Oxford University (OU), also known as the University of Oxford, is one of the most diverse collegiate research universities globally. It was established in 1096, making it the oldest institution in the English-speaking region and the second-oldest across the globe. Oxford University Press, colleges, and the university itself ranks among the largest employers in the United Kingdom. In this article, we will be looking at the Oxford University scholarships for international students.
OU is not only famous for its rich history and culture but also for the quality of resources and services offered to its students. There are over 350 graduate programs offered at OU, and you can apply for more than one course at once. Are you an international student looking to study at the institution? Read on to learn more!
Can You Study at Oxford University for Free?
There are a lot of internal and external scholarships offered at Oxford University and the United Kingdom. After your admission to the university, you can process some of the scholarships that apply to you. Kindly consider your nationality, year, course, and department when applying for awards and scholarships.
Does Oxford University offer full scholarships to international students?
Yes! Oxford University offers full scholarships to both local and international students. They have various internal scholarships and awards that international students can apply to. However, it may vary depending on your nationality, department, program, or year. Most of them cover program fees and living costs.
In the article below, we will be talking about some of the undergraduate and graduate scholarships offered to international students. Make sure to check them out!
International Students Overview
Being one of the most diverse institutions, Oxford University continues to attract students from over 160 countries. It currently hosts over 10,000 international students, which makes up at least 45% of the student body.
If you are joining as an undergraduate, you are guaranteed college accommodation in your first year. Although graduate students do not enjoy a similar service, they can consult with the school’s accommodation department regarding the available rooms in and around the university. There is also an information service department focused on providing advice and guidance to all international students.
Tuition Fee at the University of Oxford for International Students
According to Oxford University – and other institutions within the U.K. – any student hailing from outside the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, and the “Islands” is classified as an “Overseas” or international student. As such, the fee amount payable by such students will automatically be higher than the traditional “home” rate.
As an international student, you can expect to pay a total annual fee of anywhere between $31,000 and $45,000. Keep in mind that these values are dependent on the program and the academic level (undergraduate or graduate).
International Admissions Guide at Oxford
Of course, the first step when applying for a learning opportunity at Oxford University is to check whether your selected course is still open for applications. Oxford University maintains an updated list of such programs together with all the relevant guidelines on the official admission portal. It’s worth noting that once you have chosen a course, there is no option of changing it in the next stages of your application.
Application Fee
All applicants are required to pay A non-refundable application fee of $90. Keep in mind that this is the amount charged per course. Therefore, if you apply for two courses, you will need $180 to facilitate the process.
Admissions Requirements at Oxford for International Students
If you are planning to join the Oxford University community as an international student, you will need to meet the requirements set by the United Kingdom government and the university itself. First, one must have an up-to-date passport which will act as their identification document. Any applicant whose first language is not English must complete an English proficiency test provided by the university.
You are also required to provide proof that you will be able to meet your financial needs in the U.K. This can be done by submitting your bank documents or those of your sponsor if you will not be the one funding your studies and accommodation.
Oxford University Rankings
Oxford University is currently ranked as the best research institution in the United Kingdom. Its high-quality learning resources and services also put it on top of the table in the whole of Europe. The institution is ranked fifth globally according to the most recent reports of the best global universities.
Arts and humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and clinical medicine are some of the best-ranked courses. Generally, almost all programs offered at Oxford University appear in the top 100 list of global rankings.
University of Oxford Acceptance Rate
As you would expect, Oxford University is one of the most selective universities in the world due to its overall reputation. The estimated acceptance rate for new admissions currently stands at 17% and 20% for undergraduate and graduate courses, respectively. It’s important to note that these values have significantly dropped in the past decade because of the ever-rising number of applicants.
Oxford University Scholarships for International Students
Undergraduate Scholarships
1. Reach Oxford Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee, accommodation, and one return airfare
Joining the best university in the United Kingdom is very exciting, but it’s also quite expensive. Fortunately, there are many scholarships at the University of Oxford for international students hailing from low-income countries. This scholarship is available only for those who have already been offered a place at the institution. Therefore, you must wait for your admission application to be approved before commencing the scholarship application process.
It is worth noting that not all colleges can offer financial support. However, if your application is successful, plans will be made to facilitate an inter-college transfer. The scheme covers your tuition fee, accommodation, and an annual return airfare throughout the course period.
2. Simon and June Li Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition Fee and Accommodation
This Oxford University scholarship for international students was designed to support those students who might be unable to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. The available slots are limited – only two scholarships for the 2021 entry. As such, you can expect it to be very competitive.
Once you qualify for this award, you will be required to submit an annual report about your academic and extracurricular activities. Note that you must demonstrate high-quality performance for you to qualify for subsequent scholarships.
Graduate Scholarships
1. Clarendon
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee and accommodation
Clarendon offers scholarships to both domestic and international students looking to enroll in graduate programs at Oxford University. 140 students receive this Oxford University scholarship every year, making it quite appealing for any eligible applicant.
There is no separate application procedure for the Clarendon scholarship. You will be automatically considered after applying for your preferred course before the deadline. All those who qualify for the program enjoy a fully-funded course and also receive accommodation fees.
2. Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Generous living stipend and tuition fees
Ertegun is another scholarship program that could help cover your expenses as a graduate student. Unlike Clarendon, you will need to send a separate application to be considered for this scholarship program. All domestic and international students looking to take a graduate course in the field of humanities at Oxford University are eligible for this kind of financial support.
Ertegun scholarship is one of the top Oxford Unversity scholarships for international students and is quite competitive, with just over ten students qualifying for it every year. The application process is straightforward, but students should follow some specific steps. Visit the official website for more information on the same.
The University offers other excellent scholarship opportunities for international students apart from those listed above. Some of them, however, as specific to your field of study. Check out the full list of these awards on the institution’s official scholarship website page.
