Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 at Oxford University

The University of Oxford has officially announced the opening of applications for the Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform opportunities for women in STEM from low and middle-income countries.

So, dreaming of studying at Oxford but worried about financial barriers? For talented women from low and middle-income countries, the Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 could be the golden key to unlock postgraduate success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

About the Scholarship

The Optiver Foundation Scholarships will provide full financial coverage for tuition fees alongside a generous living grant. Scholars will also benefit from tailored induction activities, mentoring, and continuous academic support throughout their journey at Oxford.

Eligible students will be able to pursue master’s degrees in departments including:

1. Statistics
2. Computer Science
3. Physics
4. Chemistry
5. Engineering Science
6. Mathematical Institute

Courses covered include advanced fields such as Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, Quantum Technologies, Statistical Science, Advanced Computer Science, and Energy Systems.

Oxford is piloting a new socio-economic assessment method to ensure the scholarships reach the most deserving candidates who face genuine financial barriers.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Open exclusively to female applicants ordinarily resident in eligible low and middle-income countries (see full list including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Vietnam, and over 100 others).
2. Applicants must apply for one of the listed eligible master’s courses.
3. The sex on the application must be listed as female on official identity documents such as passports or visas.
4. Students currently enrolled at Oxford or holding deferred offers are not eligible.

Apply: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship-search/optiver-foundation-scholarships

Application Deadline

To be considered for the Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 at Oxford University, applicants must submit their graduate course applications by the standard Oxford deadlines in November 2025, December 2025, or January 2026, depending on the chosen programme. Eligible candidates who complete the additional scholarship form will be assessed, and successful scholars will be notified by May 2026.