The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship Programme is a fully funded scholarship established to increase the number of women from low and middle income countries taking up offers for postgraduate science courses at the University of Oxford. The programme supports up to 30 taught Master’s students over five years. Scholars will begin their studies in October 2026 and will join science departments like Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering Science. The scholarship provides full financial support to cover course fees and a grant for living costs. Eligibility requires applicants to be female, come from a low- or middle-income country, and be applying to one of the eligible MSc courses .
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University of Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Oxford |
| Study Abroad | Study in UK |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | Low- and Middle-Income Countries |
| Reward | Full Course Fees Coverage |
| Key Criteria | Must be Female, From a Low/Middle-Income Country, Applying to Eligible MSc Science Courses |
| Application Deadline | Relevant course deadline (Nov, Dec, or Jan) |
The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholars Programme is a targeted and highly prestigious opportunity designed to empower academically promising women from low- and middle-income countries to pursue advanced studies in Science and Mathematics at the world-renowned University of Oxford. Backed by a generous donation from the Optiver Foundation, the program supports up to 30 taught Master’s students over five years, with the next cohort beginning their studies in October 2026. This initiative aims to increase female representation in critical scientific disciplines.
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Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Optiver Foundation Programme
The scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package, making it a fully funded opportunity that removes financial barriers to studying at Oxford.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Tuition and Living Costs)
This tier details the core financial support provided directly to the accepted Scholars.
- Full Course Fees Coverage: Scholars receive full financial support to cover their course fees for the duration of their eligible Master’s degree program.
- Living Costs Grant: The award includes a substantial grant for living costs (stipend) to cover accommodation, food, and other essential expenses during their time at Oxford.
Tier 2: Academic Program Focus and Scope
The scholarship is highly focused on specific scientific and mathematical disciplines at Oxford.
- Eligible Departments: Scholars will join one of the following leading departments: Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, or the Mathematical Institute.
- Eligible Courses (MSc): The program supports taught Master’s degrees, including:
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Energy Systems (Engineering Science)
- MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
- MSc Mathematical Sciences
- MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
- MSc Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science
- MSc in Quantum Technologies
- MSc Statistical Science
- MSc Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
Tier 3: Program Stability and Cohort
The scholarship is well-established and offers security once awarded.
- Secure Funding: If an applicant is offered and accepts the scholarship, their funding is secure, provided they meet the conditions of their academic offer of a place to study at Oxford.
- Cohort Experience: Scholars join the program as part of a dedicated cohort, allowing for unique networking and community-building opportunities within the university.
Eligibility Requirements for Optiver Foundation Scholars Programme
The eligibility criteria for this scholarship are tightly focused on gender, nationality, and academic status.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Selection is based on academic merit and potential demonstrated in the graduate application.
- Study Status:
- Must be applying to any of the eligible Master’s courses listed above.
- Students currently at Oxford are not eligible to apply.
- The scholarship is not open to candidates who hold deferred offers to start in 2026-27.
- Visa Status:
- Applicant must be a female.
- Applicant should come from a low or middle-income country.
- Program Admission: Must submit a complete application for graduate study by the relevant course deadline.
How to Apply for Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholars Programme (Step by Step)
Applying for this scholarship is integrated with the standard application process for graduate study at Oxford.
- Apply for Graduate Study: Submit your application for your chosen eligible course (MSc) by the relevant November, December, or January course deadline.
- Tick the Box: Ensure you tick the relevant box on the graduate application form to be considered for funding opportunities.
- Complete Additional Form: If you meet the advertised eligibility criteria (female, low/middle-income country), you will be asked to complete an additional scholarship application form. This form gathers information about your socio-economic situation to assess for potential disadvantage and under-representation.
- Assessment and Notification: Your application will be assessed by a panel of academic staff. Successful candidates will be contacted by email, with the majority of offers sent out in May.
Application Deadline: Relevant course deadline (November, December, or January)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholars Programme cover financially?
The scholarship provides full financial support to cover 100% of the course fees for the Master’s degree, as well as a generous grant for living costs (stipend).
2. Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
The program is open exclusively to female applicants who are citizens or residents of low- or middle-income countries (as defined by Oxford’s classification).
3. Which fields of study are eligible for this funding?
The scholarship covers taught Master’s degrees (MSc) in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, including courses in Advanced Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, and Engineering Science.
4. Are current Oxford students or those with deferred offers eligible?
No. Students currently at Oxford are not eligible, nor are candidates who hold deferred offers to start in the 2026-27 academic year.
5. How many scholarships are available for the 2026 intake?
The programme is designed to support up to 30 taught Master’s students over a five-year period, with the next cohort starting in October 2026.
6. Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately from my course application?
No, you must first apply for your graduate course by its deadline and tick the relevant box for funding consideration. Eligible candidates will then be asked to complete an additional scholarship application form.
7. When is the application deadline for the scholarship?
The scholarship application follows the course deadline, which can be in November, December, or January, depending on the specific eligible MSc program you choose.
8. What criteria are used for selecting the successful candidates?
Applicants are assessed by an academic panel based on academic merit and potential shown in their graduate application, as well as meeting the socio-economic and gender eligibility criteria.
9. When will successful applicants be notified of the scholarship decision?
Successful candidates will be contacted by email, with the majority of scholarship offers sent out in May.
10. Does this scholarship support PhD or DPhil students?
No, the program is specifically designed to support taught Master’s students only
