Pakistani students planning to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom have several funding opportunities at the University of Oxford for the 2027–28 academic year. Oxford expects to offer more than 1,200 full or partial graduate scholarships for new students, with a number of schemes providing full coverage of course fees together with financial support for living expenses.
Among the opportunities available to Pakistani applicants are the globally open Clarendon Fund, as well as Pakistan-focused scholarships such as the Oxford-Sir Anwar Pervez Graduate Scholarship and the Vicky Noon Educational Foundation Oxford Scholarships.
Fully Funded Oxford Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Oxford’s graduate funding system includes scholarships for both taught Master’s programmes and research degrees such as the DPhil, Oxford’s equivalent of a PhD. Eligibility depends on the individual scholarship, course, nationality or residence requirements, academic profile and other criteria.
For the 2027–28 academic year, Oxford says it expects to offer more than 1,200 full or partial graduate scholarships. Some awards cover only part of the cost, while fully funded scholarships can cover course fees and provide a grant for living expenses.
1. Clarendon Fund Scholarship
The Clarendon Fund is one of Oxford’s major graduate scholarship schemes and is open to applicants from around the world, including Pakistan.
Clarendon offers around 200 new fully funded scholarships each year. The scholarship covers course fees in full and provides a grant for living expenses for the period of fee liability.
Both Master’s and DPhil applicants can be considered. There is also no restriction based on nationality or country of ordinary residence.
The selection process is highly competitive and focuses primarily on academic excellence and future potential.
How to Apply for Clarendon
Applicants do not normally need to submit a separate Clarendon scholarship application. Students must apply for their chosen Oxford graduate course by the relevant December or January deadline. Their graduate application is then automatically considered for Clarendon if they meet the scholarship requirements.
2. Oxford-Sir Anwar Pervez Graduate Scholarship
The Oxford-Sir Anwar Pervez Graduate Scholarship is particularly important for Pakistani applicants because it is specifically available to people who are ordinarily resident in Pakistan.
The scholarship is available for applicants applying for a full-time or part-time Master’s or DPhil course within Oxford’s Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division.
Selection is based on academic merit and financial need. The scholarship covers course fees and provides a grant for living costs for the full duration of the student’s fee liability.
For 2027 entry, Oxford currently expects selection for this scholarship to take place by May 2027.
3. Vicky Noon Educational Foundation Oxford Scholarships
Another significant opportunity for Pakistani students is the Vicky Noon Educational Foundation Oxford Scholarship.
For the 2027–28 cycle, up to two awards are available for applicants who are nationals of Pakistan and ordinarily resident in Pakistan. The scholarship can support applicants to a full-time or part-time Master’s or DPhil course at Oxford.
Applicants are expected to intend to return to Pakistan after completing their Oxford studies. Oxford also states that applicants who have previously studied outside Pakistan would not normally be considered unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The size and duration of the award can vary according to the circumstances of the selected scholar.
Applicants must submit their Oxford graduate application by the relevant January deadline for their course. Shortlisted candidates are expected to complete an additional scholarship application and provide a statement explaining how they intend to contribute to Pakistan after returning.
4. Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships
Pakistani students may also be eligible for scholarships offered through the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS).
For eligible applicants, the scholarship can cover 100% of course fees together with a grant for living costs. The current information states that the living-cost grant is at least £21,805 for the relevant scholarship cycle.
Applicants must be applying to start a new full-time Master’s or DPhil course. Pakistan is included among the countries whose nationals and ordinarily resident applicants can be eligible, subject to the scholarship’s complete requirements.
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
A fully funded Oxford scholarship generally provides two major forms of financial support:
- Course fees: The scholarship can cover the required Oxford course fees for the period specified by the award.
- Living expenses: A grant or stipend is provided to help cover living costs while studying at Oxford.
The exact amount, duration and conditions vary from one scholarship to another. Students should therefore check the individual scholarship terms before making financial plans.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship and the Oxford course. Pakistani applicants should generally focus on the following requirements:
- Apply for an eligible Master’s or DPhil programme at Oxford.
- Meet the academic and admission requirements of the selected course.
- Submit the graduate application before the relevant funding deadline.
- Meet any nationality, residence, subject or financial-need requirements of the particular scholarship.
- Provide a strong academic and research profile where required.
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