The Reach Oxford Scholarship (formerly known as the Oxford Student Scholarship) is a fully funded scholarship offered by the University of Oxford to exceptional students from low-income and developing countries.

It’s designed especially for those who, for political, financial, or educational reasons, are unable to study for a degree in their home countries. The scholarship covers full tuition, a living stipend, and return airfare.
Below is a summary of what you need to know, followed by detailed requirements, the application process, and frequently asked questions.
Reach Oxford Scholarship 2026 (UK) Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country / Institution | United Kingdom — University of Oxford |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate (first-degree) programmes, excluding medicine |
| Eligible Countries | Countries receiving official development assistance (OECD DAC list) |
| What It Covers | Full tuition & college fees; living costs grant; one return airfare per year |
| Number of Awards | Around 2-3 per year |
| Course Duration | 3 or 4 years, depending on subject/course length |
| Key Deadlines | • UCAS application to Oxford: 15 October 2025 • Scholarship application deadline: 4 February 2026 (12 noon UK time)
|
Subject | All subjects in the course listing except medicine |
Details & Requirements
Here are more detailed points on eligibility, what the scholarship covers, and how to apply.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, you must:
- Be a national of a country that receives official development assistance from the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
- Apply for a first undergraduate degree (you should not have already had an undergraduate degree) at Oxford.
- Be offered admission to an eligible undergraduate course at Oxford (through UCAS).
- Have outstanding academic records.
- Demonstrate financial need, social commitment, or circumstances making it impossible or difficult to study in your home country (e.g. lack of facilities, political/employment barriers).
- Intend to return to my home country after completing the degree.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Tuition and college fees for the full duration of the course.
- Living cost grant (living stipends) during study.
- One return airfare per year to/from your home country.
Application Process
- Apply to an undergraduate course at Oxford through UCAS by 15 October 2025
- Receive and accept an offer of admission from Oxford. You need to hold a (conditional or unconditional) offer to be considered.
- Wait for the Reach Oxford Scholarship application window to open (14 January 2026).
- Submit the scholarship application by 12 noon UK time, 4 February 2026.
- Selection is done (shortlisting, assessment) in March 2026. Results will be communicated by May 2026.
For other information about the article, visit the official website here.
Obligations & Other Notes
- Scholars must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their degree.
They might need to submit annual reports about their academic and social activities.
Not all Oxford colleges offer the scholarship every year; if your college doesn’t, the university will arrange alternatives.
FAQs
Is IELTS required for the Reach Oxford Scholarship?
The official Oxford Reach pages do not list IELTS as a specific requirement for the scholarship. However, because you are applying to Oxford, you will need to meet Oxford’s English language requirements for admission. Always check the specific course information.
Can I apply if I want to study Medicine or medical-related courses?
No — medical courses are excluded.
If I already have an undergraduate degree, can I apply?
No priority is given to first-time undergraduates, and the scheme is for those who have not already studied at an undergraduate level.
When will I know if I got the scholarship?
Applicants who apply by the deadline will be notified by May 2026.
Can someone with a deferred offer apply?
Yes. If you hold a deferred offer for an undergraduate course, you can apply for the scholarship in January of the year you will start your Oxford course.
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