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Studying at the prestigious University of Oxford in 2025 is a transformative opportunity for Indian students, but understanding the financial commitment is key. The total cost is a combination of varying course fees and estimated living expenses of approximately GBP 1,425 to GBP 2,035 per month. While tuition can range significantly, numerous scholarships are available to alleviate this burden. Indian students can apply for highly competitive and prestigious scholarships like the Rhodes Scholarship, which covers all fees and living expenses, and the Felix Scholarships, which provide full funding for postgraduate study. It’s crucial for aspiring students to research these options and prepare strong applications to make their Oxford dream a reality.
This blog article will delve into the various scholarship opportunities available for Indian students seeking to study at Oxford, outlining important details like eligibility criteria, different types of scholarships, and crucial application advice.
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Types of Oxford University Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students aspiring to study at Oxford University can benefit from a variety of scholarships, which can be broadly categorized into two main types: those offered by the university itself (and its colleges) and those provided by external organizations. These scholarships are highly competitive and are typically awarded based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential.
University and College Scholarships (Internal Scholarships)
Oxford University and its constituent colleges offer various scholarships, which are often highly competitive and awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. The Reach Oxford Scholarship, for instance, is a fully-funded award for undergraduate students from low-income countries who cannot study in their home country. For graduate students, the Clarendon Scholarship is one of the most prestigious, automatically considering all successful applicants for its fully-funded award. Additionally, the Felix Scholarship is specifically for outstanding graduate students from India and other developing countries, covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
External Scholarships
Beyond the university’s own funding, numerous external organizations provide scholarships for Indian students. The Rhodes Scholarship is arguably the most famous, offering a fully-funded postgraduate opportunity to five outstanding Indian students annually, based on academic excellence, leadership, and public service. The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, supports one-year master’s degrees for aspiring leaders, covering all major costs. Other significant external scholarships include the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, which supports talented young Indians in various fields, and the J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship, a popular option that can be partially converted into a grant for deserving students.
Also Read: Study in UK for Free for International Students: Know How
List of Oxford University Scholarships for Indian Students
Here is a list of prominent scholarships for Indian students applying to Oxford University, including their application timelines. These scholarships are managed directly by Oxford University or its colleges. Generally, to be considered, you must apply for your course by the relevant deadline, and you will be automatically considered for any scholarships you are eligible for.
| Scholarship Name | Program Level | Deadline |
| Clarendon Scholarship | Graduate | The relevant December or January 2026 deadline for your chosen course. |
| Felix Scholarship | Graduate | January 31, 2026 |
| Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship | DPhil (PhD) | The relevant December or January 2026 deadline for your chosen course. |
| Reach Oxford Scholarship | Undergraduate | February 12, 2026 |
| Rhodes Scholarship for India | Postgraduate | July 23, 2026 |
| Chevening Scholarship | Master’s | November 5, 2025 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | March 31, 2026 |
| J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Postgraduate | March 23, 2026 |
Details of Oxford University Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students have several scholarship opportunities to study at Oxford University, ranging from those offered directly by the university to awards from external organizations. These scholarships are highly competitive and generally awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.
University and College Scholarships
These scholarships are managed directly by Oxford University or its individual colleges.
Clarendon Scholarship
The Clarendon Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded graduate scholarship offered by the University of Oxford. It is open to students from all nationalities, including Indian students, who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and potential. This highly competitive scholarship provides comprehensive coverage, including 100% of university and college fees and a generous annual grant to cover living costs. The scholarship is unique because there is no separate application; all students who apply for an eligible graduate program at Oxford and submit their application by the relevant December or January deadline are automatically considered. Selection is based on an assessment of your academic record, aptitude for your chosen course, and your motivation, as evaluated by the academic department.
| Benefits | Fully-funded: Covers all university and college fees, plus a generous grant for living costs |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities and fields of study; awarded based on outstanding academic merit and potential. |
| Application Process | You are automatically considered when you apply for an eligible graduate course by the December or January deadline. There is no separate application form. |
| Deadline | The relevant December or January 2026 course deadline. |
| Official Link | Clarendon Scholarship |
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship for graduate students from India and other developing countries. It is offered at three UK universities, including the University of Oxford. The scholarship provides a comprehensive financial package for the duration of your postgraduate program, covering all university and college fees, a generous living stipend, and a one-way flight from India to the UK. To be eligible, Indian applicants must be a citizen of India and not currently residing or studying outside of India. They must also hold a first-class undergraduate or master’s degree from a recognized Indian university and demonstrate clear financial need. The application process is straightforward: you must apply for an eligible graduate course at Oxford by the relevant deadline, and you will be automatically considered for the scholarship. Shortlisted candidates are then typically invited for an interview in India.
| Benefits | Fully-funded: covers all university and college fees, a living stipend (approx. GBP 18,300), and a one-way flight from India. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens with a first-class degree from an Indian university. Must not have studied outside of India. |
| Application Process | You are automatically considered upon applying for an eligible graduate course at Oxford by the deadline. |
| Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Official Link | Felix Scholarships |
Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship
The Oxford-Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarship is a full scholarship for an exceptional DPhil (PhD) candidate from India whose research directly relates to the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development’s agenda. Established by Somerville College and the University of Oxford with support from the Government of India, the scholarship is highly selective and aims to foster future leaders committed to tackling development challenges in India. This is a fully-funded award that covers all course fees and provides a generous grant for living costs for the entire duration of the DPhil program. To be eligible, applicants must be Indian citizens whose proposed research aligns with the Centre’s core areas, such as climate change, healthcare innovation, or sustainable cities.
The application process is integrated with the standard graduate admissions process at Oxford; there is no separate application form. Candidates are automatically considered when they submit their DPhil application by the relevant December or January deadline, with their research proposal being the key document for assessment.
| Benefits | Fully-funded: Covers full course fees and a grant for living costs for the duration of the DPhil program. |
| Eligibility | Open to Indian citizens whose proposed DPhil research is relevant to the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development’s core areas. |
| Application Process | You are automatically considered when you submit your DPhil application by the relevant deadline. No separate application is needed. |
| Deadline | The relevant December or January 2026 course deadline. |
| Official Link | Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development Scholarships |
Reach Oxford Scholarship
The Reach Oxford Scholarship is a fully-funded undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Oxford specifically for students from low-income countries, including India. It is designed for students who, for financial or political reasons, are unable to pursue a degree in their home country. This scholarship is highly competitive, with only around 2-3 awards given out each year. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering full course fees, a grant for living costs, and one return airfare per year.
To be eligible, Indian applicants must receive an offer for an undergraduate place at Oxford, demonstrate significant financial need, and have an intent to return to their home country after their studies. The application process is a two-step process, requiring a UCAS application for an undergraduate course first, followed by a separate scholarship application if offered a place.
| Benefits | Fully-funded: Covers full course fees, a grant for living costs, and one return airfare per year. |
| Eligibility | Open to undergraduate students from low-income countries, including India. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit, significant financial need, and an intent to return home after their studies. |
| Application Process | You must first secure an offer of admission from an Oxford college and then submit a separate scholarship application. |
| Deadline | UCAS deadline (October 15, 2025) and the scholarship application deadline (February 12, 2026). |
| Official Link | Reach Oxford Scholarship |
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
External Scholarships
These scholarships are provided by organizations independent of Oxford University and have their own specific application processes.
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is arguably one of the most prestigious international postgraduate awards in the world. It is a highly competitive, fully-funded scholarship for exceptional students to study at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is renowned for seeking not only academic excellence but also strong character, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. Each year, five to six exceptional Indian students are selected as Rhodes Scholars, joining a global community of leaders committed to “fighting the world’s fight.” The scholarship is fully-funded, covering all university and college fees, a generous annual stipend, visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and two economy-class flights.
The eligibility criteria are strict, requiring applicants to be Indian citizens aged 18-23, with a strong academic record, and a minimum of four of the last ten years of formal study in India. The application process is separate from the university’s admission and is a rigorous, multi-stage process that includes a detailed online form, a personal statement, and strong letters of recommendation.
| Benefits | Fully-funded: Covers all university and college fees, a generous annual stipend (GBP 19,800), visa fees, IHS, and two economy-class flights. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens aged 18-23 (or under 27 with specific conditions). Must have a strong academic record and a minimum of 4 of the last 10 years of formal study in India. |
| Application Process | Requires a separate online application with a personal statement, CV, and letters of recommendation. The scholarship is confirmed only after successful admission to Oxford. |
| Deadline | July 23, 2026 |
| Official Link | Rhodes Trust |
Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s prestigious international scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organizations. It is highly competitive and is designed to develop future global leaders. The scholarship offers full financial support for a one-year master’s degree in any eligible subject at any UK university, including Oxford. To be eligible, Indian applicants must be a citizen of India and have at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience. You must also apply to three different eligible master’s courses at UK universities and receive an unconditional offer from at least one of them. The application process is entirely online and separate from the university’s admission, requiring essays on leadership and career goals, followed by an in-person interview for shortlisted candidates.
| Benefits | Fully-funded: Covers tuition, monthly stipend, return flights, visa costs, and various allowances. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of post-graduation work experience. Must apply to three eligible UK master’s courses. |
| Application Process | Requires a separate online application with essays and two letters of recommendation. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an in-person interview. |
| Deadline | October 7, 2025 |
| Official Link | Chevening India |
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious award that supports brilliant young Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies at top-ranked universities in the UK, USA, and Europe, including Oxford. It’s a merit-based scholarship that aims to identify and support individuals with exceptional academic achievements, strong character, and motivation to become future leaders. The scholarship provides significant financial support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel up to a maximum of USD 100,000. To be eligible, applicants must be Indian citizens, under the age of 30, and have an undergraduate degree from an Indian university. A crucial requirement is that you must have a confirmed offer of admission to a university abroad before you can apply for the scholarship.
| Benefits | Provides funding up to USD 100,000, covering tuition fees, living expenses, one-way airfare, and a health allowance. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens residing in India, under 30 years of age. Must have an undergraduate degree from an Indian university (65%-70% minimum) and a confirmed offer of admission to a university abroad. |
| Application Process | Requires a separate online application. The process involves a desk review, preliminary interview, and a final in-person interview. You must submit your university admission letter with your application. |
| Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
| Official Link | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation |
J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
The J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship is a prestigious and highly sought-after award for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. Established by Jamsetji Nusserwanjee Tata, it is one of India’s oldest philanthropic initiatives in education. It is not a full scholarship but rather a one-time loan scholarship to help deserving students bridge the financial gap in their studies. The scholarship is merit-based, with selection criteria prioritizing academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and a strong statement of purpose. A key feature is that you can apply even without an admission letter from a university. The loan amount can go up to ₹10 lakhs at a simple interest rate of 2%, and a portion of the amount may be converted into a gift award for highly meritorious scholars.
| Benefits | Provides a one-time loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakhs at a simple interest rate of 2%. A portion may be converted to a grant for highly meritorious scholars. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens under 45 years of age. Must be a graduate from a recognized Indian university with a minimum of 60% marks. Can apply with or without a university admission letter. |
| Application Process | The application process is entirely online and consists of four phases: application submission, an online aptitude test, an interview with a subject expert, and a final selection. Shortlisted candidates must have a guarantor for the loan. |
| Deadline | March 23, 2026 |
| Official Link | J.N. Tata Endowment |
Also Read: Unique Courses to Study in UK for Indian Students
Tips for a Successful Oxford University Scholarship Application
Getting a scholarship to Oxford University requires a well-rounded and compelling application that goes beyond just high grades. Here are some important tips for Indian students to maximize their chances.
- Maintain a Strong Academic Record: Your academic profile is the most important factor. Aim for a First Class Honours Degree or its equivalent.
- Demonstrate a Genuine Passion for Your Subject: Your scholarship application—particularly your personal statement or research proposal—should showcase your intellectual curiosity.
- Align with the Program and Scholarship: Tailor your application to the specific program and scholarship you’re applying for.
- Craft a Standout Personal Statement and CV: Your personal statement is your opportunity to put your academic achievements into context.
- Prepare for Interview: Thoroughly research your course and practice discussing your academic interests.
- Strong Recommendations: Secure powerful letters from referees who know you well.
- Financial Need: If applying for a needs-based scholarship, clearly articulate your financial circumstances.
- Proofread: Meticulously check your entire application for any errors.
Also Read: 19+ Distance Learning Universities UK
Why Study at Oxford University for Indian Students?
Studying at Oxford University offers Indian students a unique blend of world-class academics, a vibrant community, and a globally recognized degree. The university’s strong ties with India, a diverse student body, and extensive scholarship opportunities make it a compelling choice.
Here are the key reasons why Indian students choose to study at Oxford:
- Top-tier Reputation: Oxford is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities, giving its degrees significant global recognition.
- Innovative Teaching: The unique tutorial system offers a personalized learning experience that encourages deep, critical thinking and intellectual debate.
- Cutting-Edge Research: As a leading research university, Oxford provides students with opportunities to work alongside top academics on groundbreaking research.
- Global Alumni Network: Oxford boasts a powerful network of alumni that includes global leaders, influential politicians, and business magnates. For Indian students, this network provides unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and career advancement both in the UK and in India.
- Career Prospects: An Oxford degree is a powerful asset in the job market. Graduates are highly sought after by top companies and organizations worldwide.
- Strong Ties with India: Oxford has a long-standing relationship with India, reflected in its academic programs, research centers like the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, and a significant number of notable Indian alumni, including former Prime Ministers.
- Diverse Community: With students from over 160 countries, Oxford offers a diverse and multicultural environment where Indian students can engage with different cultures and perspectives, preparing them to be global citizens.
- Dedicated Support: The university and its colleges offer various support services, including academic advisors, career guidance, and student welfare services, to ensure a smooth transition and a successful academic journey for international students.
Also Read: How to Apply for Higher Studies in UK?
FAQs
Yes, the Rhodes Scholarship provides a generous annual stipend. For the 2024-25 academic year, the stipend is GBP 19,800 per annum (GBP 1,650 per month) from which scholars pay for all their living expenses, including accommodation.
Yes, you must secure an unconditional offer from a UK university to be eligible for the Chevening Scholarship. While you can apply for the scholarship before you receive an offer, you must have at least one unconditional offer from one of your three chosen courses by the offer submission deadline.
No, you cannot use the Reach Oxford Scholarship to pursue medicine. The scholarship is specifically for undergraduate students from low-income countries, but its terms and conditions explicitly exclude medicine as a field of study.
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