Applications are now open for the prestigious Berrow Foundation Scholarships 2027 at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading universities. These highly competitive fully funded scholarships provide exceptional Swiss students with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford University as members of Lincoln College.
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships are designed for Swiss nationals domiciled in Switzerland who wish to undertake graduate studies across a wide range of disciplines. In addition, the Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships specifically support postgraduate studies in medicine, chemistry, and biochemical sciences.
The scholarships cover full tuition fees and provide a generous living stipend equivalent to the Rhodes Scholarship allowance, making this one of the most attractive international funding opportunities available to Swiss students.
About the Berrow Foundation Scholarships
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships are associated with Lincoln College at the University of Oxford and are awarded annually to outstanding Swiss graduates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, integrity, fellowship, and commitment to contributing positively to society.
The scholarships are tenable only at Lincoln College, Oxford, and recipients are expected to actively participate in college and university life throughout their studies.
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships support postgraduate programs such as:
- DPhil
- MSc
- MLitt
- MSt
- MPhil
- MJur
- BPhil
- Other eligible graduate programs at Oxford University
Fields of Study
Berrow Foundation Scholarships
The general Berrow Foundation Scholarships support postgraduate study in virtually all academic disciplines available at Oxford University.
Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships
The Lord Florey Scholarships are specifically reserved for postgraduate studies in:
- Medicine
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Related medical and biochemical sciences
Applicants should note that research involving human embryos, cloning, or embryonic stem cells will not be funded under the Lord Florey Scholarships.
Scholarship Benefits
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including:
Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarships fully cover Oxford University combined course fees, including:
- University tuition fees
- Lincoln College fees
Generous Living Stipend
Recipients receive a living allowance equivalent to the Rhodes Scholarship stipend.
For the 2025/26 academic year, this amounted to:
- £20,400 per annum
This funding is intended to support accommodation, meals, transportation, and daily living expenses while studying in the United Kingdom.
Additional Conference Funding (Lord Florey Scholars)
Lord Florey Scholars may also receive:
- Up to £1,500 additional conference travel funding
This can be used for presenting papers or posters at academic conferences.
Scholarship Duration
The scholarships are tenable for:
- Up to 3 academic years
Lord Florey Scholars who require a fourth year to complete a DPhil may apply for additional financial support.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Berrow Foundation Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Berrow Foundation Scholarships
Applicants must:
- Be Swiss nationals
- Be domiciled in Switzerland
- Be graduates from:
- University of Berne
- University of Fribourg
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Neuchâtel
- EPFL
Candidates must also:
- Currently be studying at one of these institutions OR
- Be within five years of completing their first degree
Applicants must not currently be studying for a degree at Oxford University.
Lord Florey Scholarships
Applicants must:
- Be Swiss nationals domiciled in Switzerland
- Be graduates from ANY Swiss university, including:
- ETH Zürich
- EPFL
- Other recognized Swiss universities
Applicants must be within five years of graduation from their first degree.
For medicine applicants, the five-year period is counted from obtaining the Federal Diploma in Medicine.
Selection Criteria
The Berrow Foundation evaluates applicants based on more than academic achievement alone.
Candidates are assessed on qualities such as:
- Truth
- Courage
- Devotion to duty
- Fellowship
- Unselfishness
- Leadership potential
- Contribution to society
Applicants should also demonstrate excellent written and spoken English proficiency before submitting an application.
Scholarship Conditions
Successful scholars are expected to:
- Undertake graduate study at Lincoln College, Oxford
- Contribute actively to college life
- Reside in Britain during the scholarship period
- Avoid paid employment without permission from the Foundation
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Submit annual progress reports
- Acknowledge The Berrow Foundation in publications and public profiles
The Foundation reserves the right to terminate the scholarship for unsatisfactory conduct or academic performance.
Application Process
The application process for the Berrow Foundation Scholarships involves multiple stages.
Step 1: Apply for the Scholarship First
Candidates must first submit an application to The Berrow Foundation before applying to Oxford University.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Completed online scholarship application form
- Two pieces of written work
- Two reference letters submitted directly by referees
References should be emailed to:
Step 3: Interview Stage
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews conducted in English in Geneva.
Step 4: Apply to Oxford University
Successful scholarship candidates must then submit their official graduate application to the University of Oxford and select Lincoln College as their preferred college choice.
Important Dates
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications for October 2027 entry is:
- 28 August 2026
Interview Date
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in Geneva on:
- 30 October 2026
Why You Should Apply
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships represent one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate opportunities available to Swiss students.
Studying at Oxford University offers:
- Access to world-class education
- Networking with global scholars and leaders
- Membership in the historic Lincoln College community
- Academic mentorship from leading researchers
- Career advancement opportunities
- International exposure and leadership development
For ambitious Swiss students seeking postgraduate study at Oxford, this scholarship can be truly life-changing.
Learn more and apply
Interested applicants can apply through the Berrow Foundation Scholarships portal HERE.
Click HERE to learn more about the Fully Funded Berrow Foundation Scholarships 2027.
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