The Reach Oxford Scholarship is one of Oxford University’s most transformative and socially impactful programs. It enables exceptionally talented students from low- and middle-income countries to pursue an undergraduate degree at Oxford — even when financial and political barriers at home make such opportunities difficult to access. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the 2026 Reach Oxford Scholarship, including who qualifies, what it covers, how to apply, and what it means to be a Reach Oxford scholar.
What Is the Reach Oxford Scholarship?
The Reach Oxford Scholarship (sometimes called the Reach Oxford Undergraduate Scholarship) is a dedicated award for undergraduate students from countries that receive development assistance (“low-income” or “developing” countries). Its goal is to support exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a strong commitment to their home country.
Key features:
- Fully funded: It covers Oxford tuition and college fees, provides a grant for living costs, and includes a return airfare each year.
- Duration: Typically 3 or 4 years, depending on the course length.
- Number of Awards: Around 2–3 scholarships are awarded per year.
- Reporting & Progress: Scholars must provide annual reports on their academic and social activities; continuation depends on good academic standing.
Who Is Eligible for This Scholarship?
Eligibility for Reach Oxford is selective and based on a set of clear but strict criteria:
- Nationality
- Applicants must be citizens of countries that are on the OECD DAC (Development Assistance Committee) list of official development assistance recipients.
- Level of Study
- Only undergraduate (first degree) students are eligible.
- Course Eligibility
- All undergraduate courses at Oxford are eligible except medicine.
- Academics & Financial Need
- High academic ability is required, along with financial need, demonstrated social commitment, or circumstances that prevent studying at home.
- Intention to Return
- Applicants should intend to return to their home country after graduation, contributing to their community.
- No Previous Undergraduate Degree
- Priority is given to students who have not already completed undergraduate studies.
- College Participation
- Not all Oxford colleges participate in Reach Oxford every year. But if you’re admitted to a non-participating college and awarded the scholarship, arrangements may be made to transfer you.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Reach Oxford Scholarship is highly generous. Here’s what the funding includes:
- Tuition Fees: Full Oxford tuition fees for the duration of the undergraduate course
- College Fees: Covers the college fee as well, which is a separate charge at Oxford.
- Living Costs: A grant to help with accommodation, meals, and daily personal expenses.
- Return Airfare: One return ticket per year between the student’s home country and the UK.
- Support & Mentorship: Scholars receive mentoring, academic support, and are integrated into college life.
Benefits & Impact of This Scholarship
- Life-Changing Opportunity for Underprivileged Talent
- For students from disadvantaged countries, Reach Oxford opens a door to one of the top universities in the world at little or no personal financial cost.
- Comprehensive Support
- Beyond tuition, the scholarship offers living costs and travel, reducing financial stress so students can focus on learning.
- Long-Term Influence
- Scholars are encouraged to return to their home countries — potentially becoming leaders, changemakers, or professionals who contribute to national development.
- High Prestige
- Being a Reach Oxford scholar adds significant prestige: Oxford’s global reputation and the social mission of the scholarship makes recipients highly competitive for future roles.
- Personal & Academic Growth
- Scholars become part of Oxford’s academic community and benefit from mentorship, networking, and a world-class education.
2026 Application Timeline
Understanding when and how to apply is key. Here are the important dates and steps you should know:
- Apply to Oxford via UCAS
- Deadline: 15 October 2025 (for admission).
- Wait for an Oxford Offer
- You must receive an offer (conditional or unconditional) from Oxford to be eligible for the scholarship.
- Scholarship Application Opens
- Opens: 14 January 2026 (UK time) for the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
- Scholarship Application Deadline
- Must submit by 4 February 2026, 12:00 noon UK time.
- Selection Process
- Shortlisting and selection happen in March 2026.
- Results Announcement
- Scholarship decisions notified by May 2026.
How to Apply
Here’s a breakdown of the application process for the Reach Oxford Scholarship:
- Submit Your UCAS Application
- Apply for the undergraduate course you want at Oxford via UCAS by the 15 Oct 2025 deadline.
- Receive & Accept Offer
- When Oxford makes you an offer, make sure it’s confirmed (conditional or unconditional).
- Complete the Scholarship Application
- Once the Reach Oxford form is live (from 14 Jan 2026), complete it carefully before the 4 Feb deadline.
- You’ll submit: personal statement, financial information, references, proof of nationality, and academic transcripts.
- Selection Stage
- Applications are reviewed in March. Depending on volume and eligibility, shortlisted candidates may be further assessed (possibly via interview).
- Award Notification
- Final decisions are announced in May 2026. Awardees will receive details about their funding and next steps.
- Annual Commitment
- If awarded, you will likely be required to write annual reports on your academic and social progress.
- You must maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep the scholarship.
Selection Criteria
The Reach Oxford Scholarship is extremely competitive, and Oxford selects scholars based on a mix of rigorous criteria:
- Academic Excellence: High grades and strong exam results (or equivalent) are essential.
- Financial Need: Applicants must genuinely demonstrate that they cannot afford to study at Oxford without support.
- Social Commitment: Evidence of involvement in community, leadership, or service is valued.
- Intention to Return: You should show a commitment to contributing to your home country after graduation.
- First Undergraduate Degree: Priority is given to students who have not already completed a degree.
- College Participation: Not all Oxford colleges offer the scholarship; but if your chosen college doesn’t, Oxford may transfer you to a participating college if selected.
Obligations & Expectations of Recipients
Winning a Reach Oxford Scholarship isn’t just about financial support — you’re also expected to:
- Submit Annual Reports: Scholars must write about academic progress, social involvement, and achievements.
- Maintain Good Academic Standing: The scholarship is renewable as long as you meet Oxford’s satisfactory progress criteria.
- Return Home: The scholarship encourages, and with high priority, those who plan to return to their home country afterward, contributing to development.
- Participate in College Life: Be part of the Oxford community — interact with peers, engage in activities, and take advantage of the mentorship and services offered.
Challenges & Things to Consider
- Highly Competitive: With only 2–3 scholarships per year, the selection rate is very low.
- Strict Deadlines: Missing UCAS or scholarship application deadlines will disqualify you.
- High Expectations: To maintain the scholarship, you must meet credit and academic performance standards.
- Intention to Return: The requirement to return home may restrict students who want to stay in the UK after graduation.
- College Availability: Not all Oxford colleges participate every year — even if you’re offered admission, your college might need to change if you win.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Read All Official Guidance
- Review Oxford’s official scholarship guidance notes before applying.
- Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly
- Provide accurate and honest information about your financial situation. Use real documentation if possible (family income, local cost of education, etc.).
- Show Social Impact
- In your personal statement, explain your role in your community, your leadership experience, and your motivation to improve societal conditions.
- Prepare Strong References
- Choose referees who can speak both about your academic potential and your contribution to your community.
- Be Ready for Commitment
- Be prepared to discuss how you plan to return to your home country after graduation and how your Oxford education can help you contribute.
- Practice Interview Skills (if needed)
- While not guaranteed, shortlisted candidates may be invited for further evaluation. If so, be ready to talk about your goals, your country’s challenges, and how studying at Oxford will help you fulfill your mission.
Official Links
- Reach Oxford Scholarship Main Page
- UCAS Application Portal
- Oxford Course List
- Scholarship Guidance Notes (PDF)
- OECD DAC Eligible Country List
Conclusion
The 2026 Reach Oxford Scholarship offers more than just financial relief — it’s a transformative platform for global talent. If you are from a country on the DAC list, have outstanding academics, and a genuine commitment to using your Oxford education to make a difference, this is one of the most powerful scholarships you can aim for.
Applying takes careful planning, dedication, and a compelling personal story. But for the few who earn it, Reach Oxford can be a springboard to profound academic, social, and leadership impact.
