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.
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They might need to submit annual reports about their academic and social activities.
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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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