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About the Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Graduate Scholarships 2025/2026
The Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Graduate Scholarships offer a remarkable opportunity for talented postgraduate students from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Created through the generous support of the Qatar Development Fund and other benefactors, these scholarships were established to support international education and are administered by Somerville College in partnership with the University of Oxford.
This fully-funded scholarship is part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships program, a pioneering initiative where matched funding by Oxford University enables the creation of scholarships for exceptional graduate students worldwide. The university contributes 40% of the scholarship funds, while the remaining 60% is provided by philanthropic donations from supporters of Somerville College. Specifically, the Oxford-Qatar-Thatcher Graduate Scholarship was made possible through a generous £3 million donation from the Qatar Development Fund, which prioritizes causes in education, health, and economic development on a global scale.
The scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, with four awards expected annually. At the graduate level, it supports students enrolled in the Faculty of English Language and Literature, the Department of Engineering Science, and the Faculty of Law. This scholarship program aims to encourage academic excellence and nurture individuals who demonstrate strong determination, helping them thrive in their chosen fields.
Notably, the scholarship is exclusively tenable at Somerville College. Eligible applicants are automatically considered regardless of their college preference during the application process; however, recipients of this scholarship are required to transfer to Somerville College to receive funding and complete their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Graduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Admission to Graduate Study: Applicants must secure an offer of admission to their chosen course by the January application deadline for that course.
- Academic Merit: Scholarships are awarded based on the academic excellence and achievements of the applicants, emphasizing a strong academic record.
- No Deferred Offers: Applicants with deferred offers to start in the 2023/24 academic year are not eligible.
Benefits of the Oxford-Thatcher Scholarships
The Oxford-Thatcher Scholarship is a comprehensive financial package covering 100% of university and college fees. In addition, scholars receive a grant for living expenses, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their studies without the financial burden of tuition and living costs.
How to Apply for the Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Graduate Scholarships 2025/2026
Applicants must submit their graduate application for the relevant course by the designated January deadline. This ensures they are automatically considered for the scholarship if they meet the eligibility and admission requirements. Successful candidates will be selected by the end of May 2025.
This opportunity provides an outstanding pathway for students from the MENA region to advance their academic careers and develop their professional skills in an internationally acclaimed academic environment. For more details on the application process and eligibility, visit the official scholarship webpage on the University of Oxford’s site.
Please note that applications for the Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Graduate Scholarships must be submitted by the relevant January 2025 deadline, which varies depending on the specific course of study. This deadline is critical, as all applicants must apply for graduate study at Oxford by this date to be eligible for scholarship consideration.
See also:
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Apply for the $5,000 Pathways Access Scholarship at Swinburne University 2025
