Reach Oxford Scholarships for Developing Country Students

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and sought-after opportunities offered by the University of Oxford. Designed for students from low-income countries, the scholarship provides a unique chance for talented individuals who, due to political, financial, or educational constraints, are unable to pursue a degree in their own countries. For many students from developing nations, this scholarship opens the doors to world-class education at one of the most renowned universities globally.

Overview of the Reach Oxford Scholarship

The Reach Oxford Scholarship (formerly known as the Oxford Student Scholarship) is targeted toward students from countries that receive official development assistance (ODA) from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The scholarship not only covers full tuition fees but also provides a grant for living expenses and one return airfare per year.

This scholarship recognizes that many students from ODA countries face significant obstacles in obtaining higher education. Through the Reach Oxford Scholarship, these individuals can access Oxford’s unparalleled academic resources and benefit from an education that can profoundly impact their future and the well-being of their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

To be eligible for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of countries that receive official development assistance from the DAC of the OECD. These nations include:

• Africa: Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and many more.
• Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, etc.
• Europe and Central Asia: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, etc.
• Oceania: Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, etc.

Academic Ability

Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic ability and a proven track record of success in their studies. This scholarship is designed for the brightest and most talented students from low-income countries. Academic merit plays a critical role in the selection process, with candidates expected to display outstanding intellectual and scholarly capabilities.

Financial Need

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is designed to support students who cannot afford to study at Oxford without financial assistance. Candidates must demonstrate significant financial need to be considered for the award. Students from lower-income backgrounds, particularly those from ODA countries, are strongly encouraged to apply, as the scholarship covers most of the expenses associated with attending Oxford.

Social Commitment

The scholarship places a strong emphasis on candidates’ social commitment. Applicants must be dedicated to making a positive impact in their home countries or globally. After completing their studies, scholars are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to the social and economic development of their communities.

The scholarship seeks individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to social improvement, whether through volunteer work, community engagement, or other forms of activism.

Undergraduate Level of Study

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is available to students pursuing undergraduate degrees at the University of Oxford. It covers all subjects offered by the university, except for medicine. Importantly, applicants must apply to the university first, receive an offer of admission, and then apply for the scholarship.

Colleges Participating in the Scheme

Not all colleges at the University of Oxford are able to offer Reach Oxford Scholarships each year. However, if an applicant is accepted by a college that is not participating, this will not disqualify them from being awarded the scholarship. In such cases, arrangements will be made to transfer the student to a participating college.

Prior Education

Priority is given to students who have not previously studied at the undergraduate level. If a candidate has already completed undergraduate studies in their home country or elsewhere, they may be considered ineligible for the Reach Oxford Scholarship. This preference aligns with the scholarship's focus on supporting students who may have had limited access to higher education in their own country.

Scholarship Value and Duration

The Reach Oxford Scholarship offers substantial financial support for its recipients. The scholarship typically covers:

• Course Fees: Full tuition fees for the duration of the undergraduate program.
• Living Costs: A grant to cover living expenses, helping to ease the financial burden of accommodation, food, books, and other necessities while studying at Oxford.
• Return Airfare: One round-trip airfare per year from the scholar’s home country to Oxford, allowing them to return home during academic breaks if desired.

The scholarship is awarded for three or four years, depending on the length of the student’s course.

Number of Awards

Each year, the University of Oxford awards around 2-3 Reach Oxford Scholarships. Given the competitive nature of this program, applicants should be aware that the selection process is highly rigorous.

Application Process

Step 1: Apply to the University of Oxford

The first step in the application process is to apply for admission to an undergraduate course at Oxford through the UCAS system. The deadline for UCAS applications is 15 October 2024. Applicants must meet the academic requirements of their chosen course and receive an offer of admission before they can apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship.

To apply, visit Oxford University Official Application page here.

Step 2: Scholarship Application

Once a student has been offered a place at Oxford, they can proceed to apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship. The application process involves completing the Undergraduate Scholarships Application Form, which will be available online starting 15 January 2025. Candidates must submit their completed application by 12 February 2025 (12 noon UK time).Applicants should ensure that they have thoroughly reviewed the guidance notes and application questions before submitting their form. Any incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Step 3: Selection Process

The selection process for the Reach Oxford Scholarship is thorough and begins immediately after the scholarship application deadline. Applications will be reviewed based on academic merit, financial need, and social commitment. Only the most outstanding candidates will progress to the final stages of selection.

Step 4: Shortlisting and Final Decision

The final shortlisting of candidates takes place in March 2025. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship application in April 2025. Successful candidates will receive an offer of the Reach Oxford Scholarship, subject to their continued academic progress.

Obligations of Scholarship Recipients

Once awarded the Reach Oxford Scholarship, scholars must fulfill certain obligations during their time at Oxford:

Annual Report

Each scholar is required to submit an annual report detailing their academic progress, social activities, and achievements while at Oxford. This report helps the University of Oxford monitor the success and development of each scholarship recipient.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The continuation of the Reach Oxford Scholarship is contingent upon the recipient maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout their course of study. Should a scholar’s performance fall below the required standard, the scholarship may not be renewed for subsequent years.

Commitment to Return

Reach Oxford Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies. This aligns with the scholarship’s goal of supporting individuals who will use their Oxford education to contribute positively to the social, economic, and political development of their home countries.

Deferred Entry and Special Considerations

Deferred Entry

If a student holds an offer for deferred entry (e.g., an offer to start in October 2025), they should apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship in January of the year they intend to begin their course. For example, students with an offer for deferred entry for 2025 should apply in January 2025.

Astrophoria Foundation Year Programme

Students who are participating in Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year Programme and wish to apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship to support their undergraduate studies should apply in the January of the year they will start their degree. The University will provide further guidance to Foundation Year students on which scholarships they are eligible to apply for after they complete the program.

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue a world-class education at the University of Oxford. With full funding for tuition, living costs, and travel, this scholarship allows talented individuals who face financial and educational barriers in their home countries to access one of the best universities in the world.

By focusing on academic excellence, financial need, and a commitment to social change, the Reach Oxford Scholarship empowers scholars to make a lasting impact on their home countries and the global community. For those who meet the eligibility criteria, applying for this prestigious scholarship could be the first step toward achieving their academic and professional dreams.

Click Here to Apply Online.