Fully Funded Reach Oxford Scholarship in UK for Undergraduates, 2026

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and life-changing fully funded undergraduate scholarship opportunities available for students from low-income and developing countries. Hosted by the University of Oxford, one of the world’s top universities, this program supports outstanding learners who lack the financial means or educational infrastructure in their home countries to pursue world-class higher education.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Reach Oxford Scholarship for 2026 entry including eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, deadlines, selection criteria, and practical guidance to strengthen your application.

What Is the Reach Oxford Scholarship?

The Reach Oxford Scholarship (formerly known as Oxford Student Scholarships) is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship scheme offered by the University of Oxford specifically for students who:

  • Are citizens of countries on the OECD DAC list of Official Development Assistance recipients (i.e., low-income or developing countries);
  • Demonstrate high academic ability, financial need, and social commitment;
  • Have received an offer of admission to an eligible Oxford undergraduate program (excluding Medicine).

This scholarship is not just rare (with only around 2–3 awards per year) but also deeply transformative, providing financial support that allows talented students to study at Oxford without economic barriers.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, applicants must meet a combination of eligibility criteria related to nationality, academic background, financial need, and future intentions:

1. Citizenship and Country of Origin

Applicants must be nationals of a country that:

  • Receives official development assistance (ODA) from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
  • This includes countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe.

The full list of eligible countries is provided on the official Oxford scholarships page and includes nations such as Bangladesh, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, India, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and many others across the DAC list.

2. Academic Level

  • The scholarship is strictly for undergraduate studies (first-degree programs).
  • Applicants must be beginning their first undergraduate degree and not already enrolled in one.
  • Oxford’s rigorous academic standards apply — you must meet Oxford’s entry requirements for your chosen program.

3. Admission to Oxford

  • You must apply to an undergraduate course at the University of Oxford through UCAS (the UK university admissions system).
  • You must receive a conditional or unconditional offer of admission before you can be considered for the Reach Oxford Scholarship — the university will not review scholarship applications from students who are not yet admitted.

4. Financial Need and Educational Barriers

  • Demonstrated significant financial need is a core criterion — applicants should be unable to attend Oxford without full financial support.
  • Priority is given to students for whom educational opportunities in their home country are limited or unavailable, due to financial, political, or structural barriers.

5. Social Commitment & Return Intent

  • A key part of the selection is the applicant’s social commitment, typically shown through community service, leadership, or plans to contribute to development in their home country.
  • Applicants are expected to intend to return to their home country after completing their studies and use their education for impact.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Reach Oxford Scholarship is a fully funded award that provides comprehensive support for the entire duration of your undergraduate degree (typically 3–4 years depending on the course). The key benefits include:

Full Tuition and College Fees

  • All tuition and college fees charged by the University of Oxford are covered by the scholarship for the full duration of your undergraduate program, wherever your course lasts.

Living Expenses / Grant

  • Recipients receive a grant to cover living costs, such as accommodation, meals, books, and daily expenses. This funding ensures that scholars can focus on their studies without financial distress.

Annual Return Airfare

  • The scholarship includes one return airfare per academic year between the scholar’s home country and the UK, reducing the cost of international travel for study obligations or vacations.

Duration

  • The grant and fee coverage last 3 years for most undergraduate degrees, or 4 years for programs with extended structure.

Application Process

The application process for the Reach Oxford Scholarship is aligned with Oxford’s undergraduate admissions timeline and includes two main stages:

1. Apply to the University of Oxford

Before applying for the scholarship, you must:

  • Submit an application for an undergraduate degree through UCAS by 15 October 2025 for entry in October 2026.
  • Receive a conditional or unconditional offer of admission from Oxford.

Note that you cannot apply for the scholarship without being admitted to an Oxford undergraduate course first.

2. Submit the Scholarship Application

Once you have an offer:

  • The Reach Oxford Scholarship application opens on 14 January 2026.
  • All scholarship applications must be submitted by 12 noon (UK time) on 4 February 2026.
  • The application is submitted online through Oxford’s scholarship portal or associated systems and typically includes personal details, financial circumstances, academic achievements, and written statements demonstrating need and impact plans.

3. Selection, Results & Notifications

  • Shortlisting and interviews (if applicable): Selection may include review panels and consideration of written application material.
  • Selection Meeting: Shortlisting and final decisions are usually completed in March 2026.
  • Notification: Applicants are informed of results by May 2026.
  • Matriculation: Successful candidates begin their studies at Oxford in October 2026.

Visit the official website for detailed information about the scholarship.

Selection Criteria

The Reach Oxford Scholarship selection is highly competitive, and applicants are evaluated holistically. Key criteria include:

Academic Ability

  • Applicants must show evidence of high academic achievement, including outstanding grades, competitive exam results, and academically rigorous coursework.

Demonstrated Financial Need

  • Oxford assesses your financial situation to confirm that you genuinely require full support to attend the university — this involves personal/family financial documentation and narrative explanations.

Social Commitment & Leadership

  • Candidates should demonstrate involvement in their communities, leadership potential, and a sense of purpose — especially how they plan to use their degree to impact their home country positively.

Educational Barriers

  • The scholarship favors applicants who demonstrate that suitable higher education is not realistically available in their home country, whether due to financial constraints, lack of facilities, or other socioeconomic challenges.

Return Intent

  • Applicants must intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after graduation to contribute to local development, education, or broader societal progress.

Tips for Applicants

Here are strategic tips to strengthen your Reach Oxford application:

Prepare a Strong Academic Profile

  • Excel in your final year of secondary education or equivalent qualifications.
  • Provide strong academic references and certificates demonstrating excellence.

Write Compelling Personal Statements

  • Clearly articulate your financial need, how Oxford will make a difference, and your commitment to returning home and contributing to development.

Demonstrate Leadership and Community Engagement

  • Highlight volunteer work, community service, leadership roles, or projects that show your capacity to make social impact.

Start Early and Stay Organized

  • Apply to Oxford via UCAS by the October deadline.
  • Begin scholarship preparation early (collect financial documents, references, essays).
  • Carefully review the scholarship application form and guidance before submission.

Conclusion

The Reach Oxford Scholarship 2026 stands as one of the most remarkable fully funded undergraduate scholarships globally, offering students from low-income and developing countries a rare chance to study at the University of Oxford with full support for tuition, living costs, and travel. It enables academic success and prepares scholars to become agents of positive change in their communities.

If you are academically outstanding, demonstrate substantial financial need, and have a clear vision for how your Oxford education will contribute to your home country, this scholarship could be your gateway to world-class education and global opportunity.

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