The Optiver Foundation Scholarships at the University of Oxford provide fully funded postgraduate opportunities for women from low- and middle-income countries pursuing STEM degrees. Established in partnership with the Optiver Foundation, this scholarship program aims to address underrepresentation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by supporting talented female scholars who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. Hosted across various Oxford colleges, the award covers 100% of course fees alongside a generous living stipend and access to mentorship.

📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview

Category	Details
Institution Name	University of Oxford
Sponsoring Body	The Optiver Foundation in partnership with the University of Oxford
Location	Oxford, United Kingdom
Study Level	Postgraduate Taught (Master’s Degrees)
Programs Offered	Eligible STEM Postgraduate Degrees (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering Science, Mathematical Finance, Statistics, etc.)
Funding Type	Fully Funded (100% Tuition Fees + Living Stipend + Grants)
Eligible Applicants	Female Applicants from Eligible Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Duration	Standard duration of the chosen Master’s course (usually 1 year)
Application Deadlines	December 2026 / January 2027 (Corresponding to Oxford graduate course deadlines)
Application Mode	Automatic consideration via standard Oxford Graduate Application

📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity

The Optiver Foundation Scholarship scheme was created to empower female leaders in STEM fields where women remain underrepresented globally. Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit, career goals, and commitment to contributing to their home regions post-graduation. Recipients benefit not only from full financial support but also tailored academic orientation, dedicated mentoring from industry leaders, and inclusion in the vibrant Oxford scholar community.

💰 What Does It Cover?

• 🎓 100% Course Fees: Complete coverage of University of Oxford tuition and college fees.
• 💵 Living Stipend: Generous stipend provided to cover accommodation, food, and daily living costs in Oxford (at UKRI standard rates).
• ✈️ Travel & Relocation Support: Arrival allowances and round-trip travel costs between your home country and the UK.
• 💼 Mentorship & Development: Access to personal mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional leadership coaching provided by the Optiver Foundation.

🎓 What Programmes / Courses Does It Support?

The scholarship is applicable to eligible one-year STEM Master’s degree programs across Oxford departments, including:

• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance
• MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science
• MSc in Statistical Science
• MSc in Mathematical Physics / Theoretical Physics
• Eligible MSc programs within Engineering Science, Physics, and Mathematical Sciences

👤 Who Can Apply?

• Gender: Exclusively open to female applicants.
• Residency/Nationality: Citizens and permanent residents of eligible low- and middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank).
• Academic Background: Candidates applying for a full-time, eligible one-year Master’s program within Oxford’s STEM departments.

🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?

Yes. Nigeria is classified as an eligible low/middle-income nation. Qualified Nigerian female graduates holding a First Class or strong Upper Second Class (2:1) degree in STEM disciplines are fully eligible to apply.

🌍 Eligible Countries

Open to female applicants holding citizenship and residency in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and developing regions.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

• Academic Record: First-Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) UK-equivalent Bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject.
• Admission Status: Must receive an offer of admission for an eligible Master’s course at the University of Oxford.
• Financial Need & Representation: Demonstrated need for financial assistance and commitment to advancing gender diversity in STEM.
• English Proficiency: Must meet Oxford’s high or standard English language requirement (IELTS/TOEFL) for the chosen degree program.

📅 Important Application Information

• Graduate Application Opening: September 2026
• Course Application Deadlines: December 2026 or January 2027 (varies by specific department/course)
• Shortlisting & Review Period: February – April 2027
• Final Award Offers: May – June 2027
• Academic Year Start: October 2027

📝 How to Apply

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Oxford STEM Course

Search the University of Oxford graduate admissions portal and select an eligible full-time Master’s program in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.

Step 2: Prepare Academic Credentials

Gather certified degree transcripts, CV, personal statement, English test results, and contact details for 3 academic referees.

Step 3: Complete the Standard Oxford Graduate Application

Fill out the central University of Oxford application online before your course’s official December or January deadline.

Step 4: Tick the Scholarship Consideration Box

Under the “Funding” section of the application, ensure you opt-in for Oxford University Scholarships. Eligible female candidates applying by the course deadline are automatically considered for the Optiver Foundation Scholarship without submitting a separate form.

🔗 Official Application Link

🔗 Official Webpage: Oxford Optiver Foundation Scholarships Portal

• 📅 Application Deadline: Course-specific (December 2026 / January 2027)

Disclaimer: Funding terms, course eligibility, and selection schedules are managed by the University of Oxford and the Optiver Foundation. Always confirm details on the official

📄 Documents to Prepare

• Official Undergraduate Degree Transcripts & Graduation Certificates
• Detailed Academic Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal (tailored to your STEM course)
• Three Academic Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT)
• Valid International Passport Copy

⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?

• Zero Separate Scholarship Form: Automatic evaluation when you apply for your Oxford Master’s course by the December/January deadline.
• Prestigious Qualification: Obtain a Master’s degree from one of the world’s leading academic institutions.
• Complete Financial Security: Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses, and specialized mentoring included.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit a separate application for the Optiver Foundation Scholarship?

No. There is no separate application form. You are automatically considered when you apply for an eligible Oxford STEM graduate program by the December 2026/January 2027 deadline.

Are male candidates eligible for this scholarship?

No. The Optiver Foundation Scholarship is specifically designed to support female scholars in STEM fields where women are underrepresented.

Is the scholarship available for PhD / DPhil studies?

This specific scheme targets one-year taught Master’s degree programs in eligible STEM fields.

💡 Important Tips for Applicants

• Submit your application well before the course deadline in December or January to ensure all referee letters are received on time.
• Clearly articulate your passion for STEM and your vision for driving social/economic impact in your personal statement.
• Secure three strong academic referees who can attest to your technical capabilities and leadership potential.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the specific course application deadline (usually early December or January).
• Applying for non-STEM courses that are not covered under the Optiver Foundation partnership.
• Waiting until the final day to submit your application, which may cause referee link delays.

🎯 Final Thoughts

The Optiver Foundation Scholarships at Oxford offer a life-changing route for female STEM leaders from developing nations. High-achieving women seeking world-class graduate education in the UK should start preparing their Oxford course applications early.Oxford portal.