Reach Oxford Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded Study at Oxford

Scholarship Description

The Reach Oxford Scholarship (formerly the Oxford Student Scholarship) is a prestigious, fully funded undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Oxford. It is designed for students from low-income countries who, for political or financial reasons, or because suitable educational facilities do not exist, cannot study for a degree in their own countries.

A number of Reach Oxford scholarships are offered each year to students of the highest academic ability who have received an offer to study at Oxford. The scholarship covers course fees, a grant for living costs, and one return air fare per year, for the full duration of the degree. Scholars are expected to return to their home country following their studies.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Not all Oxford colleges are able to offer Reach Oxford Scholarships every year. If you are accepted by a college that is not participating in the scheme, this will not prevent you from applying for and being awarded a scholarship. If your application is successful, arrangements will be made to transfer you between colleges.

Scholarship Deadline

The application process involves two separate deadlines. The scholarship application deadline is 26 January 2027. However, you must first apply for admission to Oxford via UCAS by 15 October 2026.

Note: Details on how to apply for 2027 entry will be made available on the official Oxford page in January 2027.

Host Institution

University of Oxford – One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, Oxford offers a unique tutorial-based education. The Reach Oxford Scholarship is funded collaboratively by the University, the College (through donations from alumni and friends), and the Junior Common Room (JCR).

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree).

Eligible Courses: All subjects in the Oxford undergraduate course listing are eligible, except Medicine.

Duration: 3 or 4 years, depending on the course length.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to nationals of countries that receive official development assistance from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This includes a wide range of low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. A full list of eligible countries is available on the official Oxford page.

The scheme is only suitable for candidates who have received an offer from Oxford and who are of the highest academic ability. Financial need, social commitment, and lack of ability to study for a degree in their own country are also major criteria for selection. Priority will be given to students who have not studied at undergraduate level before.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: For the full length of your course (3 or 4 years).

Number of Awards: Around 2–3 awards per year.

Scholarship benefits include:

• Full course fees – Complete coverage of University and College fees.
• Grant for living costs – A generous grant to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
• One return air fare per year – Annual return flight between the UK and your home country.

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria for 2027:

• Nationality: Must be a national of an OECD DAC-listed country.
• Admission: Must have applied to Oxford via UCAS by 15 October 2026 and received an offer of a place.
• Academic Ability: Must demonstrate the highest academic ability.
• Financial Need: Must demonstrate genuine financial need.
• Social Commitment: Must show a commitment to social causes.
• Return Intent: Must intend to return to your home country after your studies.
• Year of Study: For new undergraduate students only. Priority is given to those who have not studied at undergraduate level before.

Application Procedure

1. Apply to Oxford via UCAS – You must first apply for admission to the University of Oxford for an undergraduate course through UCAS by 15 October 2026. You must be successful in gaining a place to be considered for the scholarship.
2. Receive an offer – The University is unable to consider any scholarship applications from students who have not been offered a place at Oxford.
3. Complete the Reach Oxford Scholarship application – Once you have an offer, you must complete the separate online scholarship application. Details on how to apply for 2027 entry will be made available on the official Oxford page in January 2027.
4. Prepare supporting documents – The application will require details regarding personal information, course details, financial information, supporting statements, and references. You will be required to submit additional statements in support of your application.
5. Submit before the deadline – Submit your scholarship application by 26 January 2027. Late applications will not be accepted.
6. Await notification – The selection process will be undertaken in April 2027, and applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of May 2027.

Important notes: Competition for this scheme is very high, and the University does not have additional funding for candidates who are not offered a scholarship. If you hold an offer for deferred entry, you should apply for the scholarship in January of the year you will start your Oxford course. Scholars are expected to write an annual report about their academic and social activities at the University, and receipt of the award in subsequent years is subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Official Website & Application Link

Reach Oxford Scholarship – Official Oxford Page

Oxford Undergraduate Admissions: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate