Written by Christian Chinonso
Founder, LearnViaHub | Academic Credential & International Student Research
✓ Last checked: 19 October 2026
Quick answer
To be considered for the Clarendon Fund you apply to a new full-time or part-time Oxford Master’s or DPhil course by its December or January deadline. There is no restriction by nationality, ordinary residence or field of study (Oxford).
Oxford says the majority of successful scholars usually have at least a first class honours degree or its equivalent, with a GPA of 3.7 on a 4-point scale as a benchmark. That is a guide to who succeeds, not a published cut-off.
You must also meet the English language level your course sets, and you are not eligible if you hold a deferred graduate offer or are continuing the same degree at Oxford.
Clarendon eligibility checklist
| Requirement | What Oxford says |
|---|---|
| Course | A new Master’s or DPhil; all full-time and part-time courses are eligible |
| Deadline | Your course’s December or January deadline; March or later is not eligible for Oxford scholarships |
| Nationality and residence | No restriction |
| Field of study | No restriction |
| Academic standard | Selection on outstanding academic record, potential and motivation; no formal minimum is published |
| English language | The level your course page sets (standard or higher) |
| Separate application | Not required; you are automatically considered |
Source: Oxford’s Clarendon page and applicants page; deadlines from Oxford, when to apply. Oxford does not mention an age limit or work experience requirement on these pages.
Academic standard
Oxford selects scholars for their outstanding academic merit and potential. It says the majority of successful scholars usually have at least a first class honours degree or its equivalent, and gives a GPA of at least 3.7 on a 4-point scale as a benchmark. An exceptional Master’s record can offset a moderate first degree.
For DPhil applicants, the proposal, references and prior academic work carry the case for research potential.
What if my degree is lower, or is an HND?
Oxford does not say that a lower result bars you from Clarendon consideration, and it does not describe how an HND is treated. Your first hurdle is the entry requirement on your course page. If you are unsure whether your qualification is accepted, ask the department before the deadline.
English language requirements
Oxford sets English at a standard or higher level, and each course page states which one applies to that course (Oxford, English language proficiency). The minimum scores are:
| Test | Standard level | Higher level |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 overall, 6.5 in each component | 7.5 overall, 7.0 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | Not accepted for tests taken from 21 January 2026 | Not accepted for tests taken from 21 January 2026 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 185 overall, 176 in each component | 191 overall, 185 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 155 overall, 145 in each component | 165 overall, 155 in each component |
IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic for UKVI are accepted. IELTS General Training and IELTS Online are not, and the scores must come from a single test sitting. Do not assume the level from your subject: for example, the DPhil in Philosophy requires the higher level, but each course sets its own. If your scores are pending at the deadline, ask your department, because we found no Oxford rule on this.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants with a deferred graduate offer.
- Current students who will continue the same degree at Oxford in the next year.
- Applicants to courses with a March or later deadline, which are not eligible for Oxford scholarships.
Current Oxford Master’s students are eligible if they apply for a DPhil or a second Master’s (Oxford). Oxford’s Clarendon pages do not list Postgraduate Certificates, Diplomas or the MBA as eligible or excluded, so check your course page or ask the department.
Related guides:
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum GPA for the Clarendon Fund?
Oxford publishes no formal minimum. It says the majority of successful scholars usually have at least a first class honours degree or equivalent, with a 3.7 on a 4-point scale as a benchmark.
Can I get Clarendon with a lower second class degree?
Oxford does not rule it out on its Clarendon pages, but it says most successful scholars have a first or equivalent, and an exceptional Master’s can offset a moderate first degree. Check your course entry requirements.
Are part-time courses eligible?
Yes. Part-time Master’s and DPhil courses are eligible and receive a study support grant instead of the full-time living grant.
Can I apply if I already have an Oxford degree?
Yes, if you are applying to a new course. Current Master’s students can apply for a DPhil or a second Master’s, but continuing the same degree is not eligible.
Is TOEFL accepted for Oxford?
Oxford will not accept TOEFL tests taken from 21 January 2026. Use IELTS Academic, Cambridge C1 or C2, or the Oxford Test of English Advanced.
Is there an age limit or a work experience requirement?
Oxford’s Clarendon pages mention neither. Selection is on academic merit and potential.
How we researched this
Last checked: 19 October 2026. We read Oxford’s Clarendon page and applicants page, its English language page and its “when to apply” page.
Limits: Oxford gives no formal minimum grade, and does not say how lower degrees or an HND are treated. We could not confirm whether Postgraduate Certificates, Diplomas or the MBA are eligible. English levels are set per course, so use your course page.
This page is for general information. LearnViaHub is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or the Rhodes Trust.
Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.