Graduate Scholarships at The Queen’s College, University of Oxford (2024/2025)

The Queen’s College at the University of Oxford is renowned not only for its rich academic tradition but also for its substantial commitment to supporting graduate students through scholarships. A significant proportion of postgraduate students receive financial assistance from the college in the form of scholarships, making it an attractive destination for individuals looking to further their education in various fields.

In this guide, we will explore the wide range of scholarships offered by The Queen’s College, including the conditions and availability of these prestigious awards. We will also delve into the college's commitment to diversity, its equal opportunity policies, and the application process for those aspiring to join one of the world’s most esteemed academic institutions.

1. A Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

One of the cornerstones of The Queen’s College's scholarship program is its dedication to fostering diversity and equal opportunity. The college encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, people with disabilities, and individuals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. The Queen’s College recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive academic environment that welcomes a wide range of voices and perspectives.

The University of Oxford’s wider equal opportunity policy underpins the college’s approach. This policy is centered on promoting an inclusive culture that respects the rights and dignity of all members of the university community, including both students and staff. The Queen’s College fully endorses this commitment, ensuring that every graduate student, regardless of their background, feels valued and supported.

For more information about the university’s equal opportunity policies, you can visit the University of Oxford’s Equality Policy page, as well as the Queen’s College’s Equality page.

2. Graduate Scholarships at The Queen’s College

The Queen’s College offers a variety of graduate scholarships in partnership with the University of Oxford, ensuring that students from a broad range of disciplines have the opportunity to benefit from financial support. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide maintenance stipends, enabling students to focus fully on their research and academic pursuits.

Here is a detailed overview of the major scholarships available for graduate students at The Queen’s College:

2.1 Cyril and Phillis Long Scholarships

The Cyril and Phillis Long Scholarships are awarded in partnership with the University’s Academic Futures initiative, which seeks to enhance access to graduate education for underrepresented groups. These scholarships are intended for postgraduate research degrees in subjects offered by the Humanities or Social Sciences divisions.

• Number Available: Up to four scholarships are offered annually.
• Eligibility: The scholarships are open to both home and international applicants pursuing a postgraduate research degree.
• Value: These scholarships cover the full course fees and offer a maintenance stipend at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate.
• Duration: Initially awarded for one year, these scholarships are renewable for up to two further years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and approval by the Governing Body of The Queen’s College.

2.2 The Waverley Scholarship

The Waverley Scholarship is another highly sought-after award that is part of the Academic Futures initiative. This scholarship rotates annually by academic division, ensuring that students across various fields have the opportunity to apply.

• Eligibility: Open to both home and international students, the Waverley Scholarship is available to those pursuing a postgraduate research degree in any subject within the relevant division for that year.
• Value: The scholarship covers course fees and provides a maintenance stipend, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the financial burden of tuition fees.
• Duration: Like the Cyril and Phillis Long Scholarships, the Waverley Scholarship is awarded for one year in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years based on academic progress.

2.3 The Oxford – The Queen’s College Graduate Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship is awarded in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Clarendon Fund. It is rotated annually across divisions to support graduate students in a range of disciplines.

• Eligibility: Open to both home and overseas students, this scholarship is available for postgraduate research degrees across the Humanities and Social Sciences divisions.
• Value: The scholarship covers course fees and provides a maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate.
• Duration: Initially awarded for one year, with the potential for renewal for up to two further years, provided the recipient makes satisfactory progress.

3. Scholarship Conditions and Application Process

The scholarships offered by The Queen’s College follow a competitive application process. Candidates must meet a number of academic and eligibility requirements to be considered for the awards. Below are the key steps and conditions for applying to these scholarships.

3.1 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for any of the graduate scholarships offered by The Queen’s College, applicants must meet the following general criteria:

• Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background, typically holding a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent, and/or a distinction at the Master’s level. Applicants should have demonstrated excellence in their academic performance, particularly in fields related to their proposed research.
• Graduate Research Degree: All applicants must be pursuing a graduate research degree in a subject area offered by the Humanities or Social Sciences divisions at Oxford. Specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship and academic division.
• Diversity and Equal Opportunity: The Queen’s College especially encourages applications from individuals who identify with underrepresented groups, including women, people with disabilities, and those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.

3.2 Application Process

The application process for graduate scholarships at The Queen’s College is straightforward, with all scholarship applicants considered automatically as part of their standard application to Oxford. Below are the key steps involved:

1. Submit Your Graduate Application: Applicants should complete and submit their application for their desired graduate course at the University of Oxford by the relevant January deadline. Applicants must ensure that they indicate their interest in applying for a graduate scholarship from The Queen’s College.
2. Documents Required:
   • A detailed CV showcasing academic achievements, research experience, and relevant extracurricular activities.
   • A cover letter outlining the candidate’s motivation for applying, how their research aligns with the goals of the college, and how they intend to contribute to the academic community at The Queen’s College.
   • Academic transcripts from previous institutions.
   • References from two academic referees who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications, research potential, and academic excellence.
3. Selection Process: Once applications are submitted, they are reviewed by an academic panel at both The Queen’s College and the relevant department. Applicants are assessed based on their academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the college’s research priorities. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
4. Notification: Successful candidates are typically notified in March or April, allowing sufficient time for international applicants to prepare for any visa and relocation requirements.

3.3 Key Dates and Deadlines

• Application Deadline: January 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed)
• Notification of Results: March/April 2025
• Start Date: October 2025

To learn more and apply, visit The Queens College Official website. 

4. Value of Scholarships

Graduate scholarships at The Queen’s College offer considerable financial support to successful applicants. These awards typically cover the full cost of tuition fees and provide a maintenance stipend, which is intended to cover living expenses during the academic year. The UKRI stipend rate is used as a benchmark for many of the scholarships, ensuring that students have sufficient funds to support their studies without the need for additional employment.

The combination of full fee waivers and living stipends makes these scholarships some of the most competitive and valuable awards available to graduate students at the University of Oxford. Furthermore, the opportunity to engage with the academic community at The Queen’s College, including access to the college’s world-class resources and research networks, adds significant value to the overall experience.

5. Conclusion: Why Apply to The Queen’s College?

The Queen’s College at the University of Oxford is an ideal destination for graduate students seeking world-class education, financial support, and a diverse, inclusive academic environment. With a wide range of scholarships available, students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and research goals without the financial pressures that often come with postgraduate study.

By embracing diversity, The Queen’s College ensures that students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and are supported throughout their academic journey. For those looking to make a meaningful impact through research in the Humanities and Social Sciences, the graduate scholarships at The Queen’s College provide an invaluable opportunity to excel.

If you are considering applying for graduate scholarships at Oxford, The Queen’s College offers a unique blend of academic excellence, financial support, and a commitment to equal opportunity. Be sure to submit your application ahead of the January deadline and take the next step toward advancing your academic career in one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

Click Here to Apply Online