Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 for International Students. Applications are now open for the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 in the United Kingdom. This fully funded master’s scholarship at Oxford University is designed for talented women from low- and middle-income countries who aspire to pursue postgraduate studies in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
If you dream of studying at Oxford but face financial constraints, this scholarship could be your pathway to success. The initiative, supported by the Optiver Foundation, aims to empower future female leaders in STEM by providing financial support, mentorship, and academic guidance.
Quick Summary of the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026:
- Host University: Oxford University, UK
- Degree Level: Master’s Programs in STEM
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (tuition + living stipend)
- Eligible Nationalities: All international applicants from low- and middle-income countries
- Application Deadlines: November 2025, December 2025, or January 2026 (based on chosen program)
- Scholarship Start Date: October 2026
About Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026
The Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 are part of a pioneering initiative by the University of Oxford, targeting outstanding female students from low- and middle-income countries who face financial challenges in accessing higher education.
This scholarship program will support up to 30 master’s students over five years, providing them with funding, mentoring, and unique academic opportunities. The 2026 intake will be the fourth cohort of Optiver Foundation Scholars.
Oxford University, founded in 1096, is recognized as the world’s top-ranked university (THE World University Rankings 2025) and ranks 4th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Scholarship Coverage (Financial Benefits)
The Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) offers:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Generous living allowance for daily expenses
- Access to introductory academic events
- Personalized mentoring throughout the program
- Continuous academic support from Oxford University
Eligible Master’s Programs
Applicants must choose one of the approved STEM master’s courses at Oxford, including:
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Engineering Science
- Mathematical Institute
Advanced and specialized programs also include:
- Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
- Quantum Technologies
- Statistical Science
- Advanced Computer Science
- Energy Systems
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026 in the UK, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Open exclusively to female applicants from eligible low- and middle-income countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Vietnam, and more than 100 others).
- Must apply to one of the approved master’s courses listed above.
- The applicant’s gender must be recorded as female on official identification documents (passport/visa).
- Students already studying at Oxford or holding deferred offers are not eligible.
Application Deadline
The application deadlines depend on the selected program: November 2025, December 2025, or January 2026.
Final selections will be communicated by May 2026.
How to Apply for Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarship 2026?
- Submit a graduate application through the official Oxford University application portal by the program-specific deadline.
- Complete the additional scholarship application form provided during the admission process.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by May 2026.