Scholarships to change the world
Explore funding at Oxford for study and research looking at how to make a better, fairer, healthier world.
1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
For masters’ students from lower-income Commonwealth countries studying development-related subjects
This November, ten new Commonwealth Shared Scholarships join our range of funding for postgrad study and research aimed at making a better, fairer world for everyone.
This new funding will support up to ten masters’ students from lower-income Commonwealth countries starting at Oxford in 2020. The scholarships cover 100% of course fees, a stipend for living costs and other costs like a return flight, study-related travel and thesis costs.
If you’re from one of these countries (including Ghana, India, Kenya and Bangladesh) and looking to make a positive impact through your study, make sure you take a look at this incredible opportunity.
Who can apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are designed to enable talented scholars from these countries to study at Oxford and get the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development in different subject areas, for example:
- strengthening global peace, security and governance (eg Master of Public Policy and MSt Diplomatic Studies)
- science and technology for development (eg MSc Energy Systems and MSc Water Science, Policy and Management)
- strengthening health systems and capacity (eg MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine and MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology).
You can find full information on the University website, including a list of eligible Commonwealth countries and eligible masters’ courses covered by the awards:
How do I apply for Commonwealth Shared Scholarships?
Apply directly via the CSC website as soon as you can, and by 4pm (UK time) on 18 December 2019 at the very latest. You can find a link to the application and details of what to do next on the CSC website:
You’ll also need to apply to your course here at Oxford (for info on how to apply here, see our Application Guide).
2. Future of Humanity Institute DPhil scholarships
For DPhil (PhD) students whose research looks at issues vital to improving humanity’s long-term prospects
The University’s Future of Humanity Institute (FHI) will be awarding up to two DPhil scholarships students starting at Oxford in 2020–21 whose research aims to answer crucial questions for improving the long-term prospects of humanity.
Scholarships cover 100% of course fees and a generous grant for living expenses, along with desk space at FHI and access to a network of world-leading researchers and scholars.
Who can apply for FHI DPhil scholarships?
You must be starting a DPhil course in 2020–21 in a relevant discipline. FHI is interdisciplinary and eligible departments include computer science, economics, law, philosophy and zoology (detailed eligibility criteria and a full list of departments are available on the FHI website).
How do I apply for FHI DPhil scholarships
For now, you need to apply to the relevant DPhil (PhD) course at Oxford — the scholarship application process will open in early 2020.
Check the FHI website for details of what to expect and documents you should prepare:
3. Weidenfeld-Hoffman Scholarships and Leadership Programme
For masters’ students who are early career leaders from developing countries and emerging economies
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme cultivates leaders of tomorrow by providing outstanding individuals from developing and emerging economies with the opportunity to study at Oxford, combined with a comprehensive programme of leadership development, long-term mentoring and networking.
The leadership programme of activities, like the Moral Philosophy Seminar and WHT Enterprise Challenge, is designed to prepare scholars to take on leading positions in their chosen careers in future.
Scholarships cover 100% of course fees and a grant for living costs.
Who can apply for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme?
The Scholarships and Leadership Programme is designed to support early career leaders from developing countries and emerging economies who wish to return to their home country or region and make a difference in their chosen field.
The scholarships fund specific courses chosen to support scholars intending to contribute to the development of their home country or strengthen civil society.
For full eligibility details, including a list of qualifying courses and eligible countries, check our webpage on the scheme.
How do I apply for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme?
You’ll need to apply to your Oxford course by its January deadline, sending a Weidenfeld-Hoffman Scholarships Statement as a supporting document. Check the University webpages on the programme for full details of how to apply:
Think bigger
These are just a few of the schemes supporting Oxford students, many of whom go on to make a big impact in their field or the world at large.
For example, Oxford also offers Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT) courses: research DPhil programmes with a year of training and teaching at the start, in with funded places for UK/EU students. CDT programmes cover specific areas of research interest, including many addressing global challenges like environmental research and AI.
Make sure you look at all the funding opportunities on the University website as soon as you decide to apply, to get the best picture of options for your study. You can explore all 350+ graduate courses on the University website:
