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The Optiver Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded award for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Funded by a generous donation from the Optiver Foundation and administered directly by the university, this scholarship is designed to support outstanding female students from low-to-middle-income countries. Its primary goal is to increase diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields at Oxford and, in the longer term, within the global workforce.

By targeting support for women from regions often underrepresented in STEM, the programme aims to break down financial and social barriers. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the scholarship will support its third cohort of scholars. Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support and become part of a vibrant academic community, benefiting from tailored mentoring and networking opportunities. This guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and key deadlines to help you prepare a strong application for this transformative opportunity.

This scholarship is exclusively for specific full-time master's courses at the University of Oxford. It is not applicable to other universities. The programme focuses on key STEM departments to empower women in these critical fields.

Eligible Master's Courses at Oxford:
The scholarship is available for the following courses, typically within the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Science, or the Mathematical Institute:

• 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 Statistical Science
• MSc Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

Optiver Foundation Scholarships Awards

The Optiver Foundation Scholarship is a fully-funded award that covers all major expenses, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies at the University of Oxford. The support is comprehensive and includes both financial and developmental components.

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

• Full payment of tuition fees.
• A grant for living costs to cover accommodation and daily expenses.
• Tailored induction activities to help you settle in.
• Mentoring and on-course support throughout the academic year.

Optiver Foundation Scholarships Amount

The scholarship provides full financial support. While the exact monetary value depends on the specific course fees and living costs, it is a comprehensive award covering the entire study period.

Optiver Foundation Scholarships Benefits

Beyond the financial coverage, the Optiver Foundation Scholarship offers significant professional and academic advantages, creating a foundation for long-term success.

The eligibility criteria are specific and must be met fully. The scholarship targets female applicants from eligible countries to promote diversity in STEM.

Countries Eligible Under Optiver Foundation Scholarships

The scholarship is for women ordinarily resident in low-to-middle-income countries. While a specific list is not always published, eligible countries typically include nations across regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America. You should confirm your country's eligibility based on standard classifications for Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients.

The application process is unique because you cannot apply directly for the scholarship initially. You must first secure an offer of admission to an eligible course.

Step 1: Apply to an Eligible Oxford Course
Before the relevant application deadline for your chosen course (typically in November, December, or January), you must submit a complete application for admission to the University of Oxford.

Step 2: Receive a Course Offer
If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of admission from the university for your master's course.

Step 3: Receive the Scholarship Invitation
The university will contact you if you meet the eligibility criteria (female, from an eligible country, with a course offer). They will invite you to apply for the Optiver Foundation Scholarship.

Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application Form
You will need to complete a separate scholarship application form. This form will ask about your socio-economic background to assess potential disadvantage and under-representation.

Step 5: Await the Final Decision
The selection committee will review the scholarship applications, and successful candidates will be notified directly by the university.

Please note: The entire process hinges on first gaining admission to an eligible Oxford course by the stated deadlines.

Application Timeline for Optiver Foundation Scholarships

Adhering to the course application deadlines is critical, as the scholarship application is a subsequent step.

Optiver Foundation Scholarships Interview

Based on available information, the selection process for the Optiver Foundation Scholarship does not typically involve a separate interview. The selection is made based on the strength of your course application and the information provided in the subsequent scholarship form regarding your background and socio-economic situation. The primary "hurdle" is gaining admission to the highly competitive master's course at Oxford.

Up to six scholarships are available to females who are ordinarily resident in an eligible country and who are applying to start an eligible master's course at Oxford in October 2026. 

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.

The initial requirement is your application for an eligible course at Oxford. Once you have received an offer, you will be invited to apply for the scholarship and will need to provide information, likely including:

• Proof of identity (e.g., Passport).
• Evidence of residency in an eligible country.
• Documentation supporting the socio-economic information provided in the scholarship application form.

FAQs about Optiver Foundation Scholarships

Who is eligible for the Optiver Foundation Scholarship?

You must be a female applicant who is ordinarily resident in an eligible low-to middle-income country. You must also have received an offer for one of the specified STEM master's courses at the University of Oxford.

What does the Optiver Foundation Scholarship cover?

It is a fully-funded scholarship that covers 100% of your university tuition fees and provides a grant for your living costs for the duration of your course.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

You do not apply directly. You must first apply for an eligible master's course at Oxford by the course deadline. If you receive an offer and meet the criteria, the university will invite you to apply for the scholarship.

Is there an interview for the scholarship?

There is typically no separate interview for the scholarship. Selection is based on your course application and the information you provide in the scholarship application form.

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