Host University: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Study Level: Master’s and DPhil (PhD equivalent)
Number of Awards: Approximately 150 per year
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
Introduction: What Is the Clarendon Fund?
The Clarendon Fund Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship scheme offered by the University of Oxford. Established in 2001 and named after the historic Clarendon Building in Oxford, the fund supports outstanding graduate students from across the globe who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential.
Unlike many other scholarships that require separate applications, Clarendon applicants are automatically considered when they apply to an eligible graduate program at Oxford. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering all tuition fees and living expenses.
With over 3,000 alumni from 100+ countries, Clarendon Scholars form a diverse, intellectually curious, and globally minded network that extends well beyond their time at Oxford.
Scholarship Objectives
The goal of the Clarendon Fund is to support the most promising graduate students who will go on to make significant contributions to their fields and society. Oxford invests in scholars who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence and future research potential
- Leadership qualities
- Strong motivation for graduate study
- Commitment to intellectual and social impact
Clarendon is not tied to any specific field, and its scholars come from diverse academic disciplines — from astrophysics to anthropology.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Oxford |
| Type of Scholarship | Fully funded |
| Eligible Programs | All full-time and part-time Master’s and DPhil courses |
| Nationality Restrictions | None – open to all countries |
| Funding Duration | Full duration of program |
| Deadline (2026 entry) | January 2026 (varies by course) |
Who Is Eligible?
One of the strengths of the Clarendon Fund is its broad eligibility. The scholarship does not limit applicants based on country of origin, field of study, or personal background.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Clarendon Scholarship, you must:
- Apply by January 2026 for any full-time or part-time Master’s or DPhil program at Oxford
- Meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen course
- Demonstrate outstanding academic merit in your application
- Have no prior or current enrollment at Oxford unless applying for a new course
- Apply with all supporting documents before the course-specific deadline
Clarendon is open to students of any nationality, making it highly inclusive and globally competitive.
Eligible Courses
All full-time and part-time graduate-level courses offered by the University of Oxford are eligible, including:
- MSc in Computer Science
- MSt in English Literature
- BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law)
- MPhil in Development Studies
- MSc in Global Health Science
- DPhil in Physics
- DPhil in Education
- MBA (with restrictions — Clarendon is not commonly awarded for MBA)
⚠️ Undergraduate and non-degree programs are not eligible.
What Does the Clarendon Scholarship Cover?
The Clarendon Scholarship is fully funded, and offers one of the most comprehensive support packages available to graduate students in the UK.
🧾 Full Financial Coverage:
| Expense | Coverage |
|---|---|
| University Tuition Fees | ✅ 100% paid (home or international rate) |
| College Fees | ✅ Included |
| Living Costs | ✅ At least £18,622/year (2025–26 rate) |
| Program Duration | ✅ Full course duration |
| Travel, visa, research | ❌ Not covered separately (scholars may apply for additional Oxford support if needed) |
This generous package ensures that Clarendon Scholars can focus entirely on their academic work without financial hardship.
Application Timeline – Clarendon 2026
| Step | Key Dates (2025–2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Applications open | September 2025 |
| Oxford course deadlines | November 2025 to January 2026 |
| Clarendon consideration deadline | January 2026 (check course-specific deadlines) |
| Departmental assessments | January – February 2026 |
| Clarendon shortlisting & selection | March – April 2026 |
| Scholarship offers sent | April – May 2026 |
| Course begins | October 2026 |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
1. Choose Your Course
Browse the Oxford graduate course catalog at:
🔗 https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate
Each course has a deadline, usually in December or January. You must apply by the earlier deadline to be considered for Clarendon.
2. Submit Your Oxford Application
- Apply online through the Oxford Graduate Application system
- Indicate your program, college preference, and funding interest
- Upload supporting documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- CV/resume
- Research proposal (for DPhil applicants)
- Two or three academic references
🎯 No separate Clarendon application is needed — you are automatically considered.
3. Wait for Departmental Nomination
If your academic record is exceptional, your department will nominate you to Clarendon.
Clarendon then performs a second-level review and selects the top candidates for the scholarship awards.
What Makes a Competitive Clarendon Scholar?
Clarendon places strong emphasis on academic merit and potential, and less on financial need or extracurriculars.
Selection Criteria:
| Category | Expectations |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | First-class undergraduate or Master’s degree; top 10% of class |
| Academic Potential | Research proposal, references, evidence of critical thinking |
| Fit with Course | Relevance of past work and future goals |
| References | Strong endorsements of your capabilities and character |
Unlike Gates Cambridge or Chevening, Clarendon does not require a leadership essay or social impact plan — although such traits may strengthen your case.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early — some Oxford courses close in December.
- Ensure all documents are complete and tailored to the course.
- Write a compelling personal statement that explains your academic journey, motivation, and goals.
- Contact potential supervisors if you’re applying for a DPhil program.
- Request thoughtful references from academics who know your work in depth.
Real Scholar Profiles
Dr. Andrea Mendez – Clarendon Scholar from Mexico
- Program: DPhil in Environmental Law
- Focus: Water justice in Latin America
- Outcome: Published multiple journal articles and now a legal advisor to the UN
“Clarendon gave me the freedom and space to focus on research without worrying about funding. I found a community of brilliant peers who inspired me daily.”
James Osei – Clarendon Scholar from Ghana
- Program: MSc in African Studies
- Focus: Migration and postcolonial identity
- Impact: Now a lecturer and published author
Scholar Community and Benefits
Clarendon Scholars enjoy more than just financial support. They become part of a vibrant intellectual and social network.
Community Features:
- Clarendon Scholars’ Association (CSA)
- Regular social events, dinners, and academic forums
- Peer mentoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Access to Oxford’s wider alumni and research networks
- Ongoing support even after graduation
Clarendon vs. Other Oxford Scholarships
| Scholarship | Target Audience | Requires Separate Application? | Financial Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarendon | Top academic applicants | ❌ No | ✅ Fully funded |
| Rhodes | Leaders from eligible countries | ✅ Yes | ✅ Fully funded |
| Weidenfeld-Hoffmann | Emerging leaders | ✅ Yes | ✅ Fully funded |
| Oxford-Qatar | Gulf region students | ✅ Yes | ✅ Fully funded |
| Ertegun | Humanities students | ✅ Yes | ✅ Fully funded |
Clarendon is the most widely accessible and merit-focused of all major Oxford scholarships.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Automatic consideration
- Covers both Master’s and DPhil programs
- Open to all nationalities and disciplines
- World-class academic and alumni network
- No age or career restrictions
Cons:
- Highly competitive (acceptance rate ~2–3%)
- No separate allowance for dependents
- No interview — all based on written application
Final Thoughts
The Clarendon Fund Scholarship is your golden opportunity to join a top-tier academic institution with full financial support. With its emphasis on pure academic excellence, it rewards intellect, dedication, and potential — no matter your background or discipline.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself in an intellectually rich environment and conduct cutting-edge research or study, this scholarship could be your ticket.
Begin your journey now by:
- Researching your ideal course
- Preparing a polished application
- Applying before the January 2026 deadline
Oxford awaits — and so does the opportunity to be part of one of the world’s most elite graduate scholarship communities.
