The Reach Oxford Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Oxford for students from low-income and developing countries. It aims to support talented individuals who face financial, political, or educational barriers that prevent them from studying in their home countries. Below is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the Reach Oxford Scholarship 2026: key facts, how to apply, eligibility, benefits, tips, and FAQs.
Basic Information about the Scholarship (including application deadline)
- Scholarship Name: Reach Oxford Scholarship
- Host Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Level of Study: Undergraduate (new students)
- Fields / Subjects: All undergraduate subjects offered at Oxford except medicine
- Number of Awards: Approximately 2-3 scholarships per year
- Duration: 3 or 4 years, depending on the length of the course taken.
- Application Deadlines (for 2026 entry):
- The last date to apply for an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford is 15 October 2025.
- The last date for the University of Oxford Reach Undergraduate Scholarship is 4 February 2026. Applications for these undergraduate scholarships will open on 14 January 2026.
- Selection process in March 2026, with notifications by May 2026.
University / Institution Details
- University: University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading universities. Oxford is renowned for its high academic standards, world-class faculty, extensive library and research resources, and global reputation.
- Colleges & Participation: Not all colleges at Oxford are able to offer the Reach Oxford Scholarship every year. If a student is admitted to a college that is not participating in the scheme, arrangements will be made to transfer them to a participating college if awarded the scholarship.
- Setting: Full Oxford undergraduate environment, access to all relevant teaching, supervision, resources, student life, support services, etc.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The scholarship allows study in all undergraduate courses (subjects) offered at Oxford, except medicine.
- Archaeology and Anthropology
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
- Classics
- Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Classics and English
- Classics and Modern Languages
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Earth Sciences (Geology)
- Economics and Management
- Engineering Science
- English Language and Literature
- English and Modern Languages
- European and Middle Eastern Languages
- Fine Art
- Foundation Year (Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science)
- Foundation Year (Humanities)
- Foundation Year (Law)
- Foundation Year (PPE)
- Geography
- History
- History (Ancient and Modern)
- History and Economics
- History and English
- History and Modern Languages
- History and Politics
and
- History of Art
- Human Sciences
- Law (Jurisprudence)
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Philosophy
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Medicine
- Medicine (graduate entry)
- Modern Languages
- Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Music
- Philosophy and Modern Languages
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- Philosophy and Theology
- Physics
- Physics and Philosophy
- Psychology (Experimental)
- Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
- Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Theology and Religion
Reach Oxford Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition & College Fees | Full payment of course fees and college fees for the duration of the undergraduate course. |
| Living Costs Grant | A grant to cover living costs (accommodation, meals, day-to-day expenses) while studying at Oxford. |
| Annual Return Travel | One return airfare per year between your home country and Oxford |
| Duration Matching Course Length | The scholarship lasts 3 or 4 years depending on the course you are enrolled in. |
| Subject to Academic Progress | Continuation of the benefits is subject to satisfactory academic progress each year. |
What Benefits are Not Included
While Reach Oxford is very comprehensive, there are certain costs or benefits that it may not cover:
- Medical insurance or health-related expenses outside what is generally provided to students. (These may need separate arrangements.)
- Additional travel costs beyond the one return airfare per year (e.g. travel during holidays, visits home beyond the return ticket).
- Personal expenses beyond standard living costs, e.g. luxury items, travel for leisure, optional field trips that are not part of the course, etc.
- Visa fees: Usually, you as the student may have to manage visa application fees, immigration health surcharge, and related costs.
- Books, equipment, or materials beyond standard set by the course might or might not be included, depending on the department or college; often some of these costs come from the student.
- Costs of applying (UCAS fees, test fees, English exams if required, etc.) are usually borne by the student.
Always check the latest official guidance to see exactly which costs are covered and which are not.
Eligible Countries:
Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Argentina; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Belarus; Belize; Benin; Bhutan; Bolivia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Botswana; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cambodia; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Rep.; Chad; China; Colombia; Comoros; Congo, Dem. Rep.; Congo, Rep.; Costa Rica; Côte d’Ivoire; Cuba; Djibouti; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Eswatini; Ethiopia; Fiji; Gabon; Gambia; Georgia; Ghana; Grenada; Guatemala; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; India; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Jamaica; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kiribati; Korea, Dem. People’s Rep.; Kosovo; Kyrgyz Rep.; Laos; Lebanon; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Madagascar; Malawi; Malaysia; Maldives; Mali; Marshall Islands;
Mauritania; Mauritius; Mexico; Micronesia, Federated States; Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Montserrat; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nauru; Nepal; Nicaragua; Niger; Nigeria; Niue; North Macedonia; Pakistan; Palau; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Rwanda; Saint Helena; Samoa; São Tomé and Príncipe; Senegal; Serbia; Sierra Leone; Solomon Islands; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Sri Lanka; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and Grenadines; Sudan; Suriname; Syria; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Thailand; Timor-Leste; Togo; Tokelau; Tonga; Tunisia; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; Uganda; Ukraine; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; Venezuela; Vietnam; Wallis and Futuna; West Bank and Gaza Strip; Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
Eligibility Criteria for the Reach Oxford Scholarship
To be eligible for Reach Oxford Scholarship 2026, applicants must satisfy all or most of the following:
- Nationality / Eligible Country: Must be a national of a low-income or developing country, specifically countries on the OECD DAC list of Official Development Assistance recipient nations.
- Academic Admission: Must apply to the University of Oxford for an undergraduate course via UCAS and receive an offer of admission.
- New Undergraduate Student: Priority is given to those who have not previously studied at undergraduate level.
- Subject Restriction: All courses are eligible except medicine.
- Financial Need: Demonstrated inability to finance studies otherwise; significant financial need is a major criterion
- Social Commitment: Evidence of community service, leadership, or social engagement.
- Intention to Return: Applicants should plan to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their degree.
- Offer from a participating college (or arranged transfer): If admitted to a college not participating in the scheme, the student can be transferred upon successful scholarship award.
Required Documents for the Application
To apply for Reach Oxford Scholarship, you will typically need to prepare the following documents:
- Signed offer letter from University of Oxford (undergraduate admission via UCAS)
- Academic transcripts from secondary/high school (grades, certificate)
- Personal statement (motivation letter) — explaining academic goals, why you want to study at Oxford, why you need the scholarship, how you have demonstrated social commitment or leadership.
- Proof of financial need: family income statements, bank statements, any documentation to show inability to finance education otherwise.
- References: usually two academic referees (teachers or school heads) who can comment on your abilities, character, academic potential.
- Passport/identification, proof of nationality, and residency status if required.
- Possibly proof of country eligibility (you may need to demonstrate that your country is on the DAC list).
Note: Oxford may require additional documentation depending on your country or personal circumstances. Always check with the official website.
Reach Oxford Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a clear, ordered guide to applying:
- Research and Decide Course
- Look through the University of Oxford undergraduate courses. Select a subject you are eligible for (not medicine).
- Prepare for Oxford Admission via UCAS
- Submit your application through UCAS by 15 October 2025 for 2026 entry. Make sure all required parts (personal statement, academic references, test scores) are in order.
- Receive Offer from Oxford
- Wait for an offer of admission. Only after you get an offer can you apply for Reach Oxford.
- Prepare Scholarship Application
- When applications open for Reach Oxford (from 14 January 2026)
- Fill in the online scholarship application form by 12 noon (UK time) on 4 February 2026. Prepare your personal statement, financial documents, transcripts, references, proof of eligibility.
- Submit Application
- Ensure deadline met. Incomplete or late submissions generally not considered.
- Selection Process
- Scholarship applications are reviewed in March 2026.
- Assessment based on academic merit, financial need, social commitment, eligibility.
- Notification
- If selected, you will be informed by May 2026.
- Post-award Requirements
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress year-to-year.
- Submit annual report about academic and social achievements.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of winning this highly competitive scholarship, consider the following tips:
- Achieve Excellent Academic Results
- Strive for top grades in your exams. Oxford looks for students of highest academic ability.
- Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly
- Collect strong evidence of your financial constraints. Provide accurate documentation showing family income, assets, or lack thereof.
- Show Social Commitment / Leadership
- Engage in community service, clubs, volunteer work, or initiatives. Highlight leadership roles, impact, and how you have contributed to society.
- Craft a Strong Personal Statement
- Explain why this course, why Oxford, why this scholarship. Be authentic. Show motivations, goals, and how you plan to use your education for positive change.
- Obtain Strong References
- Choose referees who know you well, both academically and personally. Ensure they can speak to your potential, character, and achievements.
- Plan Early
- Start preparing documents, transcripts, financial statements in good time. Deadlines are strict.
- Understand Eligibility Well
- Make sure your country is eligible (on the OECD DAC list), subject qualifies, prospective college participates or is arranged.
- Proofread and Complete Application
- Avoid mistakes, missing data. Incomplete or sloppy applications are often rejected.
- Be Clear about your Intention to Return Home
- Because Reach Oxford expects applicants to intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after studies, weave this into your essays/personal statement.
- Follow Official Guidance
- Always refer to the University of Oxford’s official website for most current details and instructions.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (Use USD for Currency)
Estimating living expenses is tricky and depends on lifestyle, accommodation type (college accommodation vs private), food, transport, personal items etc. Below is an approximate breakdown converted to USD, based on typical costs in Oxford. (These are estimates; actual amounts could differ.)
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (college room, shared) | $900-1,200 |
| Food / Groceries & Eating Out | $300-500 |
| Utilities & Internet / Phone | $50-100 |
| Transport (local / occasional travel) | $50-100 |
| Course Materials / Books etc. | $50-100 |
| Personal / Miscellaneous (clothing, entertainment) | $100-200 |
| Academic / Social Activities | $50-100 |
Estimated Total: $1,500 – $2,200 per month as a general guide.
Because the Reach Oxford Scholarship provides a grant for living costs, many of these expenses should be largely covered. However, students should budget cautiously and expect variations (e.g. higher if private rent, more travel, etc.).
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Minimum 5 Reasons)
Here are at least five strong reasons why ambitious students should strongly consider applying for Reach Oxford Scholarship 2026:
- Fully Funded Opportunity
- Covers full tuition, college fees, living grant, and return airfare. Financial barriers are greatly reduced or eliminated.
- World-Class Education
- Oxford University is globally respected; studying here gives you access to top faculty, resources, research, and networks.
- Life-Changing Exposure & Networking
- You will meet students from around the world, gain cross-cultural understanding, create long-lasting networks, which can help in personal and career growth.
- High Profile and Recognition
- Having Oxford (and a scholarship) on your CV or resume is a strong signal to future employers or graduate programs.
- Social Impact Potential
- Because of its criteria (financial need, social commitment, intent to return home), the scholarship is designed to empower students to bring back skills to their home countries and contribute positively.
- Supportive Environment
- Oxford provides strong student support, academic supervision, access to libraries / labs, and resources. The scholarship also often requires annual progress reports, encouraging accountability and excellence.
- Few Awards = Prestige
- Since only 2-3 awards are given per year, recipients are seen among an elite group of scholars, which adds prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for Reach Oxford if I want to study medicine?
A: No. Medicine is excluded. All subjects except medicine are eligible.
Q2. Is there a minimum grade or GPA requirement?
A: There is no public fixed number (like a specific GPA), but you must be of highest academic ability. This means excellent grades at high school or equivalent. Strong competition.
Q3. Do I need to prove English proficiency through IELTS / TOEFL?
A: While the scholarship page doesn’t explicitly list IELTS/TOEFL as required, for Oxford admission you may need to satisfy English language requirements, depending on your country and background. You should check the Oxford course you’re applying to.
Q4. What happens if my college is not participating in Reach Oxford?
A: If you are accepted by a college that is not participating in the scheme, and you win the scholarship, arrangements will be made to transfer you to a participating college.
Q5. Must I commit to returning to my home country after finishing studies?
A: Yes. One of the eligibility criteria is that applicants should intend to return to their country of ordinary residence following their studies.
Q6. How competitive is the scholarship? What are the chances?
A: The competition is very high. With only 2-3 awards per year and many applicants from eligible developing countries, the selection is extremely selective.
Q7. When will I know if I’ve been awarded the scholarship?
A: Applicants will be informed around May 2026 if selected.
Q8. Can I apply if I had some prior undergraduate studies or partially completed degree?
A: Preference is given to those who haven’t studied at undergraduate level before. While this doesn’t always explicitly rule out those with prior study, it puts them at a disadvantage
Official Link:
Conclusion
The Reach Oxford Scholarship 2026 is an extraordinary chance for students from developing and low-income countries to access world-class undergraduate education at the University of Oxford. With full financial support, including fees, living costs, and airfare, it removes many of the barriers that high-potential students face. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare carefully, and put effort into your application, this scholarship could be your gateway to an outstanding future both academically and socially.