Students planning to pursue a DPhil (PhD) at the University of Oxford for the 2026–2027 academic year now have a major funding opportunity to consider. The Oxford Wolfson Marriott Graduate Scholarships 2026 are officially available for eligible doctoral candidates applying to selected research fields at Oxford’s Wolfson College.
These prestigious scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving international and domestic researchers with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential in science, mathematics, and interdisciplinary research fields. With funding support covering tuition and living costs, this scholarship remains one of the most competitive doctoral funding opportunities in the UK for 2026 entry.
This news guide explains the scholarship coverage, eligible subjects, selection criteria, and application process for candidates preparing their Oxford DPhil applications this year.
What Makes the Oxford Wolfson Marriott Scholarships Highly Competitive?
The Oxford Wolfson Marriott Graduate Scholarships were established through a generous endowment from Dr. Francis Marriott, a long-serving lecturer and Fellow of Wolfson College. The scholarship continues to support exceptional doctoral candidates whose research aligns with high-impact scientific and mathematical disciplines.
These scholarships are jointly funded through Oxford’s Graduate Scholarship Matched Fund and are awarded in collaboration with departments, faculties, and doctoral training centres across the University of Oxford. Selection focuses heavily on academic excellence, research potential, and the ability to contribute to global scientific advancement.
In many cases, these awards are also aligned with the prestigious Clarendon Fund, meaning applicants may be simultaneously considered for multiple major Oxford funding opportunities through a single graduate application.
Eligible DPhil Subjects for Oxford Wolfson Marriott Scholarships
For the 2026–2027 academic cycle, Wolfson College is expected to offer scholarships in selected doctoral research areas in partnership with relevant Oxford departments and doctoral training centres.
Eligible fields include:
- Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science (via MPLS Doctoral Training Centre)
- Oncology (in partnership with the Department of Oncology)
- Mathematics (with the Mathematical Institute)
- Condensed Matter Physics (subject to confirmation with the Sub-Department of Condensed Matter Physics)
Applicants must secure admission to an eligible DPhil programme in one of these fields at the University of Oxford to be considered for the scholarship.
What the Oxford Wolfson Marriott Scholarship Covers?
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial support for the full duration of their doctoral programme. The funding package includes coverage of tuition fees and a living stipend aligned with UK doctoral funding standards.
The scholarship provides:
- Full course fees covered at the Home/Republic of Ireland rate
- Annual living stipend aligned with the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend (previously £20,780 for 2025–2026 and expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry)
- Funding for the full duration of fee liability for the approved DPhil course
- Potential departmental top-ups that may increase funding up to the overseas fee rate in exceptional cases
- Study support grant for part-time DPhil candidates where applicable
This funding structure ensures that scholars can fully focus on research without financial constraints while studying at one of the world’s top universities.
How to Apply for Oxford Wolfson Marriott Scholarships?
There is no separate application form for the Oxford Wolfson Marriott Graduate Scholarships. Candidates must apply for an eligible DPhil programme at the University of Oxford through the standard graduate admissions process.
To ensure scholarship consideration:
- Submit your Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline for your chosen course
- Select Wolfson College as your first-choice college where possible
- Ensure all academic and supporting documents are complete before the deadline
- Meet course-specific admission requirements and research proposal standards
Applicants who list Wolfson College as their first preference may receive priority when candidates of equal academic merit are being considered.
Why You Should Consider Oxford Wolfson Scholarships?
For doctoral applicants aiming to conduct advanced research in the UK, the Oxford Wolfson Marriott Graduate Scholarships offer a rare opportunity to study at Oxford with substantial financial support. With automatic consideration alongside Clarendon and selected UKRI funding, candidates can access multiple funding pathways through a single application.
The combination of full funding, access to Oxford’s world-leading research ecosystem, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities makes this scholarship particularly attractive for candidates seeking long-term academic or research careers.
Apply: https://www.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/#jump-collapse10050
Application Timeline for Oxford Graduate Funding 2026–2027
Applicants must submit their graduate application to the University of Oxford by the relevant course deadline, typically falling in January 2026, depending on the programme.