Reach Oxford Scholarship 2027 in United Kingdom | Fully Funded — University of Oxford
Undergraduate scholarships that cover absolutely everything, from fees to flights to living costs, are rare at Oxford, which is part of why the Reach Oxford Scholarship attracts applicants from so many developing countries each year.
About the Scholarship
Reach Oxford Scholarships are funded by the University of Oxford specifically for academically outstanding students from developing countries who could not otherwise afford to study there. The scholarship covers a full three or four year undergraduate degree, depending on the course, and is aimed at students who would struggle to fund even their basic living costs without this support, not just tuition fees. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, making it one of the most selective undergraduate funding routes into Oxford.
Applicants typically apply through the standard Oxford undergraduate admissions process (UCAS) and separately through their school or an Oxford college to be considered for Reach Oxford funding.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees for the entire length of the undergraduate course
- A living stipend covering accommodation, food, and personal expenses
- Return economy airfare to and from the UK each year of study
- Funding continues for the full standard duration of the degree, including three or four year courses
- Access to college-based academic and pastoral support throughout the degree
- No requirement to repay the scholarship after graduation
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of and resident in an eligible developing country
- Be in your final year of secondary school or equivalent at the time of application
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in national or international examinations
- Show genuine financial need that would prevent you from studying at Oxford without this funding
- Meet Oxford’s standard undergraduate admission requirements for your chosen course
- Apply through UCAS to an Oxford college that participates in the scheme
Fields of Study Covered
Reach Oxford Scholars can apply for most undergraduate courses offered at Oxford, including the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering, subject to normal admissions requirements for each subject.
Required Documents
- Standard UCAS undergraduate application
- Separate Reach Oxford Scholarship application form
- School transcripts and predicted or final examination results
- Evidence of financial hardship
- A personal statement as part of the UCAS process
- References from school teachers or counselors
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm your home country is on the eligible developing countries list for Reach Oxford
- Apply to an Oxford college through UCAS by the standard Oxford undergraduate deadline, typically in October
- Complete the separate Reach Oxford Scholarship application alongside your UCAS application
- Submit evidence of academic achievement and financial need
- Sit any required admissions tests or submit written work requested by your course
- Attend an interview if shortlisted by your Oxford college
Selection Process
Colleges assess UCAS applicants through Oxford’s normal undergraduate admissions process, including interviews for most courses. Reach Oxford Scholarship applications are reviewed separately for financial need and academic distinction, with final funding decisions made once a student has also secured an offer of admission.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply to Oxford as early as possible within the UCAS cycle, since the undergraduate deadline is earlier than many other UK universities
- Prepare thoroughly for subject-specific admissions tests where your chosen course requires one
- Document financial hardship clearly and honestly in the separate scholarship application
- Practice interview technique, since Oxford undergraduate interviews are a core part of admission
- Ask school teachers to write references that speak to both ability and character
- If you are also considering postgraduate funding later, look into the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships as a possible future step after your undergraduate degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Reach Oxford?
Academically outstanding students from eligible developing countries who face genuine financial hardship and are completing secondary school.
Does this scholarship cover postgraduate study?
No, Reach Oxford is specifically for undergraduate degrees at Oxford.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Only a small number are awarded annually, since funding is limited and competition is high.
Is the UCAS deadline different for Oxford?
Yes, Oxford has an earlier UCAS deadline than most other UK universities, typically in mid-October.
Do I need to take an admissions test?
Many Oxford courses require a subject-specific admissions test as part of the standard application process.
Is financial need verified closely?
Yes, applicants are expected to provide clear evidence supporting their stated financial circumstances.
Can scholars bring family members to the UK?
The scholarship is designed to support the student directly and does not typically include funding for dependents.
What happens if I am offered admission but not the scholarship?
You would need to find alternative funding to take up your place, since admission and the scholarship are assessed separately.