The University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarship gives academically outstanding graduate students an opportunity to pursue eligible Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) programmes with substantial financial support. For international applicants, including students from Nigeria and other African countries, the award can help cover the cost of postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
Clarendon has an important feature that applicants should understand before applying: you do not submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, you apply for an eligible Oxford graduate course by its relevant deadline. Oxford then considers eligible applicants for scholarship funding through its graduate admissions and scholarship selection processes.
However, meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee an award. Clarendon is competitive, and Oxford considers applicants’ academic achievement, future potential and motivation. This guide explains the funding available for 2027/28, the eligibility conditions, how to identify the correct deadline and what happens after you apply.
Oxford Clarendon Scholarship 2027/28: Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host institution | University of Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Entry year | 2027/28 |
| Eligible study levels | Master’s and DPhil |
| Study modes | Full-time and part-time |
| Nationality restrictions | None |
| Subject restrictions | None |
| Tuition funding | Full course fees |
| Living support | Annual living-cost grant for full-time scholars |
| Part-time support | Study-support grant, subject to the applicable terms |
| Separate scholarship application | Not required |
| Application deadline | The relevant December or January deadline for the chosen course |
| Main selection considerations | Academic record, future potential and motivation |
Oxford awards more than 200 new Clarendon scholarships annually. Nevertheless, the programme remains highly competitive, and the number of awards does not indicate an individual applicant’s chances of success.
What Does the Clarendon Scholarship Cover?
Clarendon covers the full course fees of successful scholars, whether Oxford classifies them as Home or Overseas fee-status students.
Full-time scholars also receive an annual grant for living expenses. Oxford states that this grant is at least the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) minimum doctoral stipend rate. Clarendon published a living-cost grant of £20,780 for 2025/26, but applicants should not treat that historical figure as the confirmed amount for 2027/28.
Part-time scholars receive a study-support grant rather than the standard full-time living-cost grant. The amount depends on the applicable funding arrangements.
The scholarship normally covers the period during which a student must pay course fees, subject to the award’s terms. Some programmes have specific arrangements for modular fees. For example, funding may cover the minimum modules required to complete a course rather than optional additional modules.
Applicants should distinguish covered course fees from other study expenses. Review the funding conditions for your programme, estimate your living costs and identify any expenses that the award may not cover before making financial commitments.
Who Is Eligible for the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship?
Clarendon does not restrict eligibility by nationality, ordinary residence or subject area. Applicants from Nigeria and other African countries can compete alongside applicants from elsewhere.
Your eligibility also depends on your chosen programme, academic qualifications and application timing.
Eligible courses and study levels
Clarendon supports eligible new Master’s and DPhil courses at Oxford, including full-time and part-time programmes.
Start by identifying the exact degree you want to pursue. Then review the course’s academic entry requirements, structure and application instructions. Although Clarendon covers eligible courses across subject areas, you must still meet the admission requirements of your chosen programme.
Academic qualifications and scholarship selection
Oxford explains that most successful Clarendon scholars usually have at least a first-class honours degree or equivalent. The university also notes that an exceptional Master’s degree may compensate for a more moderate first-degree performance.
These observations describe the academic strength Oxford commonly sees among successful scholars. They do not establish a universal rule that automatically excludes every applicant with a lower classification. Academic requirements and scholarship assessments can vary by discipline and year.
Oxford considers more than whether you meet the minimum entry requirement. Clarendon assesses academic achievement, future potential or aptitude for the proposed course, and motivation.
If you earned your qualifications outside the United Kingdom, compare them with the requirements on your intended course page. If you cannot determine the equivalence, ask the relevant department for clarification rather than relying solely on an informal grade conversion.
Applicants who are not eligible
Clarendon supports eligible students who plan to start a new graduate course. Oxford excludes applicants who hold deferred graduate offers and current students who want Clarendon funding to continue the same degree.
However, a current Oxford Master’s student may still qualify when applying for a new DPhil or a second Master’s course, provided the applicant meets the other conditions.
If you already hold an Oxford offer or study at the university, check the published eligibility rules that apply to your circumstances before relying on Clarendon funding.
What Is the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship Deadline for 2027/28?
Clarendon does not have one universal application deadline. You must submit your graduate application by the December or January deadline that Oxford specifies for your chosen course.
Different programmes may use different deadlines, even within the same department. Copying a date from another scholarship guide without checking your own course could therefore jeopardise your funding consideration.
To identify the correct deadline:
- Find your intended programme in Oxford’s official graduate course directory.
- Open the course page and locate its application deadline.
- Confirm the submission time and time zone.
- Check the required documents and reference arrangements.
- Set an earlier personal deadline so you can resolve problems before submission.
Pay particular attention when a course lists multiple deadlines. Do not assume that a later deadline qualifies you for Clarendon simply because Oxford still accepts applications for admission.
Oxford advises applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline. Where possible, allow at least two weeks of preparation time to address missing references, document problems or technical difficulties.
How to Apply for the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship 2027/28
You apply for admission to Oxford rather than completing a separate Clarendon form. Oxford automatically considers eligible applicants who submit their graduate applications by the relevant deadline. The quality and completeness of your course application therefore matter.
Step 1: Select an appropriate Oxford course
Choose a Master’s or DPhil programme that fits your academic background, interests and future direction.
If you plan to pursue a research degree, investigate the research area and determine whether the department requires a proposal. If you prefer a taught Master’s, examine the curriculum and the academic preparation the course expects.
Your choice should make academic sense independently of the funding opportunity. Clarendon assesses your potential in relation to the programme you propose to study, so choose a course you can justify on academic grounds.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
Use the course instructions to build your application checklist. Depending on the programme, you may need academic transcripts, degree certificates, references, a personal statement, a CV, a research proposal, written work or evidence of English-language proficiency.
Requirements differ across courses, so follow the instructions for your programme rather than assuming that Oxford uses one document list for every applicant.
Contact your referees early and give them the information they need to prepare their references. Allow enough time for them to submit the required materials before the deadline.
Step 3: Submit your graduate application on time
Complete Oxford’s application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions for references and other supporting materials.
Before submitting, confirm that you have selected the correct course, uploaded the intended files and entered accurate information. Keep a record of your submission and monitor your application account for updates.
Once you submit an eligible application by the relevant deadline, Oxford automatically considers you for Clarendon. You do not need to complete another form to enter the scholarship selection process.
Step 4: Understand how Oxford selects Clarendon scholars
After submission, Oxford’s academic staff assess your application for admission and academic suitability. Departments also identify and nominate candidates for Clarendon consideration using the scholarship’s selection criteria.
The relevant academic division then reviews the nominations. These divisional reviews generally take place in February or March, when the university assesses candidates for funding.
This process explains why admission and scholarship funding are separate decisions. Oxford may admit you to your chosen programme without awarding you Clarendon funding.
What Makes an Applicant Competitive for Clarendon?
Oxford identifies three central considerations: academic record, future potential and motivation. Your application should provide credible evidence of these qualities rather than rely on broad claims about your passion or ambition.
Academic record
Oxford considers evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Your transcripts provide an important part of this evidence. Relevant academic awards, research, publications and other achievements may also demonstrate your strengths where appropriate.
Focus on evidence that relates to your intended course. A long list of unrelated activities will not necessarily strengthen your application, so prioritise the academic achievements that best demonstrate your preparation and ability.
Future potential and aptitude
Oxford also considers your potential to succeed in the proposed course and, where relevant, contribute to your field.
For research applicants, a proposal and academic references may demonstrate research aptitude and the potential significance of the work. Applicants to taught programmes should explain how their previous education and experience prepare them for advanced study.
Follow the requirements of your chosen programme. Do not add documents or material that the department has not requested simply to make your application appear more substantial.
Motivation for the proposed course
Explain why your chosen programme fits your academic interests and objectives.
Rather than relying on general praise for Oxford, identify the aspects of the course that matter to your goals and explain how they connect to your previous preparation. This approach demonstrates that you have made an informed choice and understand the academic purpose of the programme.
Your personal statement and references may help Oxford assess your motivation. Make sure your application accurately represents your interests and intentions.
When Will Clarendon Scholarship Results Be Announced?
Oxford generally conducts divisional scholarship reviews in February and March. The university sends most initial Clarendon offers by the end of April, although it may make some nominations later.
Oxford notifies successful candidates by email. The university does not individually notify unsuccessful applicants. If you have not received an offer by mid-June, Oxford advises you to assume that you have not received an award, although occasional late nominations may occur.
Do not interpret the absence of an early scholarship offer as proof that Oxford has rejected your graduate application. Admission and funding decisions follow related but distinct processes, so continue monitoring your application account and email for official updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply for the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship?
Yes. Clarendon has no nationality or ordinary-residence restrictions. Nigerian applicants can compete for the scholarship if they meet the relevant course requirements and submit their applications by the applicable deadline.
Can I apply with a second-class degree?
A first-class honours degree or equivalent is common among successful Clarendon scholars, but Oxford does not describe it as a universal requirement for every applicant and course.
Your eligibility depends on the entry requirements of your chosen programme. Clarendon also considers academic merit and potential, so a second-class degree does not automatically establish either eligibility or ineligibility. Check the course requirements and assess the strength of your overall academic profile.
Do I need IELTS for the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship?
Clarendon does not impose a separate universal IELTS requirement. English-language requirements depend on your chosen Oxford course and the university’s rules for accepting evidence of English proficiency.
Check the language requirements for your intended programme. Do not assume that every applicant needs IELTS or that every applicant qualifies for an exemption.
Is there a separate Oxford Clarendon Scholarship application form?
No. Oxford automatically considers eligible applicants who apply for a qualifying Master’s or DPhil course by the relevant December or January deadline.
Does Clarendon cover living expenses?
Full-time scholars receive an annual living-cost grant. Part-time scholars receive a study-support grant, and the amount varies according to the applicable funding arrangements.
Can I receive Clarendon funding if Oxford has already admitted me?
An admission offer does not mean Oxford has awarded you Clarendon funding. Your eligibility also depends on your application timing and circumstances.
Oxford excludes applicants holding deferred graduate offers and current students who want Clarendon funding to continue the same degree. If you already hold an offer, check the rules that apply to your situation before relying on the scholarship.
Final Application Check
Before submitting your application for 2027/28 entry, confirm three things:
- Course: You have chosen an eligible Master’s or DPhil programme and meet its admission requirements.
- Deadline: You have verified the relevant December or January deadline on the official course page.
- Application: You have prepared the required documents and references and submitted your graduate application on time.
The key to Clarendon consideration is not completing a separate scholarship form. It is submitting an eligible Oxford graduate application by the correct deadline. Oxford then assesses your academic record, future potential and motivation as part of the competition for funding.
Check the current course requirements and Clarendon funding conditions before applying. Do not treat a living-cost grant from an earlier academic year as the confirmed amount for 2027/28.
