The University of Oxford is inviting international students globally to apply for the 2026 Optiver Foundation Scholarships. The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship provides a fully financed opportunity, covering all tuition fees and including a substantial living allowance. In this communication, we will outline the scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for interested applicants.
The University of Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships Summary
- Host Country: UK
- Study Abroad: UK
- Category: Postgraduate and master’s scholarship
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Course (December- January)
The University of Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships Details:
- The Optiver Foundation Scholarship at the University of Oxford is designed to give talented women from low- and middle-income countries the chance to pursue fully funded postgraduate study in the UK.
- Thanks to a generous donation from the Optiver Foundation, the program will support up to 30 master’s students over five years.
- The next group of Optiver Scholars will begin their studies in October 2026, marking the fourth cohort of this prestigious scholarship scheme.
- Eligibility Requirements for the University of Oxford Optiver Scholarship
- You must be a resident of an eligible low- or middle-income country and applying for an eligible master’s course starting in October 2026.
- Applicants must indicate their gender as female on the postgraduate application form.
- Current Oxford students are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Eligible Courses include;
- MSc Energy Systems (Engineering Science)
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
- MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
- MSc Mathematical Sciences
- MSc Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science
- MSc in Quantum Technologies
- MSc Statistical Science
- MSc Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
Benefits of the University of Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2025
Scholars will have the chance to study in departments such as Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, or the Mathematical Institute. Along with this, they’ll receive full financial support, covering tuition fees and a living allowance.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
- Visit the official program webpage https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship-search/optiver-foundation-scholarships
- Apply for your chosen graduate course by its deadline in November, December, or January, and make sure to tick the box for scholarship consideration on the application form.
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to complete a short scholarship application form about your socio-economic background and under-representation.
- A panel of academic staff will review eligible candidates based on academic merit and potential.
- If selected, you’ll receive a formal scholarship offer
- Visit the official program webpage (link provided via the green button).
- Apply for your chosen graduate course by its deadline in November, December, or January, and make sure to tick the box for scholarship consideration on the application form.
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to complete a short scholarship application form about your socio-economic background and under-representation.
- A panel of academic staff will review eligible candidates based on academic merit and potential.
- If selected, you’ll receive a formal scholarship offer
If you are awarded and accept the scholarship, your funding is fully secured—provided you meet the conditions of your Oxford course offer. Successful applicants will be notified by email, with most scholarship offers sent out in May.
FAQS
Q: What is the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship for women from low- and middle-income countries to study a STEM MSc at the University of Oxford.
Q: Who can apply?
Female applicants from eligible low-/middle-income countries with an offer for an approved STEM master’s course.
Q: What does it cover?
Full tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and academic support.
Q: How many scholarships are awarded?
Up to 6 each year.
Q: How do I apply?
Apply for an eligible MSc through Oxford’s Graduate Application Portal, tick the Optiver funding option, and complete any additional forms if shortlisted.
Q: What is the selection based on?
Academic excellence, socio-economic need, and potential for leadership in STEM.