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University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarship 2025/2026

The Clarendon Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to postgraduate students at the University of Oxford. Offering full funding for tuition and providing an annual living stipend, the Clarendon Scholarship allows exceptional students from around the world to pursue their academic passions at one of the world’s leading universities. Established in 2001, the scholarship is highly competitive and seeks individuals with a strong academic record and potential to contribute to their field.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Clarendon Scholarship, including specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, key deadlines, and resources available on the official University of Oxford website.

What is the Clarendon Scholarship?

The Clarendon Scholarship is an internationally recognized, fully funded award for graduate students at the University of Oxford. The scholarship covers tuition fees in full and provides an annual grant for living expenses, making it an accessible option for students who want to focus solely on their academic and research endeavors. Each year, approximately 140 scholarships are awarded, and recipients come from a diverse range of fields, backgrounds, and countries.

The scholarship is part of Oxford University’s goal to attract the brightest minds from across the globe, regardless of financial background. Scholars are given access to an esteemed network of peers and are often seen as future leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

Key Benefits of the Clarendon Scholarship

Full Funding: The Clarendon Scholarship covers full tuition fees for the duration of the course, regardless of whether the applicant is eligible for home or international fees.
Living Allowance: Recipients receive an annual living stipend, which is sufficient to cover living expenses in Oxford. This is particularly beneficial given the high cost of living in the city.
Networking Opportunities: Scholars join a prestigious community, providing access to exclusive events, workshops, and lectures that contribute to both academic and personal growth.
Interdisciplinary Exposure: The scholarship is open to students from all departments, allowing recipients to engage with peers across a wide array of disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria for the Clarendon Scholarship

To be eligible for the Clarendon Scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic and personal criteria, as the scholarship is both competitive and selective. Here’s what you need to know:

Academic Excellence: Academic achievement is a critical factor in the selection process. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of academic success, often with top grades in their current and previous studies.
Course Eligibility: The Clarendon Scholarship is open to all graduate students, including master’s and doctoral programs, across all departments and subject areas at Oxford.
First-Time Applicants: Only those applying to a new course at Oxford are eligible. Continuing students who have already begun their program are not eligible for this scholarship.
Graduate Study Goals: Applicants are typically expected to articulate a clear vision of their goals for graduate study and their broader academic or research ambitions.
No Nationality Restrictions: There are no restrictions based on nationality or residence, making it a global opportunity for students from all regions.

It’s important to note that the Clarendon Scholarship is awarded primarily based on academic merit and potential, without consideration of financial need. This merit-based criterion makes it ideal for students with exceptional academic records who are committed to their field of study.

Application Procedures for the Clarendon Scholarship

Unlike some scholarships, the Clarendon Scholarship does not require a separate application process. All eligible applicants to the University of Oxford’s graduate programs are automatically considered for the scholarship if they apply by the relevant course deadline. Here’s how to proceed with your application:

Choose a Graduate Course: Begin by choosing a graduate course from the University of Oxford’s extensive catalog. The Clarendon Scholarship is open to all departments, so you have the flexibility to apply to any program, provided you meet the course’s entry requirements.
Submit Your Application Online: You must submit your application for graduate study through the University of Oxford’s online portal by the course’s specific deadline, which usually falls in either December or January. Visit University of Oxford’s Graduate Admissions for precise application dates.
Automatic Consideration: Once you submit your application by the course deadline, you will automatically be considered for the Clarendon Scholarship. Ensure that all documents, including your references and academic transcripts, are submitted by the application deadline.
Selection Process: The selection process takes place in several stages. First, departments review applications and forward eligible candidates to the Clarendon Fund. Then, the scholarship selection panel evaluates candidates based on their academic record, potential for future impact, and overall merit.
Decision Timeline: Successful candidates are typically notified by April of the application year. The process is highly competitive, and only top applicants receive this award.

The fact that there is no separate application for the Clarendon Scholarship simplifies the process. However, it also underscores the importance of submitting a strong graduate application, as this serves as the basis for your scholarship consideration.

Key Deadlines for the Clarendon Scholarship

The deadlines for the Clarendon Scholarship are tied to the deadlines for each graduate course at the University of Oxford. To be eligible for consideration, you must apply to your chosen graduate course by the early application deadlines, which are typically in December or January.

December Deadlines: Many graduate courses have their application deadline in early December. Check the specific program you are applying to for the exact date, as it varies by department.
January Deadlines: Some programs have a second application deadline in January, which is the final cutoff for consideration for the Clarendon Scholarship.

It is essential to verify the deadline for your specific course on the University of Oxford’s website, as failing to meet the application deadline will result in ineligibility for the Clarendon Scholarship. For a complete list of deadlines by course, visit Oxford Course Deadlines.

Selection Criteria and Process

Selection for the Clarendon Scholarship is rigorous, with each application reviewed by academic departments before being considered by the Clarendon selection committee. The process takes the following steps:

Department Review: Departments assess candidates based on academic merit and research potential. This initial review is crucial, as only the highest-ranked candidates are passed on to the Clarendon selection committee.
Clarendon Fund Panel: Once departments nominate candidates, the Clarendon panel evaluates applicants based on academic excellence, overall potential, and alignment with the scholarship’s mission.
Notification: Successful candidates are notified of their selection around April, giving them ample time to prepare for their studies at Oxford.

The competitive nature of the Clarendon Scholarship ensures that recipients are among the best in their fields, creating an environment of excellence within the scholarship community.

Life as a Clarendon Scholar

Being a Clarendon Scholar at the University of Oxford means joining a vibrant, diverse community of high-achieving individuals from around the world. Scholars benefit from more than just financial support; they gain access to a supportive academic community, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and attend exclusive Clarendon-sponsored events and lectures.

The Clarendon Scholarship also provides networking opportunities with professionals and academics from various fields. The community extends beyond graduation, as Clarendon alumni remain active in the network and often go on to successful careers in academia, industry, and public service.

Additional Information and Resources

For more information on the Clarendon Scholarship and detailed guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines, visit the University of Oxford’s official Clarendon Scholarship webpage: Oxford Clarendon Scholarship. Here, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, as well as links to the specific departments offering funded programs.

Conclusion

The Clarendon Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for talented individuals looking to further their academic pursuits at one of the world’s most esteemed institutions. With full funding, a supportive community, and the chance to study among the brightest minds globally, the Clarendon Scholarship at Oxford offers much more than financial support—it provides a gateway to academic excellence and impactful research.

For prospective students, the key to success lies in a strong academic record, a well-prepared graduate application, and a commitment to their chosen field. Whether you aim to make groundbreaking discoveries in science, influence policy, or contribute to cultural understanding, the Clarendon Scholarship could be your path to realizing those ambitions.

This article provides an overview of the Clarendon Scholarship for 2025/2026, highlighting essential aspects that prospective applicants need to understand. Visit the official University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarship website for further details on how to apply.