Optiver Foundation Scholarships aim to increase the number of women from low- and middle-income countries taking up offers for postgraduate science courses at Oxford. The programme has been made possible by a generous donation from the Optiver Foundation.
Application Deadline
- Apply for graduate study by the November, December, or January deadline of your chosen course.
- Scholarship consideration is automatic once you tick the relevant box on the Oxford application form.
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Optiver Foundation Scholarships at the University of Oxford aim to increase the number of women from low‑ and middle‑income countries pursuing postgraduate science courses. Funded by the Optiver Foundation, the programme supports up to 30 taught Master’s students over five years, with the fifth cohort starting in October 2027.
Scholars join departments such as Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, and the Mathematical Institute, receiving full financial support (course fees + living costs grant), plus tailored induction, mentoring, and on‑course support.
Which Fields are Eligible
Eligible Oxford Master’s courses include:
- MSc Energy Systems
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Mathematical & Theoretical Physics
- MSc Mathematical Modelling & Scientific Computing
- MSc Mathematical Sciences
- MSc Mathematics & Foundations of Computer Science
- MSc Quantum Technologies
- MSc Statistical Science
- MSc Theoretical & Computational Chemistry
Type
- Master’s Scholarship | Fully Funded | STEM | Oxford, UK
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be female students ordinarily resident in an eligible low‑ or middle‑income country.
- Apply for one of the listed Oxford Master’s courses starting October 2027.
- Not already be studying at Oxford or holding a deferred offer.
- Meet Oxford’s academic entry requirements.
- Complete an additional scholarship form assessing socio‑economic background and disadvantage.
How Are Scholars Selected
- Based on academic merit and potential, plus socio‑economic assessment.
- Selection panel of Oxford academic staff reviews eligible candidates.
- Successful applicants contacted with scholarship offers (usually in May).
Which Countries are Eligible
- Over 130 low‑ and middle‑income countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco, Brazil, Argentina, Vietnam, Ukraine, etc.).
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
How Many Scholars
- Up to six scholarships awarded annually (30 over five years).
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Full course fees covered.
- Living costs grant (amount varies by programme).
- Tailored induction, mentoring, and on‑course support.
- Participation in Oxford’s International Student Ambassador Programme.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- Duration of the Master’s programme (usually 1 year).
Required Documents
- Oxford graduate application form (with scholarship box ticked).
- Additional scholarship application form (socio‑economic background).
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of nationality/residency.
- Personal statement.
How to Apply
- Apply for graduate study at Oxford by the relevant course deadline (Nov–Jan).
- Tick the scholarship box on the application form.
- Complete the additional scholarship application form (socio‑economic details).
- Await selection panel review.
- Successful candidates receive offers in May 2027.
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
