Clarendon Fund Scholarship Guide | United Kingdom

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Clarendon Fund Guide

The Clarendon Fund Scholarship allows academically outstanding students from any country to complete a fully funded postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Clarendon provides more than 200 new scholarships each year. It supports full time and part time Master’s and DPhil programmes across every academic subject offered by Oxford. There are no restrictions based on nationality, country of residence, or field of study.

One of the most attractive features of the Clarendon Fund is its simple application process. There is no separate scholarship application form. Applicants are automatically considered when they submit a complete application for an eligible Oxford graduate course by the relevant December or January funding deadline.

The scholarship covers Oxford course fees in full and provides financial support for living expenses. The value and structure of the living support depend on whether the recipient is studying full time or part time.

Clarendon selection is based primarily on outstanding academic achievement, future academic potential, aptitude for the proposed programme, and strong motivation. It is not based on nationality or financial need.

This guide explains Clarendon eligibility, funding, degree levels, academic requirements, application documents, deadlines, selection criteria, and practical ways to strengthen an Oxford graduate application.

Oxford Graduate StudyAutomatic ConsiderationFull FundingAll Nationalities

What Is the Clarendon Fund Scholarship?

The Clarendon Fund is a graduate scholarship programme administered by the University of Oxford.

Its purpose is to support academically outstanding graduate students throughout their studies at Oxford.

The Fund was established during the 2001 to 2002 academic year. It originally focused on overseas graduate students but was later expanded to include students from the United Kingdom and other fee categories.

Clarendon now supports students from all nationalities and academic disciplines.

The scholarship is available for new:

  1. Master’s programmes
  2. DPhil programmes
  3. Full time graduate degrees
  4. Part time graduate degrees

Oxford uses the title DPhil for its Doctor of Philosophy qualification. It is academically equivalent to a PhD.

Clarendon Scholars become part of an international and multidisciplinary community at Oxford. The University currently supports more than 700 Clarendon Scholars studying across approximately 70 nationalities.

Latest Application Status

Applications for Oxford graduate entry in the 2027 to 2028 academic year are not yet open.

Oxford states that updated application guidance for the 2027 to 2028 intake will become available during September 2026. Applicants can also register for graduate admission updates before applications open.

To receive Clarendon consideration, applicants must submit their Oxford course application by the relevant December 2026 or January 2027 funding deadline.

The exact deadline will depend on the selected graduate course.

Almost all Oxford graduate courses use a December or January deadline for scholarship consideration. Applications submitted for March or later deadlines are not normally eligible for the majority of Oxford scholarships, including Clarendon.

Applicants should therefore check the official course page after the 2027 to 2028 application guide is published.

How Many Clarendon Scholarships Are Available?

Oxford offers more than 200 new Clarendon scholarships each year.

The programme began with 71 partially funded students. It has since grown into one of the United Kingdom’s largest graduate scholarship schemes.

By the 2025 to 2026 academic year, Clarendon had provided approximately £94 million in support to more than 3,500 scholars. The 2025 to 2026 Clarendon cohort included 233 recipients.

The exact number of scholarships can vary according to:

  1. Available Clarendon funding
  2. University partnership awards
  3. College contributions
  4. Departmental funding
  5. Academic division allocations
  6. The quality of the applicant pool

Oxford’s partner organisations help fund approximately 85 additional scholarships each year as part of the Clarendon funding structure.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants can be considered for Clarendon when they are applying to begin a new eligible Master’s or DPhil course at Oxford.

General eligibility requires the applicant to:

  1. Apply for a degree bearing graduate programme
  2. Submit the complete course application by the relevant December or January deadline
  3. Meet the academic requirements of the selected programme
  4. Provide all required supporting documents
  5. Demonstrate outstanding academic merit and potential
  6. Be applying to start a new Oxford qualification

There is no separate Clarendon nationality, age, work experience, or field of study condition.

Applicants must still meet all admission requirements of their selected Oxford course.

Nationality Requirements

Clarendon is open to applicants from every country.

There are no restrictions based on:

  1. Citizenship
  2. Nationality
  3. Country of residence
  4. Fee status
  5. Geographic region

Both Home and Overseas fee status applicants can receive full course fee coverage.

Applicants from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, China, the United States, the European Union, and every other country may be considered under the same general scholarship process.

Clarendon does not divide its main awards through public country quotas.

Selection is based on academic merit and future potential rather than nationality.

Is There an Age Limit?

Clarendon does not publish a general age limit.

Applicants are evaluated according to their academic record, future potential, motivation, and suitability for the proposed course.

An applicant can apply at any age if they meet the academic and admission requirements of the selected Oxford programme.

Some individual Oxford courses may require professional experience or particular qualifications. These course requirements are separate from Clarendon’s scholarship conditions.

Eligible Degree Programmes

Clarendon is available for all eligible full time and part time Master’s and DPhil courses at Oxford.

There are no restrictions on academic subject.

Eligible qualifications may include:

  1. Master of Science
  2. Master of Philosophy
  3. Master of Studies
  4. Master of Public Policy
  5. Bachelor of Civil Law
  6. Master of Business Administration
  7. Master of Fine Art
  8. Doctor of Philosophy
  9. Other degree bearing graduate qualifications

The exact degree title and course duration depend on the programme.

Applicants should confirm that the course is listed as a degree bearing graduate programme on Oxford’s official graduate admissions website.

Is Clarendon Available for Master’s Degrees?

Yes.

Clarendon supports eligible full time and part time Master’s programmes.

These may include:

  1. One year taught Master’s degrees
  2. Two year Master’s degrees
  3. Research Master’s programmes
  4. Professional Master’s programmes
  5. Part time Master’s courses

Applicants to taught and research Master’s programmes are considered according to the academic standards of their subject area.

Is Clarendon Available for DPhil Programmes?

Yes.

Clarendon supports full time and part time DPhil programmes at Oxford.

DPhil applicants are assessed on academic achievement, research preparation, references, proposed research, and future potential.

A DPhil applicant may also need to identify a suitable research area or supervisor, depending on the department.

Full Time and Part Time Study

Clarendon is unusual because it supports both full time and part time graduate study.

Full Time Applicants

All full time Master’s and DPhil courses are eligible when the application is submitted by the relevant December or January deadline.

Full time scholars receive:

  1. Full course fee coverage
  2. An annual grant for living expenses

Part Time Applicants

All degree bearing part time Master’s and DPhil programmes are also eligible.

Part time scholars receive:

  1. Course fee coverage
  2. A study support grant for nonfee expenses

The financial support for part time students is calculated differently from the full time living allowance.

Courses That Are Not Eligible

Clarendon does not support undergraduate study.

It is intended for students applying for graduate qualifications after their first degree.

For part time applicants, postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma courses are not eligible because they are not treated as eligible degree bearing Master’s or DPhil programmes.

Other ineligible situations include:

  1. Continuing the same Oxford degree already in progress
  2. Holding a deferred graduate admission offer
  3. Applying after the relevant scholarship deadline
  4. Applying for a nondegree programme
  5. Applying for a certificate or diploma rather than an eligible graduate degree

Current Oxford students may be considered when applying for a new qualification, such as moving from a Master’s degree to a DPhil. They cannot receive Clarendon funding simply to continue the same course.

Deferred Admission Offers

Applicants holding a deferred Oxford graduate offer are not eligible for Clarendon consideration through that deferred offer.

An applicant should not assume that scholarship consideration will automatically move to the next academic year when their admission is deferred.

Deferral and funding arrangements should be discussed directly with the relevant Oxford department.

Is the Clarendon Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes. Clarendon is a fully funded graduate scholarship.

For full time students, it provides:

  1. Full Oxford course fee coverage
  2. An annual grant for living expenses

For part time students, it provides:

  1. Course fee coverage
  2. A study support grant

The award normally continues for the scholar’s period of fee liability.

The scholarship package may be funded entirely by the Clarendon Fund or through a combination of Clarendon and a partner college, department, division, or external organisation.

Course Fee Coverage

Clarendon covers the Oxford course fee in full.

This applies to both:

  1. Home fee status students
  2. Overseas fee status students

The scholarship covers the course fee during the approved period of fee liability.

The period of fee liability is the length of time during which the student must pay standard course fees to Oxford.

Additional continuation charges that apply after the fee liability period are not normally covered by the Clarendon Fund.

Full Time Living Grant

Full time Clarendon Scholars receive an annual grant for living expenses.

The grant is set at no less than the United Kingdom Research and Innovation minimum doctoral stipend rate.

For the 2025 to 2026 academic year, full time scholars received at least £20,780.

The grant may help cover:

  1. Accommodation
  2. Food
  3. Local transport
  4. Personal expenses
  5. Mobile and internet services
  6. Study related living costs
  7. Clothing
  8. Daily necessities

The £20,780 figure applies to the 2025 to 2026 academic year. The rate for students beginning in 2027 to 2028 has not yet been confirmed and may be higher.

Part Time Study Support Grant

Part time Clarendon Scholars receive a study support grant rather than the standard full time living allowance.

The grant may equal:

  1. One sixth of the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend
  2. One third of the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend
  3. One half of the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend

The value depends on the nature and duration of the part time course. The scholar’s offer letter confirms the exact amount.

The support grant may be reduced when the course fee already covers certain study costs, such as accommodation during a residential study period.

Scholarship Duration

Clarendon funding is normally provided for the scholar’s period of fee liability.

This is the standard period during which the student must pay course fees.

Typical examples may include:

  1. One year for a one year Master’s course
  2. Two years for a two year Master’s course
  3. Three or four years for a DPhil, depending on the course
  4. The approved fee liability period for a part time programme

Some academic divisions may provide a living grant for an additional study period beyond the standard fee liability.

In that situation, Clarendon may continue the living support but will not pay continuation charges. The precise funding duration is stated in the scholarship offer letter.

Modular Part Time Courses

Some part time courses use a modular fee structure rather than a fixed number of fee liability terms.

For these programmes, Clarendon may cover compulsory academic fees such as:

  1. Registration fee
  2. Dissertation fee
  3. Annual award fee for up to two years
  4. The minimum number of compulsory modules

Clarendon does not normally pay for additional optional modules taken beyond the minimum course requirement.

Expenses Not Clearly Covered

The standard Clarendon package is focused on course fees and living or study support.

The main official funding description does not list the following as standard benefits:

  1. International airfare
  2. Student visa fees
  3. Immigration Health Surcharge
  4. Separate family allowances
  5. Relocation costs
  6. Dependants’ living expenses
  7. Optional academic modules
  8. Continuation charges after the fee liability period

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that these costs will be paid unless their individual scholarship offer or partnership award states otherwise.

International applicants should prepare a realistic financial plan for costs outside the main scholarship package.

Academic Requirements

There is no single minimum GPA that guarantees a Clarendon Scholarship.

However, Oxford states that an excellent academic record is essential.

The majority of successful scholars usually hold at least a first class honours degree or its international equivalent.

As a general example, Oxford refers to a GPA of at least 3.7 out of 4.0. Many successful Clarendon Scholars have results higher than this level.

Selection standards can vary by:

  1. Academic discipline
  2. Degree level
  3. Strength of the applicant pool
  4. Department
  5. Application year
  6. Course structure

An exceptional Master’s performance may sometimes compensate for a less competitive undergraduate result.

Evidence of Academic Excellence

Clarendon assessors may consider several forms of academic evidence.

These can include:

  1. Overall degree result
  2. Grades in relevant subjects
  3. Class ranking
  4. University prizes
  5. Scholarships
  6. Academic awards
  7. Publications
  8. Research experience
  9. Dissertation performance
  10. Independent academic work
  11. Academic recommendations
  12. Performance in a previous Master’s programme

Applicants should make it easy for the department to understand the strength of their academic record.

When a university uses an unfamiliar grading system, the transcript or supporting documents should explain the grading scale and, where possible, class position.

Does Clarendon Consider Leadership?

Clarendon is primarily an academic merit scholarship.

Its published selection criteria focus on:

  1. Outstanding academic record
  2. Future potential and aptitude
  3. Motivation for the proposed course

Leadership and community service are not listed as separate central criteria in the same way they are for scholarships such as Rhodes or Gates Cambridge.

Leadership may still strengthen an application when it demonstrates intellectual initiative, research potential, professional achievement, or motivation.

However, applicants should keep the main focus on academic suitability and future scholarly potential.

English Language Requirements

Clarendon does not publish a separate English language test requirement.

Applicants must meet the English language conditions of their selected Oxford course.

Depending on the programme and applicant’s educational history, accepted evidence may include:

  1. IELTS Academic
  2. TOEFL
  3. Cambridge English qualifications accepted by Oxford
  4. Previous education that satisfies Oxford’s exemption rules

Oxford programmes may use either a Standard or Higher English language requirement.

Applicants should check the exact score and exemption rules on the relevant course page after the 2027 to 2028 course information is published.

Is There a Separate Scholarship Application?

No.

Applicants do not complete a separate Clarendon application form.

They do not need to:

  1. Submit a separate scholarship essay
  2. Write a Clarendon motivation letter
  3. Select Clarendon in a separate portal
  4. Obtain a special Clarendon reference
  5. Contact the Clarendon Fund before applying

Every eligible applicant who submits a complete Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline is considered automatically.

This means the Oxford course application is also the Clarendon scholarship application.

Documents Required

Clarendon does not require additional documents beyond those required for the selected Oxford course.

A standard Oxford graduate application may require:

  1. Online graduate application form
  2. Official academic transcripts
  3. Academic references
  4. Personal statement or statement of purpose
  5. Curriculum vitae where required
  6. Research proposal where required
  7. Written work where required
  8. Portfolio where required
  9. English language evidence
  10. Course specific documents

The exact requirements differ significantly between Oxford courses.

Applicants should use the official course page rather than a general scholarship checklist.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must provide official academic records according to the course requirements.

The transcript should normally show:

  1. Institution name
  2. Degree title
  3. Subjects or modules
  4. Individual grades
  5. Study dates
  6. Overall result where available
  7. Grading scale where provided

Documents not written in English may require a certified English translation.

Applicants should make sure that every page is readable and that the uploaded document is complete.

Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose

The required statement varies by course.

Oxford explains that a personal statement commonly focuses on personal motivations, experiences, and values that led the applicant to choose the course.

A statement of purpose usually focuses more on research interests, academic background, career objectives, and reasons for applying to the programme.

A strong statement should explain:

  1. Why the applicant selected the field
  2. How previous education prepared them
  3. Relevant research or professional experience
  4. Why the Oxford course is academically suitable
  5. Specific areas of interest
  6. Future academic or professional goals
  7. Evidence that the applicant meets the course requirements

Applicants should follow the exact word limit and instructions on the course page.

How to Strengthen the Oxford Statement

The statement should be written for the selected programme rather than for Clarendon generally.

Avoid focusing only on:

  1. Oxford’s reputation
  2. The financial value of the scholarship
  3. A desire to study abroad
  4. General praise for the United Kingdom
  5. Personal financial need

Instead, explain the academic connection between your background and the Oxford course.

Mention specific programme features only when they genuinely support your goals.

These may include:

  1. Modules
  2. Research groups
  3. Academic methods
  4. Faculty expertise
  5. Laboratories
  6. Archives
  7. Professional training
  8. Dissertation opportunities
  9. Research centres
  10. Interdisciplinary study

Research Proposal for DPhil Applicants

Many DPhil programmes require a research proposal.

A strong proposal may include:

  1. Research title
  2. Background
  3. Research problem
  4. Main research question
  5. Research objectives
  6. Relevant literature
  7. Proposed methodology
  8. Sources or data
  9. Expected academic contribution
  10. Research feasibility
  11. Connection with Oxford expertise
  12. Potential supervisor or department

Clarendon assessors may use the research proposal and references to evaluate the applicant’s future academic potential and research aptitude.

The proposed project should be focused enough to complete within the normal programme duration.

Recommendation Letters

Oxford graduate courses commonly require academic references, although the number and type depend on the programme.

Referees should be able to discuss:

  1. Academic ability
  2. Subject knowledge
  3. Research potential
  4. Quality of written work
  5. Intellectual independence
  6. Motivation
  7. Suitability for advanced study
  8. Comparative academic performance
  9. Potential contribution to the field

A detailed reference from someone who knows the applicant’s academic work is usually more useful than a general letter from a senior person who has limited direct knowledge.

Applicants should give referees enough time and provide them with:

  1. The course description
  2. Application deadline
  3. Curriculum vitae
  4. Academic interests
  5. Research proposal where relevant
  6. Statement of purpose
  7. Examples of work completed with the referee

Clarendon Selection Criteria

Clarendon applications are assessed against three main areas.

Outstanding Academic Record

Academic excellence is essential.

The majority of successful scholars normally have a first class degree or equivalent. Evidence may also include prizes, high individual grades, class ranking, publications, and strong postgraduate results.

Future Potential and Aptitude

Departments consider whether the applicant has the ability to make a significant contribution to the proposed academic field.

Evidence may come from:

  1. References
  2. Research proposals
  3. Previous research
  4. Publications
  5. Academic projects
  6. Dissertation work
  7. Professional research experience
  8. Intellectual independence

Clarendon is therefore not awarded only for past grades. The application should also demonstrate future potential.

Student Motivation

Oxford evaluates the applicant’s commitment to the proposed course.

Motivation may be assessed through:

  1. Personal statement
  2. Statement of purpose
  3. Research proposal
  4. References
  5. Previous academic choices
  6. Relevant experience

Applicants should explain why the course is a logical next step rather than simply stating that they want to attend Oxford.

How Applicants Are Selected

The Clarendon selection process begins within the academic department.

Course Application Review

Academics working in the applicant’s proposed field evaluate the Oxford course application.

They assess academic quality, programme suitability, references, statements, and any research or written work.

Departmental Nomination

The department identifies its strongest eligible candidates and nominates them for Clarendon consideration.

Applicants do not nominate themselves separately.

Divisional Review

Oxford’s academic divisions meet during February or March to review departmental nominations.

The divisions compare candidates based on academic merit and future potential. The highest ranked nominees are shortlisted for Clarendon.

Scholarship Offer

Successful applicants receive an initial Clarendon scholarship offer.

The offer confirms that funding is secured as long as the applicant meets the conditions of the Oxford admission offer.

Funding Package

Oxford then creates an individual funding package for each scholar.

This may involve matching the recipient with a college, department, division, or partnership award.

The scholar later receives a detailed funding letter explaining the final financial arrangements.

Is There a Clarendon Interview?

Clarendon does not publish a separate scholarship interview as a standard part of its central selection process.

Selection is normally based on the Oxford course application and departmental nomination.

However, an individual Oxford course may conduct an academic interview as part of its admission process.

Applicants should check the selection procedure for their specific course.

Scholarship Decision Timeline

Applicants normally submit their Oxford course application by the relevant December or January deadline.

Departments then review applications and prepare scholarship nominations.

Oxford’s academic divisions meet in February or March to assess the nominees.

Most initial Clarendon offers are sent by the end of April.

Successful applicants are contacted by email.

Due to the large number of eligible applicants, unsuccessful candidates are not individually notified by the Clarendon Fund.

Applicants who have not received a Clarendon offer by the middle of June should normally assume that they were unsuccessful. A small number of late offers may become available when previously selected candidates decline their scholarships.

Clarendon Partnership Awards

Some Clarendon scholarships are funded jointly with Oxford colleges, academic departments, divisions, and external partners.

These arrangements are called Partnership Awards.

Partnerships enable Oxford to fund approximately 85 additional scholarships each year.

Applicants do not normally need to submit a separate application for these awards.

After a Clarendon candidate is selected, Oxford matches the scholar with an appropriate funding partnership.

A partnership may affect:

  1. Funding source
  2. College placement
  3. Award name
  4. Administrative arrangements

It does not reduce the overall full funding package promised to the scholar.

College Placement

Oxford graduate students belong to both an academic department and a college.

Clarendon selection is primarily based on academic merit rather than the applicant’s preferred college.

Some Partnership Awards are linked with particular Oxford colleges.

A selected scholar may therefore be placed at a college connected with the funding partnership rather than their original preference.

Applicants should keep an open mind about college placement because the academic programme and scholarship remain the most important considerations.

Information for Pakistani Applicants

Pakistani applicants are eligible for the Clarendon Fund Scholarship.

There is:

  1. No separate Pakistan quota
  2. No HEC nomination requirement
  3. No separate embassy application
  4. No special Pakistani application form
  5. No nationality restriction

Applicants from Pakistan follow the standard Oxford graduate admission process and are considered automatically when they apply by the relevant course funding deadline.

Pakistani applicants should pay particular attention to:

  1. Oxford’s international qualification requirements
  2. The academic standard of the selected course
  3. English language requirements
  4. Certified translations where needed
  5. Strong academic references
  6. Grading scale explanations
  7. Course specific written work
  8. Research preparation for DPhil study

A four year Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or another qualification may be required depending on the programme. Applicants must check the country specific and course specific admission information once the 2027 to 2028 application guide is released.

How to Apply for the Clarendon Scholarship

Step 1: Choose an Oxford Graduate Course

Search Oxford’s graduate course directory and select a suitable Master’s or DPhil programme.

Check:

  1. Academic requirements
  2. Course structure
  3. Duration
  4. Application deadline
  5. English language requirements
  6. Required documents
  7. Research or professional experience conditions
  8. Whether a supervisor should be contacted

Step 2: Confirm the Funding Deadline

Identify the December or January deadline shown on the course page.

Do not use a later March deadline if you want Clarendon consideration.

Step 3: Review the Selection Criteria

Before preparing the application, assess whether you can demonstrate:

  1. Outstanding academic achievement
  2. Future academic potential
  3. Aptitude for the proposed programme
  4. Strong academic motivation

Step 4: Prepare the Supporting Documents

Collect transcripts, references, statements, research materials, and other documents required by the course.

Step 5: Contact Referees

Ask suitable academic referees early.

Provide the course information and submission deadline.

Step 6: Write the Course Statement

Prepare the personal statement or statement of purpose according to the exact course instructions.

Step 7: Prepare the Research Proposal

Complete a focused proposal when required for the programme.

Step 8: Submit the Oxford Application

Submit the complete graduate course application through Oxford’s application system.

No separate Clarendon form is needed.

Step 9: Monitor the Application

Check the application portal and email for requests from the department.

Step 10: Wait for the Scholarship Decision

Applicants nominated and selected for Clarendon are contacted directly.

Most offers are issued by the end of April.

Common Application Mistakes

Looking for a Separate Clarendon Form

There is no separate scholarship application.

Missing the Funding Deadline

Applying by a later course deadline may make the application ineligible for Clarendon.

Focusing Only on Financial Need

Clarendon is based on academic merit and potential.

Writing a General Statement

The statement should be specific to the selected Oxford course.

Choosing a Course Without Meeting Its Requirements

Scholarship eligibility does not replace academic admission eligibility.

Submitting Weak Academic References

References should provide specific evidence of academic ability and future potential.

Using the Same Statement for Different Oxford Courses

Each programme may have different questions, word limits, and assessment priorities.

Providing an Unfocused Research Proposal

A broad proposal can make it difficult for assessors to evaluate feasibility and research readiness.

Ignoring the Grading Scale

International applicants should help Oxford understand how their grades compare within their institution.

Submitting After January

Later applications are normally not considered for Clarendon.

Assuming an Interview Will Fix a Weak Application

Clarendon does not normally conduct a separate central scholarship interview.

The written academic application must make a complete and convincing case.

Depending on Leadership Alone

Clarendon is primarily an academic excellence scholarship.

Leadership cannot replace a weak academic record or unsuitable course application.

Assuming Clarendon Covers Airfare and Visa Costs

These are not listed as standard Clarendon benefits.

Waiting Until the Final Day

References, uploads, payments, and technical issues can delay submission.

Tips for a Strong Clarendon Application

Select the Right Course

Choose a programme that clearly connects with your previous education and future academic direction.

Demonstrate Academic Strength

Provide clear evidence of excellent results, research, awards, and relevant achievements.

Explain Future Potential

Show what you hope to contribute to your academic field.

Write a Focused Statement

Connect your background, Oxford course, research interests, and future plans.

Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

DPhil applicants should present a clear question, suitable methodology, and feasible project.

Choose Academic Referees Carefully

Select people who know your work and can compare you with other strong students.

Explain Your Academic Context

Include class ranking, grading information, or other context when it helps assessors understand your results.

Research Oxford Thoroughly

Understand the course structure, department, faculty expertise, and assessment methods.

Follow the Course Instructions

The Oxford course application is the Clarendon application.

Every required document therefore matters.

Submit Before the Deadline

Aim to submit several days before the relevant December or January deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Clarendon eligibility, Oxford courses, automatic scholarship consideration, full-time and part-time funding, application deadlines, and selection.

What is the Clarendon Fund Scholarship?

It is a fully funded graduate scholarship for academically outstanding students applying to the University of Oxford.

Is the Clarendon Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers course fees and provides living or study support for the approved funding period.

How many Clarendon scholarships are awarded?

Oxford offers more than 200 new Clarendon scholarships each year.

Can international students apply?

Yes. There are no nationality or residence restrictions.

Can Pakistani students apply?

Yes. Pakistani applicants are eligible and follow the standard Oxford graduate application process.

Is HEC nomination required?

No. Clarendon does not require HEC nomination.

Is there a country quota?

The main Clarendon selection process does not publish country quotas.

Does Clarendon fund Bachelor’s degrees?

No. Clarendon is for graduate degree programmes.

Does Clarendon fund Master’s degrees?

Yes. Eligible full time and part time Master’s courses are supported.

Does Clarendon fund DPhil programmes?

Yes. Full time and part time DPhil programmes are eligible.

What is a DPhil?

DPhil is Oxford’s name for a Doctor of Philosophy degree. It is equivalent to a PhD.

Does Clarendon support part time study?

Yes. Eligible part time Master’s and DPhil programmes can receive course fee coverage and a study support grant.

Are postgraduate certificates eligible?

No. Part time postgraduate certificate and diploma programmes are not eligible.

Is there a separate scholarship application?

No. Eligible Oxford graduate applicants are considered automatically.

Do I need a separate Clarendon essay?

No. Clarendon uses the documents submitted for the Oxford course application.

Do I have to select Clarendon in the application form?

There is no separate central Clarendon scholarship form. Applying to an eligible course by the funding deadline triggers automatic consideration.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is the December or January funding deadline shown on the selected Oxford course page.

Are applications for 2027 open?

Not yet. Oxford expects to release updated graduate application guidance in September 2026.

What GPA is required?

There is no guaranteed minimum. Oxford states that most successful scholars have at least a first class degree or equivalent. A GPA of approximately 3.7 out of 4.0 is provided as a general example.

Can someone with a lower Bachelor’s GPA apply?

Yes, if they meet the course requirements. An exceptional Master’s result may strengthen an application and may compensate for a more moderate undergraduate record.

Is work experience required?

Clarendon does not have a general work experience requirement.

An individual Oxford course may require professional experience.

Is leadership required?

Leadership is not one of the main published Clarendon selection criteria.

The central focus is academic achievement, future potential, aptitude, and motivation.

Is financial need considered?

Clarendon selection is based on academic merit and potential rather than financial need.

Is IELTS required?

Applicants must meet the English language conditions of their selected Oxford course. Some applicants may qualify for an exemption.

How much is the living allowance?

Full time Clarendon Scholars received at least £20,780 for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. The 2027 to 2028 amount has not yet been confirmed.

Does Clarendon cover full tuition?

Yes. It covers Oxford course fees in full for both Home and Overseas fee status students.

Does Clarendon cover airfare?

Airfare is not listed as a standard Clarendon benefit.

Does Clarendon cover visa costs?

Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are not listed as standard benefits on the central Clarendon funding pages.

Does Clarendon provide family support?

A separate dependant or family allowance is not listed as a standard central Clarendon benefit.

Does Clarendon cover accommodation?

Full time scholars receive a living grant that can be used towards accommodation. Separate free accommodation is not promised as a standard benefit.

How long does the scholarship last?

It normally covers the course’s period of fee liability.

Are continuation charges covered?

No. Continuation charges after the fee liability period are not normally paid by Clarendon.

Can current Oxford students apply?

Yes, when applying to begin a new Master’s or DPhil qualification.

Students continuing the same degree are not eligible.

Can deferred applicants receive Clarendon?

Applicants holding a deferred graduate offer are not eligible for automatic consideration through that deferred offer.

Is there a scholarship interview?

Clarendon does not normally conduct a separate central scholarship interview. The selected Oxford course may have its own admission interview.

When are Clarendon results announced?

Most initial offers are sent by the end of April. Applicants who have not heard by mid June should normally assume they were unsuccessful.

Are unsuccessful applicants notified?

Clarendon does not normally contact unsuccessful applicants individually because of the number of eligible candidates.

Can I apply for other Oxford scholarships at the same time?

Yes. Applicants may be considered for other Oxford funding opportunities when they meet their requirements.

Some scholarships require a separate application or additional selection in the Oxford application form.

Can I hold another scholarship with Clarendon?

Funding arrangements depend on the conditions of the other award and the final Clarendon package.

Applicants should report all confirmed funding to Oxford.

Final Thoughts

The Clarendon Fund Scholarship is one of the most accessible Oxford scholarships in terms of nationality and application procedure.

There is no separate scholarship form, nationality restriction, country nomination, or field limitation.

Every eligible applicant who submits a complete application for a new Master’s or DPhil programme by the relevant December or January deadline is automatically considered.

However, automatic consideration does not mean that the scholarship is easy to receive.

Clarendon is highly competitive and focuses heavily on:

  1. Outstanding academic achievement
  2. Future academic potential
  3. Research aptitude
  4. Strong motivation
  5. Suitability for the selected Oxford course
  6. Excellent academic references
  7. A focused statement or research proposal

Applicants preparing for 2027 to 2028 entry should begin researching Oxford courses, collecting transcripts, contacting referees, and developing their academic statements before applications open in September 2026.

The strongest Clarendon application is a carefully prepared Oxford admission application that clearly demonstrates academic excellence and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the applicant’s field.

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