Ertegun Graduate Scholarship 2027 in United Kingdom | Fully Funded — University of Oxford
A fully funded place to study literature, history, philosophy or music at Oxford is rare enough that most humanities graduates assume it only happens to someone else.
About the Scholarship
The Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities was created to support exceptionally talented graduate students pursuing humanities subjects at the University of Oxford, regardless of nationality. Scholars join a close knit intellectual community based at Ertegun House, a dedicated building near the Bodleian Library where weekly seminars, dinners and guest lectures bring humanities students together across disciplines and degree levels. The scheme is one of Oxford’s most generous humanities awards, and its selectivity reflects that, drawing well over a thousand applications each year for a small number of places.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full university and college fees for the duration of the course
- A generous stipend covering living costs in Oxford
- Membership of the Ertegun community at Ertegun House
- Access to weekly interdisciplinary seminars, talks and social events with fellow scholars
- A supportive academic network that often continues well beyond the funded period
- No nationality restriction, open equally to UK and international applicants
Eligibility Criteria
- Be applying for a full-time graduate programme at Oxford in a humanities subject
- Apply for a master’s degree such as the MSt, MPhil or MSc, or for the DPhil
- Be starting a new degree programme rather than continuing one already underway
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement relative to your stage and background
- Submit a strong, well argued research or study proposal appropriate to your chosen course
- Meet Oxford’s standard graduate admissions requirements for your subject
Fields of Study Covered
Eligible subjects span the humanities broadly, including history, literature, philosophy, theology and religion, music, art history, archaeology, classics, and modern and classical languages and linguistics, among other related disciplines offered at Oxford.
Required Documents
- A complete graduate course application to the relevant Oxford department
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Letters of academic reference
- A research proposal or statement of purpose, depending on the course
- A separate Ertegun Scholarship application submitted through Ertegun House
- Evidence of English language proficiency where required
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply to your chosen Oxford graduate humanities course through the standard university admissions process
- Check the Ertegun House website for the current scholarship application procedure and timeline
- Submit the scholarship application alongside your course application, as instructed
- Ensure referees and transcripts reach both the department and the scholarship committee on time
- Prepare for the possibility of an interview as part of the selection process
- Wait for notification, since results are typically announced after course admission decisions are finalized
Selection Process
A dedicated Ertegun selection committee reviews shortlisted humanities applicants, assessing academic distinction, the quality and originality of the proposed research or study plan, and overall fit with the interdisciplinary community at Ertegun House, before making a small number of highly competitive offers each year.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply only once you have a confirmed or near certain course offer, since the scholarship sits on top of successful admission
- Write a research proposal that is both rigorous and genuinely original, since competition is extremely high
- Ask referees who know your humanities work well and can write in specific, concrete detail
- Read about the Ertegun House community before applying so your personal statement reflects genuine interest in its interdisciplinary spirit
- Compare this with the Clarendon Fund Scholarship if your subject and funding needs could fit either scheme
- Consider the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships as a parallel Oxford option if leadership development also appeals to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ertegun Scholarship open to international students?
Yes, it is open to students of any nationality, including both UK and international applicants.
What subjects are eligible?
Humanities subjects at Oxford, including history, literature, philosophy, music, art history, classics and related language disciplines.
Does it cover both master’s and doctoral study?
Yes, it funds both eligible master’s programmes and the DPhil at Oxford.
How competitive is this scholarship?
Extremely competitive, with well over a thousand applicants each year for a small number of awards.
Do scholars live together or just study together?
Scholars are not required to live together, but they share Ertegun House as a hub for seminars, dinners and community events throughout the year.
Can I apply if I am continuing a degree I already started at Oxford?
No, the scholarship is intended for students starting a new graduate programme, not continuing one already in progress.