Clarendon Fund Scholarship 2027 in United Kingdom | Fully Funded — University of Oxford
Oxford runs its own university-wide scholarship scheme that does not depend on a national government or external foundation, and it funds hundreds of students across every division of the university.
About the Scholarship
The Clarendon Fund was established by Oxford University Press in 2001 and has since become the university’s largest single graduate scholarship scheme. It awards full funding to incoming graduate students from any country, including the UK, based entirely on academic merit and potential. Clarendon Scholars are drawn from every division of the university, meaning the programme funds students in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and medical sciences in roughly equal measure each year.
Because Clarendon is run directly by the university rather than tied to a specific external donor’s priorities, it has become one of the most broadly accessible fully funded routes into Oxford graduate study for applicants worldwide.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full university and college fees for the duration of the course
- A living stipend to cover accommodation and daily expenses
- Funding for the full standard length of a master’s or doctoral programme
- No separate application form required beyond the standard Oxford graduate application
- Access to college-based academic and pastoral support alongside the central scholarship
- Eligibility considered automatically for most graduate courses at Oxford
Eligibility Criteria
- Apply for a full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford
- Submit your graduate application by the relevant January deadline for your course
- Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen department and college
- Be ranked among the strongest applicants by your department during the admissions process
- Be available to start the course at the beginning of the following Oxford academic year
- Accept a place at an Oxford college as part of your graduate admission
Fields of Study Covered
Nearly every graduate subject at Oxford is eligible, including engineering, physical and life sciences, medicine, law, humanities, and social sciences, since Clarendon funding is distributed across the whole university rather than restricted to particular departments.
Required Documents
- Standard Oxford graduate application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A statement of purpose outlining your proposed study or research
- References from academic staff familiar with your work
- A research proposal, for doctoral applicants
- Proof of English language proficiency if required by your course
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your graduate course and college preference at Oxford
- Complete the standard graduate application, noting that Clarendon consideration is often automatic
- Submit all required documents before the January graduate admissions deadline
- Allow your academic department to assess your application for both admission and funding
- Respond to any additional requests from your department during the review period
- Watch for notification of both your admission decision and scholarship outcome
Selection Process
Departments rank their strongest applicants and nominate a set number for Clarendon funding each year, so admission and funding decisions are closely linked. The Clarendon Fund committee then allocates awards across the university based on departmental nominations and overall funding availability for that year.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit your graduate application well before the January deadline, since early, complete applications are easier to process
- Write a statement of purpose that clearly shows depth of knowledge in your proposed field
- Choose academic referees who can comment in detail on your intellectual ability, not just general praise
- Make sure your research proposal, if required, is realistic and well matched to available supervisors
- Apply to departments where your academic background is a strong, demonstrable fit
- If you are weighing multiple fully funded options, compare Clarendon with the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to see which university and funding structure suits your goals better
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application form for Clarendon?
No, most Oxford graduate applicants are automatically considered for Clarendon funding through their standard course application.
Can UK citizens apply for Clarendon?
Yes, unlike some other UK scholarships, Clarendon is open to UK citizens as well as international applicants.
Does Clarendon fund both master’s and PhD study?
Yes, it funds both one-year master’s courses and multi-year doctoral programmes at Oxford.
How many Clarendon Scholarships are awarded each year?
Hundreds of scholarships are awarded annually, making it one of the largest schemes of its kind at any UK university.
Do I need to rank my college choice?
You apply through the standard Oxford graduate system, which includes college preference as part of the application.
Is the scholarship renewed automatically each year of a PhD?
Yes, funding covers the standard full length of the course once awarded, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
What if my department does not nominate me?
You will not receive Clarendon funding that cycle, though you may still be admitted and could seek other funding sources.
Can I defer a Clarendon Scholarship to a later year?
Deferral is considered only in exceptional circumstances and is decided case by case with the department and the fund.