Scholarships are awarded to academically excellent students with the best proven and future potential. Clarendon Scholarships are highly competitive, with less than 10% of applicants selected for the scholarship. Scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full and a generous grant for living expenses, and are open to students starting a new course at Oxford.
Whilst there are no quotas by course type, the majority of Clarendon scholars are working towards a DPhil (PhD). Scholarships are also awarded for 2-year graduate degrees (MPhil/BPhil/MLitt) or 1-year degrees (MSc/MSt/MBA/MFE).
A distinguishing feature of Clarendon scholarships is that scholars are selected from the leaders in their field - that is, academic departments nominate whom they believe are the most deserving of their place at the University of Oxford based on their academic record and ability to contribute significantly to their field of study, both in the present and future. This feature ensures the best and brightest minds are selected as Clarendon scholars.
Selection criteria vary slightly depending on the subject area and whether applicants apply for a taught or research degree, but include:
* An excellent academic record is essential: A first class honours degree or its equivalent (a GPA score of at least 3.7 if the mark is out of 4) or an outstanding academic record at Master's level is necessary. Other indicators of high academic achievement may include individual marks on student transcripts; evidence of previous university prizes or awards; information on your overall position within your cohort; and publications (if applicable).
* Aptitude for the proposed course of study: This may be assessed by reviewing academic references, the research proposal, demonstrated evidence of aptitude for research, and the likelihood the scholar will contribute significantly to their field of study.
* Student motivation: This is assessed through evidence of the applicant's commitment to their proposed course, evaluated by the personal statement and referees' reports.
The closing date is the same as the January application deadline for submitting a graduate admissions application to the University (7 January 2011 for Medical Sciences and Philosophy; 14 January 2011 for Said Business School applicants; 21 January 2011 for all other subjects).
Source: http://www.clarendon.ox.ac.uk/about/
