About Academic Futures
Academic Futures is a comprehensive scholarship initiative by the University of Oxford aimed at addressing under-representation in graduate education. By fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion, this programme offers up to 50 full awards across three dedicated streams:
- Black Academic Futures
- Refugee Academic Futures
- Care-Experienced Academic Futures
These scholarships reflect the University’s commitment to attracting the best minds from diverse backgrounds to drive innovation and positive change globally. For additional funding options, explore the University’s Fees and Funding section.
Funding Partners
Academic Futures is generously supported by a wide range of University departments, colleges, and external partners, including:
- All Souls College
- Balliol College
- Blavatnik School of Government
- Bluebell Capital Partners
- Brasenose College
- [and many others…]
For more info, please visit https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/access/academic-futures
Black Academic Futures
Overview
The Black Academic Futures Scholarships provide financial support for UK-based Black and Mixed Black students pursuing postgraduate studies at Oxford. The programme spans all academic disciplines, with scholarships covering full course fees and offering grants for living expenses for the entire duration of the programme.
Eligibility
- Applicants must reside in the UK and identify as Black or Mixed Black ethnicity.
- Must hold an offer for a full-time or part-time master’s or DPhil course starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Residency in the UK for three years prior to the course start date is required, excluding time spent in the UK for full-time education (exceptions apply).
Application Process
- Submit your completed graduate course application by the relevant deadline (November, December, or January).
- Ensure ethnicity information is included in your application.
- No separate scholarship application form is required.
Selection and Notification
- Applicants will be assessed based on academic merit and potential.
- Scholarship offers are typically made in May, with placements confirmed for awards tied to specific colleges.
For more info, please visit https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/access/academic-futures
Refugee Academic Futures
Overview
The Refugee Academic Futures Scholarships support students with refugee status or lived experience of displacement. This programme offers funding for all academic disciplines, covering full course fees and living expenses. Additional support includes mentoring and tailored programmes for pre-arrival, on-course, and post-completion.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals displaced due to conflict, persecution, or human rights violations.
- Applicants must hold an offer for a master’s or DPhil programme (full-time or part-time) starting in 2025-26.
Application Process
- Applicants must indicate refugee/displacement status on their graduate course application form.
- Eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the scholarship. If the box was not ticked, candidates may email confirmation by April 4, 2025.
Selection and Notification
- Applications are reviewed by a panel of academics for eligibility and merit.
- Offers are communicated by June, with secure funding upon meeting course conditions.
Contact
For more information, reach out to the Oxford Sanctuary Community via sanctuary@ox.ac.uk.
For more info, please visit https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/access/academic-futures
Care-Experienced Academic Futures
Overview
The Care-Experienced Academic Futures Scholarships offer financial support for students who have experienced care in the UK. These scholarships assist with course fees and living costs, providing opportunities for students to overcome educational barriers.
Eligibility
- Open to students with a history of care in the UK, including foster care, residential homes, kinship care, or adoption before the age of 18.
- Applicants must hold an offer for a full-time or part-time master’s or DPhil course starting in 2025-26.
Application Process
- Applicants must indicate care-experienced status on the graduate application form.
- Eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the scholarship. If the box was not ticked, candidates may email confirmation by April 4, 2025.
Selection and Notification
- Applications are assessed for eligibility and ranked by a panel of academics.
- Scholarship offers are made by June, with placements confirmed for college-specific awards.
For more info, please visit https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/access/academic-futures
