Cornelia Sorabji Graduate Scholarship

About the Cornelia Sorabji Graduate Scholarship

Established through the generosity of donors and legal community supporters, the Cornelia Sorabji Graduate Scholarship honours Sorabji’s legacy as a trailblazer in law and social justice. Candidates are selected based on academic excellence and the relevance of their proposed studies to the interdisciplinary aims of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development. Successful applicants become members of Somerville College and join a vibrant community of scholars committed to tackling legal and development challenges.

Benefits of the Cornelia Sorabji Graduate Scholarship

The Cornelia Sorabji Scholarship is a partial funding award designed to reduce financial barriers for Indian postgraduate law students at Oxford.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Cornelia Sorabji Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be ordinarily resident in India at the time of application.
• Have received (or expect to receive) an offer to study one of the eligible graduate law programmes at Oxford by the relevant deadline.
• Strong academic achievement and a compelling connection between the proposed course and the goals of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development.

Application Process

There is no separate application form for the Cornelia Sorabji Scholarship. Applicants should:

• Apply for graduate study at the University of Oxford by the standard January deadline for the chosen course.
• Ensure that the application includes all required supporting documents (transcripts, references, and personal statement).
• All eligible applications received by the deadline will be considered automatically; shortlisted candidates may be contacted in early spring to provide additional information on how their studies align with OICSD’s mission.

Students should note that there is only one scholarship available per academic year. For queries about scholarships or application steps, email the Scholarships and Funding Officer at Somerville College.

Selection Criteria

Selection for the Cornelia Sorabji Scholarship is highly competitive and based on:

• Academic excellence demonstrated through past performance and potential for outstanding postgraduate study.
• Relevance of proposed studies to interdisciplinary goals linked with sustainable development and legal practice in India.
• Motivation and leadership potential, especially commitment to using legal knowledge to contribute to India’s development.
• Financial need may be considered at the discretion of the selection committee.

Fields of Study

The scholarship primarily supports students enrolling in law-related graduate programmes at Oxford, including:

• BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law)
• MJur (Magister Juris)
• MSc Law and Finance
• MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice (full-time)
• MPhil Law
• MPhil Socio-Legal Research

These fields integrate legal theory with interdisciplinary perspectives relevant to sustainable development and public policy.

Tips for a Strong Application

To enhance your eligibility and stand out as a strong candidate:

• Demonstrate academic excellence: Showcase top academic results, especially in law or related areas.
• Align your goals with impact: Clearly articulate how your studies will contribute to legal practice, governance, or development challenges in India.
• Strong personal statement: Craft a compelling narrative about your motivations, professional aspirations, and why you chose Oxford.
• Relevant experience: Highlight internships, research, community service, or leadership roles connected to law and societal change.
• Quality recommendations: Secure references that underscore your academic promise and commitment.

Conclusion

The Cornelia Sorabji Graduate Scholarship offers a remarkable opportunity for ambitious Indian law graduates to pursue advanced study at the University of Oxford while keeping alive the legacy of one of India’s pioneering legal figures. By supporting scholars with both academic potential and a commitment to meaningful impact on return to India, this scholarship fosters future leaders in law, justice, and development.