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The Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities is a premier, fully-funded scholarship at the University of Oxford, established to honour the legacy of Mica and Ahmet Ertegun. It is designed to support outstanding graduate students with a passion for the humanities, enabling them to pursue a full-time master's or DPhil (PhD) degree at one of the world's most prestigious universities. If you have a deep intellectual curiosity and the potential to become a leader in your academic field, this scholarship offers the opportunity to develop your research in a vibrant, interdisciplinary community.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application deadline is expected to be in January 2026 (exact date to be confirmed by the university). This guide will walk prospective scholars through every step of the process, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, details of the funding, the paperwork required, and the selection timeline. You can be fully prepared to make the most of this transformative opportunity to study, live, and experience Oxford's rich academic culture.

The scholarship is exclusively applicable to full-time graduate programmes within the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford. You can choose from a wide range of eligible master's and DPhil courses.

Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme Awards

The Ertegun Graduate Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully-funded opportunities for humanities scholars worldwide to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Oxford. It provides the chance to engage in groundbreaking research and join a close-knit community of exceptional scholars.

The scholarship covers a wide range of expenses to ensure you can focus fully on your academic work. The support includes:

• Full payment of university tuition fees
• A generous annual grant for living costs (the rate for 2024-25 is £19,355, and a similar amount is expected for 2025-26)
• Access to the dedicated Ertegun House, a state-of-the-art academic centre for scholars

Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme Amount

The Ertegun Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support valued at over GBP 40,000 (INR 42 Lakhs) per year, covering your entire course of study.

Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme Benefits

Beyond full financial coverage, the Ertegun Programme offers unparalleled academic and professional advantages. You join a lifelong community of leading humanities scholars.

You must be applying to start a new graduate course in an eligible humanities subject at the University of Oxford. The criteria are specific and must be met fully.

Countries Eligible Under Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme

The Ertegun Scholarship is a global programme. Students from all countries and backgrounds are welcome to apply.

The application process is integrated with the University of Oxford's graduate admissions. It is highly competitive and requires careful attention to detail.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure your desired course is listed among the eligible humanities subjects on the official Ertegun website.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Gather all required documents, including transcripts, references, your CV, and a draft of your course-specific statement of purpose.

Step 3: Complete the Ertegun Supporting Statement
Prepare your answers to the specific questions for the Ertegun Scholarship. This is a critical component of your application.

Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Fill out the University of Oxford's Graduate Application Form. In the 'Funding' section, you must select 'Ertegun Graduate Scholarships in the Humanities' to be considered. Upload your Ertegun Supporting Statement as a PDF along with your other documents.

Step 5: Submit and Await Assessment
After submitting your application by the January deadline, it will be assessed by both your prospective academic department and the Ertegun Selection Committee.

Step 6: Receive a Decision
The final decisions are made by the Ertegun Scholarships Selection Committee. Successful candidates are typically notified by the University's central funding decisions timeline.

Application Timeline for Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme

The entire process from application to starting your studies takes nearly a year. Adhering to the timeline is critical for success.

Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme Interview

The selection process is primarily based on the written application. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed for their chosen course of study as part of the standard Oxford admissions process. The Ertegun Selection Committee's decision is based on the strength of the entire application, with particular emphasis on the academic merit and the Ertegun Supporting Statement.

Students from all countries and all backgrounds are welcome to apply for Ertegun Scholarships, including UK students. 

You need to prepare several documents for your application to both the University of Oxford and the Ertegun Scholarship. These are crucial for the assessment.

• Completed online Graduate Application Form.
• Official university transcripts and degree certificates.
• Three academic or professional references.
• Statement of purpose/personal statement (as required by your course).
• CV/Resumé.
• Written work (if required by your course).
• Ertegun Supporting Statement: A separate document answering specific questions about your research and fit for the Ertegun community (uploaded as a PDF).

FAQs about Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities

Who is eligible for the Ertegun Graduate Scholarship?

You must be applying to a full-time master's or DPhil course within the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford. Students from all nationalities are eligible, including those from the UK.

What does the Ertegun Scholarship cover?

It is a fully-funded scholarship covering 100% of your course fees and providing a generous annual grant for living costs (approx. £19,355 for 2024-25).

Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?

No. You apply by selecting the Ertegun Scholarship in the funding section of the standard University of Oxford Graduate Application Form. However, you must also complete and upload a separate Ertegun Supporting Statement.

What is the most important part of the Ertegun application?

While your academic excellence is paramount, the Ertegun Supporting Statement is crucial. It is your chance to demonstrate your passion for the humanities, your fit for the Ertegun community, and how you will contribute to its intellectual life.

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