Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship 2024 in UK (Fully Funded)

Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship 2024 in UK (Fully Funded). Clarendon Fund Scholarships at University of Oxford.

Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship 2024

University	Oxford University
Degree level	Masters, PhD
Scholarship coverage	Fully Funded
Eligible nationality	All Nationalities
Award country	United Kingdom
Last Date	19 January 2023

Unlocking Excellence: Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford University

Oxford University, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of academic excellence and intellectual pursuit, has consistently attracted some of the brightest minds from around the globe.

At the heart of this tradition lies the Clarendon Scholarship program, which stands as a beacon of opportunity for outstanding graduate scholars.

More than just financial support, Clarendon offers an immersive experience within one of the most vibrant, internationally diverse, and multidisciplinary communities at Oxford.

In this article, we delve into the rich history, unique attributes, and enduring impact of the Clarendon Scholarships.

Quick Facts About Clarendon

Before delving into the program’s history and significance, let’s recap some quick facts about Clarendon:

1. Automatic Consideration: If you apply for a graduate course at Oxford by the relevant December or January deadline, you are automatically considered for a Clarendon Scholarship. No separate application is required.
2. Full Funding: Clarendon Scholarships cover course fees and provide a generous grant for living expenses throughout the fee liability period.
3. No Restrictions: There are no nationality, ordinary residence, or field of study restrictions. All full-time and part-time DPhil (PhD) and Master’s courses are eligible.
4. Academic Excellence: Clarendon scholars are chosen for their outstanding academic merit and potential, making these scholarships highly competitive.

History of the Clarendon Fund

The Clarendon Fund owes its name and origin to a fascinating piece of history that dates back to the 17th century.

Edward Hyde, who later became the Earl of Clarendon and served as the Chancellor for the University of Oxford from 1660 to 1667, authored a highly successful work titled “The History of the Great Rebellion and Civil Wars in England.”

In a testament of his affection for the university, the royalties from this publication were dedicated to the construction of the iconic Clarendon Building on Broad Street in Oxford.

Designed in the neoclassical style by the acclaimed architect Nicolas Hawksmoor, this building served as the home of the Oxford University Press (OUP) until the 1820s. A statue of the Earl of Clarendon, sculpted by Francis Bird, stands as a tribute to his generosity and dedication to education.

In 2014, the Clarendon Fund’s logo was redesigned to incorporate elements of this historic building, including its distinctive pediments and statues of the Muses. Additionally, the Clarendon font, dating back to the 17th century, was integrated into the logo, representing the Fund’s deep-rooted connections with OUP.

The Clarendon Fund, thus, embodies the Earl of Clarendon’s vision of promoting education and learning at Oxford.

Oxford University Press’s Role

Oxford University Press (OUP), as a department of the University of Oxford, plays a pivotal role in supporting the Clarendon Fund. Surplus income generated by OUP is channeled back into the university, providing substantial support amounting to £9.2 million annually to the Clarendon Fund.

OUP’s mission revolves around furthering excellence in research, scholarship, and education through global publishing endeavors. Over the years, OUP’s contributions have surpassed £94 million, enabling more than 2,500 individuals from diverse backgrounds worldwide to pursue their academic aspirations at Oxford.

As one of the largest university presses globally, OUP’s history dates back to 1478. It has been a cornerstone of knowledge dissemination and education enrichment, catering to a global audience through publications ranging from children’s fiction to the renowned Oxford English Dictionary.

The synergy between OUP’s commitment and the Clarendon Scholarship program has empowered students to explore their academic and educational interests, ensuring a lasting impact on the university’s intellectual ecosystem.

Supporting Partners and the Fund’s Purpose

The Clarendon Fund receives substantial support from various quarters, including Oxford’s colleges, academic divisions, departments, university trust funds, and external partners. These collaborations, known as Partnership Awards, help spread the financial burden, resulting in additional fully-funded scholarships totaling over £8.9 million per year.

The fundamental purpose of the Clarendon Fund is clear and unwavering: to assist academically outstanding graduate students in their pursuit of knowledge at the University of Oxford. Initially established to support overseas students, the program expanded in 2012 to include students from the UK and EU, providing financial aid for all fee statuses.

Clarendon scholarships, distinguished by their prestige and competitiveness, cover course fees and offer substantial grants for living expenses. This financial support eases the financial barriers that could deter the world’s brightest minds from studying at Oxford.

The Clarendon Community and Its Diversity

The Clarendon Scholarship program continually strives to increase the number of scholarships offered each year, with more than 200 scholarships available for the 2022/23 entry. Currently, there are over 500 Clarendon scholars actively pursuing their academic journeys at Oxford, making it the university’s largest scholarship scheme.

Crucially, there are no nationality or degree-level quotas in place. Every applicant who submits their application by the relevant January deadline is automatically considered for a Clarendon Scholarship. While most Clarendon scholars work towards a DPhil (Oxford’s name for a PhD), scholarships are also awarded for two-year graduate degrees like the MPhil or BPhil, or one-year degrees such as MSc, MSt, MBA, or MFE.

To ensure the program’s alignment with its core purpose, the Clarendon Fund is overseen by the Clarendon Fund Steering Group, composed of representatives from various university divisions. This group plays a crucial role in ensuring the program’s efficient operation and maintaining consistency across the academic landscape.

Selecting Future Leaders and Fostering Interdisciplinary Interaction

When selecting Clarendon scholars, the University of Oxford focuses on a singular goal: identifying the best students globally, as assessed by experts in each student’s field. Future potential is a central aspect of the selection process, reflecting Oxford’s belief that nurturing the brightest minds today will pave the way for future leaders across diverse fields.

In practice, Clarendon scholars are increasingly taking on leadership roles and applying their knowledge and skills beyond the university’s walls. Their diverse backgrounds and fields of study create a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary interaction within the Clarendon community.

This diversity not only enriches the academic experience but also positions Oxford University as a world-leading, research-intensive academic institution that continues to attract and retain the highest-achieving applicants from across the globe.

Full-time applicants

Graduate application deadline

By applying for graduate study you will automatically be considered for a Clarendon scholarship. You do not need to submit any additional documents and there are no separate scholarship application forms for Clarendon. You must apply by the December or January admissions deadline, whichever is relevant to your course in order to be considered. Deadline information is available on the course pages.

Value

Clarendon scholarships cover course fees in full.  This applies to Home and Overseas fee status students.

Scholars on a full-time course will receive an annual grant for living expenses of at least the minimum Research Council doctoral stipend rate, which is normally sufficient to cover the living costs of a single student living in Oxford. In 2023-24, you should expect to receive at least £17,668.

Duration

Clarendon scholarships are normally offered for the full period of fee liability. This is the period for which you are liable to pay course fees to the University. The fee liability page explains this in full, and also gives information about charges that may be applied after this period, known as continuation charges, which are not covered by the Clarendon Fund.

In some cases the academic division has the discretion to extend your scholarship to cover an additional period of study where the course is known to require additional time. The extension period applies to living expenses only and not to any continuation charges. Scholars will be notified in their offer letter if an extension to funding is provided.

Nationality or Ordinary Residence

There are no restrictions by nationality or country of ordinary residence.

Clarendon scholars come from across the world: from the USA to Australia, Venezuela to Vietnam and from Norway to Nigeria. 

Level of study

All full-time DPhil and Master’s courses are eligible, as long as you have applied by the relevant January deadline for your course. A list of all the graduate courses offered by the University of Oxford can be found on the courses page.

For information for Part-time applicants please see our dedicated page.

Subject area

Clarendon supports scholars from across the University, with no restrictions on subject area.

Other criteria

Candidates applying to start a new DPhil or Master’s course at Oxford are eligible. This includes students who are currently studying for a Master’s degree at Oxford but who will be re-applying for a DPhil or applying for a second Master’s course.

Deferred offers or current students

Applicants who hold a deferred graduate offer are not eligible to be considered for this scholarship.

Current students who will continue to study for the same degree at Oxford in the next year are not eligible for this scholarship.

Selection criteria: Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship 2024

Outstanding academic record

An excellent academic record is essential. The majority of successful scholars usually have at least a first class honours degree or its equivalent.

For example a GPA score of at least 3.7, if the mark if out of 4, noting that a lot of the Clarendon scholars achieve higher than this score. Or an applicant must have an outstanding academic record at Master’s level, noting that an exceptional Master’s degree can compensate for a moderate first degree performance. Requirements may vary between disciplines and from year to year depending on the strength of the field.

Other evidence of high academic achievement may include individual marks on student transcripts; evidence of previous university prizes or awards; information on your overall position within your cohort; and publications (if applicable).

Future potential and aptitude

Particular consideration is given to an applicant’s future academic potential and aptitude of the proposed course of study. This may be assessed by reviewing references and research proposals to determine evidence of an applicant’s aptitude for research, and the likelihood of contributing significantly to the field of study.

Student motivation

This is assessed through evidence of the applicant’s commitment to the proposed course as well as evaluation of the personal statement and the referees’ reports.

In Conclusion: Oxford University Clarendon Scholarship 2024 in UK

The Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford University represent not only a beacon of academic excellence but also a testament to the enduring power of philanthropy and the pursuit of knowledge. These scholarships, steeped in history and purpose, continue to shape the academic landscape at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

For students fortunate enough to become Clarendon scholars, it’s an opportunity to engage with a vibrant, multidisciplinary community, break down financial barriers, and become part of a tradition that fosters academic leaders and thinkers for generations to come.

The legacy of the Clarendon Fund, rooted in the past and flourishing in the present, embodies the ethos of Oxford University—unlocking excellence and inspiring the pursuit of knowledge.

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