Optiver Foundation Scholarships at the University of Oxford

The next Optiver Foundation Scholars will begin their studies at Oxford in October 2026, and will be the fourth cohort of the scholarship scheme. Scholars will join the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Science, or the Mathematical Institute, and will receive full financial support to cover their course fees, as well as a grant for living costs. The donation will also enable the provision of tailored induction activities, mentoring, and on-course support for the scholars.

Thanks to the generosity of the Optiver Foundation, Oxford will also develop and pilot a new way of assessing the socio-economic background of international applicants. This will ensure that the funding provided through the new Optiver Foundation Scholarship Programme is finely targeted at eligible offer-holders who are most in need of financial support. Key findings from this pilot will be used to inform future scholarship programme development at the University.

Oxford is committed to nurturing the global researchers, academics and scientific leaders of the future. However, financial barriers are known to prevent some talented students from pursuing postgraduate study at the University, particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. This situation is further compounded in STEM disciplines (excluding biomedical and life sciences), where, despite progress in recent years, additional barriers have resulted in lower participation of women on postgraduate courses – both internationally and at Oxford.

By targeting support at women from low to middle-income countries, the Optiver Foundation Scholarship Programme will play an important role in increasing postgraduate diversity in STEM subjects at Oxford, as well as contributing to a more a diverse workforce in the longer term.

How to apply

To be considered for this scholarship, submit your application for graduate study by the relevant November, December, or January deadline for your course, and tick the relevant box on the graduate application form.

If you meet the advertised eligibility criteria, we will ask you to complete an additional scholarship application form to ask about your socio-economic situation and to assess for potential disadvantage and under-representation.

What happens after you apply?

1. Applicants who have completed the additional application form, who meet the eligibility criteria, and who receive an offer from an eligible course will be assessed for the scholarship by a panel of academic staff, based on academic merit and potential.
2. Successful candidates will be contacted with a scholarship offer.
3. If you are offered, and accept, a scholarship, this means your funding is now secure as long as you meet the conditions of your offer of a place to study at Oxford.

All successful applicants will be contacted by email and the majority of offers are sent out in May.