potential rather than a fixed allocation for each country or discipline.
Is there a minimum CGPA?
Oxford does not publish one universal CGPA cutoff for all Clarendon applicants. Its guidance says that most successful scholars have at least a first-class honours degree or equivalent.
Because grading systems differ between countries and universities, applicants should compare their academic records with the entry requirements for their specific course. A strong academic record is essential, but the scholarship decision is not based on a single CGPA figure alone.
Can current Oxford students apply?
Students continuing the same degree at Oxford in the following academic year are not eligible for a new Clarendon scholarship for that same course.
Applicants already studying for a master’s degree at Oxford may be considered if they apply for a new eligible programme, such as a DPhil or a second master’s degree.
Applicants holding deferred graduate offers should also note that Oxford states that they are not eligible for Clarendon consideration.
Required Documents
Clarendon does not have a separate scholarship application form or a separate scholarship document checklist. Applicants are considered through their graduate admissions applications.
You should therefore prepare the documents required by your chosen Oxford course. Depending on the programme, these may include:
- Academic transcripts: Official records showing your university courses, grades and academic progress.
- Degree certificates: Evidence of completed qualifications, where available and required.
- Personal statement or statement of purpose: An explanation of your academic interests, reasons for choosing the course and future plans, if required by the programme.
- Academic references: Recommendations from referees who can assess your academic ability and suitability for graduate study.
- Research proposal: Required for relevant research degrees and programmes.
- CV or résumé: A summary of your education, research experience, publications, employment and relevant achievements, where requested.
- English-language evidence: Test results or other evidence if required by your chosen course.
- Writing sample or additional materials: Some courses require written work, portfolios, test results or other subject-specific documents.
Not every course requires every item on this list. The exact requirements depend on your programme, so use its official admissions instructions as your checklist.
Because Clarendon selection relies on the quality of the graduate application, do not treat the documents as a formality. Your academic references, statement and research materials should present a coherent case for your suitability for Oxford.
How to Apply
There is no separate Clarendon scholarship application. You apply for an eligible graduate course at Oxford and are automatically considered for Clarendon if you submit the application by the relevant funding deadline.
Follow these steps.
- Choose an eligible Oxford graduate course. Identify the master’s or DPhil programme that matches your academic background and future plans. Confirm that it is a qualifying degree-bearing course.
- Check the course-specific deadline. Oxford uses December and January deadlines for Clarendon consideration, depending on the programme. Do not rely on a single university-wide date. Find the deadline on your chosen course page.
- Review the admission requirements. Check the required academic qualifications, transcripts, references, English-language evidence and any course-specific documents.
- Prepare a competitive application. Explain your motivation for the course and demonstrate your academic strengths, relevant experience and future potential. Research applicants should develop a clear and feasible proposal where required.
- Arrange your academic references. Contact referees early enough for them to prepare and submit their recommendations before the deadline. Follow Oxford’s instructions for how references are submitted.
- Complete the Oxford graduate application. Fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and pay the applicable application fee unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver.
- Submit before the relevant deadline. Ensure the application is complete and submitted on time. A late application may not be considered for Clarendon funding, even if Oxford continues to accept applications for another purpose.
- Wait for academic and funding decisions. The department assesses your application for admission and may nominate strong candidates for Clarendon. Academic divisions then review nominations and allocate awards.
- Review your offer carefully. If selected, you will receive an email and a scholarship offer letter. Follow any conditions attached to your Oxford admission and scholarship.
Official application page: University of Oxford graduate admissions and Clarendon scholarship applicants’ guidance.
Application Deadline and Current Status
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year should be prepared around the graduate admissions deadlines published for individual Oxford courses.
Clarendon does not have one separate scholarship deadline for every applicant. Instead, candidates must submit their Oxford graduate applications by the relevant December or January funding deadline.
For example, a course with a December funding deadline requires an application by that date, while another programme may use a January deadline. The correct date depends on the chosen course.
As of October 2026, applicants should begin preparing their applications and verify the deadline for their intended programme. Do not assume that every Oxford course has the same deadline or that a later general admissions deadline will preserve eligibility for Clarendon.
The University typically sends most initial Clarendon scholarship offers by the end of April. Some late nominations may occur during the summer. Oxford advises that applicants who have not heard by mid-June should generally assume they have not received an award, although a small number of later nominations may be made.
Because course deadlines and funding arrangements can change, use the graduate course page and the Clarendon applicants’ guidance to confirm the details for your application.
Selection Process and Application Tips
Clarendon selection is competitive. Oxford aims to identify academically outstanding candidates with the potential to make significant contributions to their fields.
The process begins with the graduate application. Academics in the relevant department assess the candidate’s suitability for admission and identify strong applicants for scholarship nomination. Academic divisions then review the nominations and select candidates for Clarendon awards.
The criteria vary somewhat by discipline and between taught and research degrees. However, academic excellence and student motivation are important across the programme.
Build a strong academic case
A strong academic record is essential. Present your grades, relevant research experience, publications, awards and other academic achievements clearly. If your institution uses a different grading system from the UK, provide accurate information about your academic performance and follow Oxford’s requirements for qualification equivalence.
Explain why you need the specific course
Your application should make clear why the programme is a suitable next step. Avoid relying on Oxford’s reputation alone. Explain the knowledge, research training or expertise you want to gain and how the course relates to your academic direction.
Demonstrate your potential
Oxford considers future potential as well as past performance. Show how your previous work has prepared you for advanced study and what you hope to contribute to your field. For research degrees, a focused proposal and evidence of research readiness can be particularly important.
Choose referees carefully
Academic references should come from people who know your work well and can give specific evidence of your abilities. Contact them early, share the programme details and provide enough information for them to write a useful recommendation.
Avoid last-minute applications
Oxford’s application process involves multiple documents and, for many courses, references. Starting early gives you time to address missing transcripts, improve your statement and ensure that referees submit their recommendations on time.
Do not submit a separate Clarendon application
The absence of a separate form makes the process simpler, but it also means that the quality of your graduate application is particularly important. Focus on meeting the course deadline and submitting a complete, well-prepared application.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Clarendon Scholarship fully funded?
Clarendon covers course fees in full and provides a living-cost grant for full-time scholars. Part-time scholars receive a study support grant instead of the standard full-time living allowance. Check the offer letter for the precise funding period and conditions.
Can Nigerian students apply for Clarendon Scholarships?
Yes. There are no general nationality or ordinary-residence restrictions. Nigerian applicants may be considered if they apply for an eligible Oxford graduate programme and meet the relevant requirements.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically considered when they submit their graduate applications by the applicable December or January funding deadline.
What CGPA do I need?
Oxford does not specify one universal CGPA cutoff for Clarendon. Most successful scholars typically have at least a first-class honours degree or its equivalent. You must also meet the academic requirements of your chosen course.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Clarendon is for eligible graduate study, not undergraduate degrees. You must apply for a qualifying master’s or DPhil programme at Oxford.
Does Clarendon fund master’s and PhD programmes?
Yes. Eligible master’s and DPhil programmes can be considered. Oxford uses the term DPhil for its doctoral degrees.
When is the deadline for Clarendon Scholarships 2027–2028?
The deadline is the December or January graduate admissions deadline that applies to your chosen course. Check the programme’s page for the exact date rather than relying on a general deadline.
How many Clarendon Scholarships are available?
The number varies each year. Oxford reported more than 230 Clarendon scholarships for 2025–2026, but that figure should not be treated as a guaranteed number of awards for 2027–2028.
Can I apply if I already study at Oxford?
You cannot receive a new Clarendon award to continue the same degree. However, an Oxford master’s student who applies for a new eligible programme, such as a DPhil, may be considered.
When will successful applicants hear back?
Oxford sends most initial scholarship offers by the end of April. Some nominations may be made later in the summer. Applicants who have not heard by mid-June should generally assume they have not been awarded Clarendon, while recognising that a small number of late nominations may occur.
Conclusion
Clarendon Scholarships 2027–2028 provide academically outstanding students with an opportunity to pursue eligible postgraduate study at the University of Oxford with full course-fee coverage and financial support for living expenses. The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities and disciplines, but awards are highly competitive.
The most important step is to prepare a strong graduate application and submit it by the December or January funding deadline for your chosen course. Since Clarendon does not require a separate scholarship form, your academic record, course fit, references and supporting documents form the basis of your consideration.
Start early, verify your course’s exact deadline and make sure your application clearly demonstrates your academic ability and potential.
References
ox.ac.uk – Information for Applicants: Clarendon Scholarships
ox.ac.uk – About the Clarendon Fund
ox.ac.uk – Scholarships for Graduate Students
ox.ac.uk – A–Z of Scholarships for 2027–2028
