Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 in UK

Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering international students the opportunity to pursue their Master’s degree programs at the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. This scholarship specifically supports talented women from low- and middle-income countries who wish to advance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Funded by the Optiver Foundation, the program aims to remove financial barriers and empower the next generation of women leaders in STEM, supporting up to 30 taught master’s students over five years. Applicants will benefit from a new socioeconomic assessment system designed to ensure that those facing genuine financial challenges receive priority.

The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is the world’s second-oldest university and the oldest in the English-speaking world, with a history dating back to 1096. Renowned globally for its academic excellence, Oxford is ranked first by the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 World University Rankings and fourth in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 represents a unique chance for exceptional students to study at a top-ranked institution while receiving substantial financial support, making postgraduate education at Oxford more accessible than ever.

Benefits

• The Optiver Foundation Scholarships will cover tuition and provide a large living subsidy.
• Scholars will also benefit from
  • specialized introductory events,
  • mentoring, and ongoing academic assistance during their time at Oxford.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 in the UK (Fully Funded), applicants must be:

• Open only to female applicants who live in qualified low- and middle-income countries. (India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Vietnam, and over 100 others).
• Applicants must select one of the approved master’s courses listed above.
• On formal identity documents such as passports or visas, the applicant’s gender must be represented as female.
• Students presently enrolled at Oxford or with delayed offers are ineligible.

Available Courses

The following departments will provide master’s degrees to qualified students:

• Statistics
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Engineering Science
• Mathematical Institute
• Advanced courses include
  • Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
  • Quantum Technologies
  • Statistical Science
  • Advanced Computer Science, and
  • Energy Systems.

How to Apply?

• Submit Your Graduate Application
  Apply for your chosen Master’s course at Oxford University by the relevant November, December, or January deadline. Don’t forget to tick the box on your graduate application form to indicate your interest in the Optiver Foundation Scholarship.
• Complete the Additional Scholarship Form
  If you meet the eligibility criteria, Oxford will invite you to fill out an extra scholarship application form. This form gathers information about your socio-economic background to assess potential disadvantage and under-representation.
• Scholarship Assessment
  Applicants who submit the scholarship form and have received an offer from an eligible course will be reviewed by a panel of academic staff. Selection is based on academic merit and your potential to excel in STEM fields.
• Receive and Accept Your Offer
  Successful candidates are contacted by email, usually in May. Accepting the scholarship secures your funding, provided you meet the conditions of your course offer at Oxford.
• Prepare for Your Studies
  Once your scholarship is confirmed, focus on preparing for your Master’s program and making the most of this fully funded opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 provides full tuition and living costs to women from eligible countries pursuing STEM master’s programs at Oxford. Up to 30 scholars will benefit from mentoring, induction support, and targeted socio-economic assessment to ensure fair access.