Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship at University of Oxford in UK, 2026

The Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship is one of Oxford’s targeted scholarships designed to open the doors of a world-class education to students with exceptional academic promise who would otherwise be unable to study because of financial constraints. For 2026 entry the award is open for three- and four-year undergraduate courses in the Humanities Division, and it covers tuition at the domestic rate plus an annual grant toward living costs — a life-changing package for the right applicant.

Below you’ll find a practical, in-depth guide that explains who can apply, what the scholarship covers, how to apply (and when), how selection works, smart preparation tips, and links to the official resources you’ll need. Use this as your one-stop article to plan a competitive application for 2026.

Who is eligible

Eligibility rules are set by the University and by the legal terms of the Li scholarship fund. In short, to be considered you must:

1. Be an applicant for an undergraduate degree at Oxford (three- or four-year courses) in the Humanities Division.
2. Demonstrate exceptional academic potential: Oxford will assess your application, test performance (where applicable), written work, and interview to judge academic merit.
3. Show financial need: the selection process includes an assessment of whether financial circumstances would prevent you from taking up an Oxford place without support (you’ll provide information about family income, country context, and any exceptional costs).
4. Be ordinarily resident in an eligible country / meet residency rules set out under the fund’s terms — governance documentation indicates the fund’s intention to support students ordinarily resident in developing countries in Asia, and the University applies these rules when allocating awards (check the governance page for precise wording and any updates).

Important: Oxford’s scholarship panels check both merit and need. Strong academics without credible evidence of financial need may not be prioritized, and likewise, demonstrated need with borderline academics will be less competitive than candidates strong on both dimensions. Balance matters.

What the Scholarship Covers — Financial Benefits

If you win the Simon & June Li Scholarship, here’s what you can expect:

1. Tuition Fees Covered
   • The scholarship pays for the full cost of your undergraduate course fees (at the UK/Home rate). This drastically reduces (or fully removes) the financial burden of studying at Oxford for eligible students.
2. Living-Cost Grant / Maintenance Support
   • In addition to tuition, the scholarship provides a regular grant to support living costs: accommodation, meals, study materials, personal expenses — easing the cost of daily life at Oxford.
   • This reduces the need for external funding or heavy student debt, helping scholars focus on academic performance and personal growth rather than purely survival.
3. Duration
   • The support lasts for the full length of the course: 3-year or 4-year depending on the chosen degree.
4. Yearly Review
   • After each academic year, continuation of the award depends on satisfactory academic progress. Scholars are expected to maintain strong academic performance to keep receiving funding.
   • Scholars are also required to write an annual report summarizing their academic and social activities at Oxford.

How to apply

1. Apply to Oxford via UCAS (choose your Humanities course and select a college or open application). Complete all required tests and written work by the dates listed on Oxford’s admissions pages.
2. Receive an admission decision / offer. Many scholarships, including the Li Scholarship, require you to hold an offer to be considered.
3. Register for scholarships on the University/college portal. Oxford’s scholarships page will show a list of awards for which you are eligible; follow the registration steps and fill the Simon & June Li application form where prompted. (Scholarship applications usually ask for a short personal statement, financial information, and supporting documents).
4. Provide evidence of financial need. Typical documents: household income statements, official letters describing disrupted education or extraordinary expenses, local currency conversions, and any government or NGO letters verifying circumstances. Be honest, clear, and well-organized.
5. Submit referees and supporting statements if requested. Your college or University scholarship form may ask for an academic reference that specifically addresses suitability for the scholarship.
6. Submit by the deadline. Late applications are rarely accepted. Confirm your submission receipt and keep copies of everything.

2026 Application Timeline & Important Dates

To have your application considered for the 2026 intake, you need to follow this timeline closely:

Important Note: If you hold a deferred offer (i.e. you have been offered a place for a later intake), you must apply for the scholarship in the January of the year you will begin your studies. Because only one Li Scholarship will be awarded for that year, missing or delaying any step can cost you the opportunity — so punctuality and completeness are essential.

What Oxford looks for — selection criteria

Oxford balances academic excellence and genuine financial need for this award. The selection panel will typically consider:

• Academic ability and potential: demonstrated by grades/transcripts, admissions-test performance, written work, and interview.
• Financial circumstances: a clear and honest case showing that, without this award, you would not be able to take up your place at Oxford. Provide supporting evidence.
• Personal resilience / context: evidence that you have overcome challenges or that your home context presents systemic barriers to higher education.
• Commitment to your subject: especially important in the Humanities where long-term study and critical thinking are central. Demonstrate why your subject matters to you and your future plans.

Panels will prioritize applicants who are strong on both merit and need — a balanced application is essential.

Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out

1. Start early and organise documents: collect financial records, translations, and certified copies early so you can submit quickly when forms open.
2. Be clear and concise about need: scholarship assessors read many forms — present your financial case with clear figures, a neat budget, and short explanatory notes.
3. Show academic passion: your statements and interview should make clear why you chose this Humanities course and how you have prepared for it. Provide examples of reading, projects, or independent study.
4. Use strong academic references: ask teachers who can speak to both your academic promise and personal circumstances if appropriate.
5. Label and collate evidence: name files consistently (e.g., “LiScholarship_IncomeStatement.pdf”), and include a brief index with your application.
6. Meet every deadline: UCAS and scholarship deadlines are strict — missing them usually means you cannot be considered.

What to Expect — Life as a Li Scholar

Winning the Simon & June Li Scholarship doesn’t just relieve financial burden — it offers a chance to fully immerse in Oxford life, but comes with responsibilities and expectations. Here’s what being a Li Scholar typically involves:

1. Academic Focus with Support
   • With fees covered and living grant provided, you can focus more fully on your degree: essays, tutorials, readings, coursework, and intellectual growth.
   • Less financial stress means more capacity for academic risk-taking, participation in tutorials, and deeper engagement with your chosen subject.
2. Stability & Security
   • Regular grant support offers stability — predictable living cost support each year helps plan budgeting, living arrangements, and everyday expenses.
   • Minimal need to rely on external jobs (or none at all), allowing concentration on studies and campus life.
3. Annual Review & Reporting
   • Scholars must submit an annual report summarizing academic and social progress.
   • Continuation of the scholarship depends on satisfactory academic performance — so consistent effort and focus is key.
4. Integration in Oxford Community
   • As a scholarship holder, you would be part of Oxford’s broader studentship ecosystem — connection to college support, student services, academic networks, and possibly other scholarship recipients.
   • The opportunity may also open doors for mentorship, networking, and extra-curricular engagement, helping you build a long-term foundation beyond your degree.

Official resources

• Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship (official)
• Oxford scholarships hub (all undergraduate awards and deadlines)
• Oxford undergraduate admissions timeline & UCAS deadline
• Governance details of the Li Scholarship Fund (for background on funding, eligibility, and trust regulations)

Conclusion

The Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship is a focused, high-impact award aimed at removing the financial barrier to outstanding Humanities students. Success requires excellent academic preparation, a clear demonstration of financial need, and careful adherence to Oxford’s admissions and scholarship timelines. If you combine those elements with a persuasive, well-documented application, this award can turn an Oxford place from a dream into a funded reality.