Top Scholarships for Indian Students at Oxford University in 2025

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SCHOLARSHIPS – A KEY TO STUDYING ABROAD

Dreaming of studying at Oxford University but concerned about funding? You’re not alone. With tuition, living costs, and travel expenses, studying in the UK can be financially daunting—especially at a prestigious institution like Oxford. But don’t let costs hold you back just because you cannot, on your own (or with just your family’s support), bankroll the education? This is where loans and scholarships come in. In this blog we will discuss top scholarships for Indian students at the Oxford university in the year 2025.

A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to support their education; it recognizes their academic achievements, special talent, financial needs, or a combination of the above. Besides helping ease your financial burden, scholarships can also add immense credibility to your academic/intellectual potential, and this is a feather to your hat that stays with you for a lifetime.

Scholarships for Indian students are awarded not just by the academic institution that a student has been admitted to, but also by governments, global foundations and private individuals. Since scholarships help to attract the best minds to study in their Institution, universities too stand to gain by offering scholarships. Universities offer institutional scholarships. Some of them are awarded automatically upon admission, provided the admitted student meets certain academic criteria. Other institutional scholarships require a separate application to be made, and may include essays, and at times, even interviews. With a strong academic record and a compelling application, you can unlock valuable opportunities of financial support. Remember to conduct a thorough research into scholarship criteria, and you’ll be on your way to an enriching academic journey in the UK.

There is a significant number of scholarships for Indian students available to those aspiring to study in UK. You need to research which ones you will be eligible for, considering the country you are applying to (UK), and the university / programme you wish to apply to. Below is a list of the top scholarships for Indian students available for those aspiring to study at UK’s Oxford University, along with some important details about them.

TOP SCHOLARSHIPS for Indian students at Oxford University

One of the most sought-after and prestigious academic institutions in the world, UK’s Oxford University attracts students from around the world, including India. The university offers a wide range of scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on country of origin, academic merit, and financial need. For Indian students looking to study at Oxford, be it at the undergraduate level or the postgraduate level, the financial cost can be overwhelming. Fortunately, this university offers a wide range of scholarships that are designed specifically to support talented students from India, and cover partial to full tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. Below is a comprehensive guide to the top scholarships for Indian students at Oxford University in 2025.

1. Reach Oxford Scholarship:

   • This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students seeking to study at Oxford University.

   • It has to be applied for separately after securing an admit from the University.

   • The award covers tuition fees for all subjects (except Medicine), college fees, a living grant and one return airfare per year.

   • It is awarded for 3 or 4 years depending on the course. Continuation of the scholarship each year depends upon the required academic performance. Therefore, recipients are expected to submit annual reports detailing their academic and extracurricular activities.

   • Only 2-3 students receive this scholarship each year.

   • Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic ability, financial need and a commitment to return to India after graduation.

2. Oxford-India Centre Scholarship

   • Offered by the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD), based at Somerville College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. Applicants must apply to Somerville College to be eligible.

   • They are awarded to exceptional Indian graduate students (Master’s or PhD) who are committed to addressing sustainable development challenges in India through interdisciplinary research in areas like sustainable cities, climate change and clean energy, healthcare innovation, etc.

   • The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a grant for living expenses based on the programme duration, and visa and travel allowances, depending on the need, especially for research students.

   • No separate application is required; eligible candidates are automatically shortlisted and called for an interview

   • One of the most notable scholarships under OICSD is the Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship. More about this scholarship is mentioned below: –

     1. The scholarship is offered to students applying for a graduate program (PhD) at Somerville College, and who demonstrate commitment to India’s development specifically in the areas of environmental sustainability and social & economic development

     2. The scholarship covers 100% of course fees and includes a grant for living expenses that varies yearly, but aligns with Oxford’s estimates

     3. Only one scholarship is awarded each year; eligible candidates are automatically considered, and no separate application is required

     4. Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview and have to demonstrate the relevance of their research to OICSD’s objectives

   • Other scholarships under the umbrella of OICSD scholarships are Dr. Gita Piramal Scholarship (for financially deserving students who are academic achievers), Cyril Shroff Scholarship (for graduate studies in law and public policy) and Savitribai Phule Scholarship (for students from marginalized communities and for first-generation learners).

3. Rhodes Scholarship

   • Perhaps the most renowned international scholarship in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship is offered to exceptional students from specific countries, including India, in the age group 18-24.

   • Each year five scholarships are awarded to Indian citizens seeking to study at the University of Oxford.

   • Eligible students should have an undergraduate degree with academic distinction, proven leadership skills and a strong commitment to service.

   • The award covers full tuition, an annual stipend of around £18,000 (as of 2024-2025 academic year) for living expenses, and airfare between home-country and Oxford.

   • The scholarship is usually for two years, with the possibility of a third year for certain programs

   • Aspirants must apply for this scholarship separately through the Rhodes Trust website, and submit documents including recommendation letters, transcripts and personal statements. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.

   • Applications typically open in June and close in August each year.

   • Some of the distinguished Rhodes Scholars from India have been Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dr. Girish Karnad and Dr. Vikram Patel.

4. Clarendon Fund Scholarships

   • This scholarship is funded by Oxford University Press, and is awarded to around 140 academically excellent graduate students from all over the world, including India.

   • To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be applying for a master’s degree or PhD course for the first time in your life, and you cannot be already pursuing the course.

   • The scholarship fully funds tuition and living expenses and is applied automatically to all eligible applicants

   • Academic achievements and potential contribution to the field of study are the main selection criteria.

5. Felix Scholarships

   • Felix Scholarships are awarded to Indian students admitted to postgraduate programs in the UK including Oxford University

   • It is awarded based on the financial need of the candidate and covers 100% of tuition, living expenses including books and clothing, and one return airfare from India to the UK

   • What are the documents one has to produce to be considered for this scholarship? There is no separate form. Your application documents (CV, Essays, etc.) double up as application forms for this scholarship. In your Oxford application form, you must check the Felix box under the ‘Funding section’ to be considered for this scholarship.

6. Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

   • This scholarship supports outstanding graduate students from developing economies who demonstrate academic excellence along with a commitment to bring about positive change in their home country

   • It offers full funding of tuition fees, generous funding of living costs, and funds for participating in leadership development and networking activities such as enrolling for certification, attending conferences, alumni events and workshops, joining professional associations on campus, etc

   • Candidates must be first-time applicants to a full-time graduate course at Oxford (Master’s or DPhil) in an eligible field. In the funding section of the application form, they must select this scholarship program to be considered

   • Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews; successful candidates are notified and invited to participate in an induction program before the academic session starts.

7. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships

   • The OCSI offers annual scholarships to Indian students under the age of 30 who are planning to pursue undergraduate, second undergraduate, graduate, or research studies at the University of Oxford or Cambridge

   • They are merit and need-based awards administered by OCSI, a New Delhi-based non-profit alumni organization, and typically range from INR1,00,000 to INR4,00,000 depending on the specific program

   • Multiple awards are offered annually, including the K.K. Luthra Memorial Scholarship and the Anita Banerji Memorial Scholarship

   • The scholarship includes a complimentary lifetime membership of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India that will provide access to alumni network, annual dinners and talks, networking socials, etc. Recipients will also get mentorship and guidance from OCSI members.

   • The scholarship has to be applied for after admission is secured and could involve essays, recommendation letters and an interview.

8. Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities

   • These scholarships are awarded to academically outstanding students pursuing graduate courses in the Humanities at the University of Oxford
   • It is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship initiative that supports exceptional graduate students from around the world, and aims to cultivate future leaders in various humanities disciplines.
   • 15 scholarships are awarded each year; the scholarship offers 100% of course fees and a grant for living costs for the full duration of the recipient’s fee liability
   • Candidates should apply to an eligible graduate program at Oxford and select the scholarship in the funding section of the application. They have to write the ‘Ertegun Supporting Statement’, through which they should clearly articulate their academic interests, future goals, and how their proposed graduate studies align with the values and vision of the Ertegun Scholarship Programme. Primarily, through this statement, students must demonstrate their intellectual depth, leadership potential, and a commitment to the humanities.
   • Ertegun Scholars are provided with individual study spaces, opportunities to engage with a diverse community of scholars across disciplines and cultures, and mentorship from the Director of Ertegun House, who is a distinguished member of the Oxford faculty.

9. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

   • Offered in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, these scholarships are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries like India to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in UK universities including Oxford.

   • It is intended for students who lack the financial means to study in the UK without a scholarship.

   • Considering the above two points, a candidate has to meet eligible criteria with respect to their country of residence and financial status.

   • Recipients of this scholarship must pursue development-focused courses that give them the knowledge & skills necessary to address key developmental challenges in their home countries.

   • It offers full tuition fees, a generous monthly stipend and return airfare to the UK. There is also a thesis grant, and a study travel grant as well as some privileges for those with disabilities, for single parents, etc.

   • The scholarships are offered under six key development themes of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) that reflect UK’s commitment to the SDGs in areas of science and technology, health, promoting prosperity, peace and development. Different colleges in the UK offer different courses aligned with these themes

   • Application for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is done via the CSC online application system. Universities make the initial selection of candidates, who are then reviewed and approved by the CSC.

10. Chevening Scholarships

    • These scholarships are offered by the UK Government for students aspiring to study a Master’s program in the UK in any discipline at top universities including Oxford. They are expected to have two years of work experience.

    • India is one of the largest recipients of Chevening Scholarships. Indian professionals with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential are encouraged to apply. The program aims to support individuals who will contribute to India’s development upon their return.

    • On average, 1,600 scholarships are awarded annually to students from more than 140 countries, including India. As per the latest available figures, 44 students from India received this scholarship for the academic year 2023-2024.

    • Chevening Scholarships cover full tuition fees, living allowance on a monthly basis and additional essential expenses.

    • Recipients must return to their country of citizenship for a minimum of two years after the award has ended. In other words, they cannot travel abroad for further study or job in those 2 years.

    • The application is online through the official Chevening website.

As most scholarships have deadline applications several months before the academic year starts, and are highly competitive, aspiring students must go through the respective scholarship websites to understand their requirements and deadlines. The personal statement must align with the objectives of the scholarship and must showcase how the student intends to make a difference to society through their career goal. Similarly, referees must highlight strengths and potential with specific examples. Above all, there should not be any fabricated point, and the application must be proofread carefully.

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