The University of Oxford’s Clarendon Fund automatically considers eligible applicants for Clarendon Scholarships when they apply for a new Master’s or DPhil course by that course’s relevant December or January deadline. Applicants of any nationality, including South Africans, may be considered.
Closing date: 1 December 2026
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: University of Oxford
- Opportunity type: International graduate scholarship
- Who it’s for: Applicants of any nationality, including South Africans, applying to start an eligible new Oxford Master’s or DPhil course for 2027-28. Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship requirements for their chosen course.
- Study level: Master’s and DPhil; full-time and part-time courses may qualify, subject to course eligibility.
- Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Academic year: 2027-28
- Closing date: 1 December 2026
- Last verified: 2026-10-09
High-value notes (read this first)
The deadline is course-specific: Oxford says the relevant December or January admissions deadline applies. The 1 December 2026 date is verified for the Doctor of Medicine course and should not be treated as a universal Clarendon deadline.
Oxford recommends submitting at least two weeks before a course deadline when aiming for consideration under that deadline.
Selection is competitive and based on academic merit and potential. Oxford says an excellent academic record is essential; most successful scholars usually have at least a first-class honours degree or equivalent.
Clarendon normally covers fees for the period of fee liability. Continuation charges are not covered.
Deferred graduate offers and current Oxford students continuing the same degree are not eligible.
About the sponsor
The University of Oxford is a research-intensive university in the United Kingdom, offering undergraduate and postgraduate study across a wide range of academic disciplines. Its graduate community includes students from around the world undertaking taught and research degrees across the University’s academic departments, faculties and colleges.
The Clarendon Fund is one of Oxford’s major graduate scholarship programmes and supports academically outstanding graduate students across eligible subject areas. Scholarship selection is based primarily on academic excellence and potential.
Main official University of Oxford website:
University of Oxford – Graduate Admissions:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate
What it covers
Full course fees for the scholarship period. Full-time scholars also receive an annual living-cost grant; the amount for 2027-28 is not specified on the current Clarendon applicant page. Part-time scholars receive a variable study support grant towards non-fee costs.
Eligible fields
- All subject areas; Oxford states there are no subject-area restrictions.
Eligibility
- Apply to start a new eligible Oxford Master’s or DPhil course.
- Submit the course application by its relevant December or January admissions deadline.
- Applicants of any nationality and country of ordinary residence may be considered.
- Applicants holding a deferred graduate offer are not eligible.
- Current Oxford students continuing the same degree are not eligible.
- Selection considers academic record, future potential and aptitude, and motivation.
Documents to prepare
- No additional documents or separate scholarship form are required specifically for Clarendon.
- Supporting documents required for the Oxford course application vary by course; consult that course’s official application guidance.
Closing date
1 December 2026
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not submit a separate Clarendon application form: Oxford says eligible course applicants are considered automatically.
- Do not assume every course has the same deadline. Apply by the December or January deadline listed for your specific course.
- Do not assume a South African nationality makes you ineligible; Oxford states there are no nationality or ordinary-residence restrictions.
- Do not assume an existing offer can be deferred and remain eligible, or that continuing the same Oxford degree qualifies. Deferred offers and students continuing the same degree are excluded.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified on 9 October 2026 against the University of Oxford’s Clarendon applicant page and its 2027-28 Doctor of Medicine course page. Check the chosen course page because deadlines vary.
How to apply
- Choose a new Oxford Master’s or DPhil course and check its 2027-28 entry requirements and application deadline on the official course page.
- Prepare and submit the Oxford graduate course application by that course’s relevant December or January funding deadline. Oxford recommends submitting at least two weeks before the deadline if you need to be considered under it.
- Provide the supporting documents required for your chosen course; requirements vary by course. No separate Clarendon form or additional Clarendon documents are required.
- Oxford assesses course applications and identifies scholarship nominees through its departmental and divisional selection process. Successful candidates are contacted by email.