About the Scholarship
This scholarship is named after the educational pioneer Savitribai Phule. It aims to expand access to postgraduate education for students from historically marginalised communities in India. It supports candidates whose academic interests align with the OICSD mission. Students who demonstrate leadership potential are also considered as potential candidates.
Benefits
The Savitribai Phule Graduate Scholarship is a fully funded award that includes:
- Full course fees are covered for the duration of the programme.
- A living allowance grant to support accommodation and daily costs
Please note: Only one scholarship is typically awarded each year.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Savitribai Phule Graduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be ordinarily a resident of India.
- Students must belong to one of these Adivasi (SC/ST/OBC), Dalit or Bahujan Indian communities
- Must be the first in the family to attend university.
- Have applied for or received an offer to study a qualifying full-time graduate programme at Oxford University.
The scholarship is intended for courses that align with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development’s research priorities. Eligible courses typically include environmental policy, social policy, global health, modern South Asian studies, and related interdisciplinary master’s degrees.
Application Process
- There is no separate application form for this scholarship. Candidates are automatically considered when they submit their graduate application to the University of Oxford by the relevant funding deadline.
- Eligible applicants will be contacted by email in late February. Students must complete a short confirmation form to verify continued interest and financial information.
- Shortlisting and interviews take place in April
- Successful scholars are typically transferred to Somerville College as part of the award.
Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed on a range of factors, including:
- Academic merit demonstrated through academic records and achievements.
- The relevance of the proposed course to sustainable development and the OICSD’s broader mission.
- Leadership potential and evidence of impactful engagement or initiative.
- A strong understanding of development challenges in India.
- Financial need may also be taken into account during the consideration process.
Fields of Study
The Savitribai Phule Graduate Scholarship supports students pursuing full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford, particularly in programmes aligned with the work of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD).
Eligible fields typically include (but are not limited to):
- Environmental Change and Policy
- Policy Evaluation and Social Intervention
- Policy and Management of Water Science
- Global Health and Development
- Modern South Asian Studies
- Nature and Environmental Governance
- Nature Recovery, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Public and Social Policy
Applicants must apply to a qualifying master’s course connected to sustainable development themes and meet the University’s funding deadline to be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
As only one scholarship is awarded each year, competition is intense. Strengthen your application by:
- Showcasing academic excellence and intellectual depth in your chosen field.
- Aligning your course with India’s sustainable development priorities.
- Demonstrating leadership and impact through community work, policy engagement, research, or social initiatives.
- Sharing your authentic journey, especially if you come from an underrepresented or first-generation background.
- Presenting clear career goals and explaining how Oxford will help you create long-term impact in India.
- Apply by the funding deadline and ensure your main Oxford application is strong and compelling.
Conclusion
The Savitribai Phule Graduate Scholarship is more than financial aid, it is a powerful initiative promoting educational equity and social mobility. By supporting exceptional students from marginalised backgrounds, the University of Oxford and Somerville College aim to nurture future leaders committed to transforming India’s development landscape.
For Indian students aspiring to pursue postgraduate study at Oxford while making a lasting social impact, this scholarship represents a rare and life-changing opportunity.