The prestigious University of Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for exceptional female students from low- and middle-income countries to pursue postgraduate study in STEM fields. This fully funded scholarship, supported by the Optiver Foundation, aims to increase the participation of women in STEM by removing financial barriers and fostering diversity in research and academia. Successful candidates will receive full tuition coverage, living costs, and tailored mentorship while joining one of the world’s top-ranked universities.

About the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities, placed 3rd in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 1st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. Renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and historic legacy, Oxford is home to more than 26,000 students from over 160 countries. The university leads global advancements in science, engineering, and technology and offers an inspiring environment for ambitious scholars. Studying at Oxford equips students with the skills, networks, and knowledge to become future leaders in their fields.

Oxford university Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026 Overview 

Field	Details
Scholarship Name	Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026
Host University	University of Oxford
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded
Degree Level	Taught Master’s
Eligible Applicants	Female students from low- and middle-income countries
Eligible Fields	STEM disciplines (selected MSc programs)
Application Deadline	November 2025, December 2025, or January 2026 (course-specific)
Study Start Date	October 2026

Scholarship Benefits

• Full coverage of course fees for the entire duration of the Master’s program
• A grant for living costs to support daily expenses in the UK
• Tailored induction activities to help students transition into Oxford’s academic environment
• Access to mentoring and on-course support throughout the program
• Membership in Oxford’s world-class STEM departments and research community
• Opportunity to contribute to diversity and representation in global STEM fields
• Networking opportunities with international scholars and research leaders

Eligible Courses

Multiple courses are offered:

• MSc Energy Systems (Engineering Science)
• MSc Advanced Computer Science
• MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
• MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
• MSc Mathematical Sciences
• MSc Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science
• MSc in Quantum Technologies
• MSc Statistical Science
• MSc Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Optiver Foundation Scholarships, applicants must:

1. Be female students as stated on their passport or visa (must match the application form).
2. Be ordinarily resident in one of the eligible low- or middle-income countries.
3. Be applying to start an eligible Master’s course at Oxford in October 2026.
4. Demonstrate strong academic merit and potential in STEM-related fields.
5. Not already be studying at Oxford or holding a deferred offer for 2026–27.

Note: Transgender applicants may apply if their documents reflect their stated sex on the application form.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply successfully:

• Submit your graduate course application to Oxford by the relevant November 2025/December 2025/January 2026 deadline for your chosen course.
• On the graduate application form, tick the box indicating interest in the Optiver Foundation Scholarships.
• If you meet the criteria, Oxford will ask you to complete an additional scholarship form that evaluates your socio-economic background.
• A panel of academic staff will assess your application based on academic excellence and potential.
• If selected, you will receive a scholarship offer via email (typically by May 2026).
• Accept the scholarship and fulfill all admission conditions to secure your fully funded place.

Comparison with Similar Opportunities

Feature	Optiver Foundation Scholarships (Oxford)	Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Clarendon Fund Scholarship
University	University of Oxford	University of Cambridge	University of Oxford
Degree Level	Taught Master’s (STEM)	Master’s & PhD (all fields)	Master’s & PhD (all fields)
Funding Type	Fully funded	Fully funded	Fully funded
Target Group	Women from low- and middle-income countries	Global students	Global students
Number of Awards	Up to 6 annually	~80 annually	~140 annually
Application Deadline	Nov–Jan (course-specific)	October	January
Additional Support	Mentoring & induction support	Leadership development programs	Academic and social support

FAQs About Oxford university Optiver Foundation Scholarships 2026

1. Q1. What is the Optiver Foundation Scholarship at Oxford?
   It is a fully funded scholarship for women from low- and middle-income countries to study STEM Master’s programs at Oxford starting in October 2026.
2. Q2. Who funds this scholarship?
   The scholarship is funded by the Optiver Foundation, in partnership with the University of Oxford.
3. Q3. How many scholarships are available for 2026?
   Up to six scholarships will be awarded for the 2026 intake.
4. Q4. Which fields of study are covered under this scholarship?
   It covers specific STEM fields such as computer science, physics, statistics, engineering science, chemistry, and mathematics.
5. Q5. Who is eligible to apply?
   Female students from eligible low- and middle-income countries who meet Oxford’s admission requirements.
6. Q6. Is this scholarship open to current Oxford students?
   No, current Oxford students are not eligible to apply.
7. Q7. Does the scholarship cover living costs?
   Yes, it provides a grant to cover living expenses during the program.
8. Q8. How do I apply for the scholarship?
   Submit a graduate application to Oxford by the course deadline and tick the Optiver Scholarship box. If shortlisted, complete an additional scholarship form.
9. Q9. When will successful applicants get the notification?
   Most scholarship offers are sent out by May 2026.
10. Q10. Where can I see the list of eligible countries?
    You can find the list on the official Oxford webpage here.

Important Notes

• Make sure to meet the course-specific deadlines in November, December, or January.
• Your passport/visa must match the sex stated on your application form.
• Your offer must not be a deferred one for 2026-27.

If you are a passionate female student from a low- or middle-income country aspiring to excel in STEM, this is your chance to join the prestigious University of Oxford with full financial support. Begin your application early, prepare your documents carefully, and submit your graduate application before the deadline to secure this life-changing opportunity. APPLY NOW.

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