Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2027 in the UK: Complete Application Guide
The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2027 provides a life-changing opportunity for talented female students from low- and middle-income countries to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. Established through a major philanthropic gift from the Optiver Foundation, this initiative aims to empower women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by breaking financial barriers and accelerating global technological leadership.
Designation
This award is designated for candidates applying to full-time Postgraduate Taught Master’s Programs in eligible STEM departments at Oxford University.
Scholarship Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Oxford |
| Degree Level | Master’s (Taught) |
| Coverage | Funded (Tuition fees + Living Stipend) |
| Eligible Gender | Female |
| Eligible Regions | Low- and Middle-Income Nations |
| Country of Study | United Kingdom |
| Application Deadline | December 2026 / January 2027 (Course Dependent) |
Scholarship Description
The University of Oxford, consistently ranked among the world’s premier research universities, introduced the Optiver Foundation Scholarships to transform educational prospects for women in STEM fields. Over a multi-year effort, this initiative supports up to 30 taught master’s students across key scientific disciplines.
In addition to tuition coverage and a robust stipend for living expenses, scholars receive personalized academic assistance, dedicated introductory orientation events, ongoing mentorship, and career exposure throughout their stay at Oxford. The selection process evaluates financial need along with academic excellence using specialized socioeconomic assessment criteria.
Research Area and Eligible Academic Fields
The scholarship applies to specific taught master’s courses within selected departments at Oxford, including:
- Department of Computer Science: MSc in Advanced Computer Science
- Mathematical Institute: MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, MSc in Mathematical Sciences
- Department of Statistics: MSc in Statistical Science
- Department of Engineering Science: MSc in Energy Systems
- Department of Physics & Department of Chemistry: Qualifying advanced research-focused taught modules and emerging technology programs such as Quantum Technologies.
Location
The scholarship is tenable at the University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, United Kingdom.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Gender: Identify as female (must be registered as female on official identity documents such as passports or national IDs).
- Residency: Be ordinarily resident in an eligible low- or middle-income country (including countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe).
- Academic Standing: Fulfill the entry requirements for an eligible postgraduate STEM master’s program at Oxford.
- Ineligibility: Current Oxford students or students holding deferred offers are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these application steps:
- Select an eligible master’s degree course from the Oxford STEM departments list.
- Submit your standard Oxford University graduate study application online before the relevant December 2026 or January 2027 course deadline.
- Complete the standard scholarship/financial declaration sections within the application portal. Eligible applicants may be requested to complete an additional socioeconomic questionnaire.
- Selected candidates will be notified of their scholarship status around May 2027.
To view official details and submit your application, visit the Official Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship Portal.
Last Date to Apply
The closing dates depend on the specific course application deadline for December 2026 or January 2027. Candidates are strongly advised to submit their graduate admission applications well before the January deadline corresponding to their target program.