The Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities offers outstanding students from around the world the opportunity to pursue eligible full-time postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full course fees and provides an annual grant towards living expenses for the duration of the approved programme.
The award is intended for exceptional students who wish to advance their academic work in the humanities and contribute to their chosen fields. Applications are considered through a highly competitive selection process.
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- Scholarship: Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities
- Host Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Study Level: Master’s and doctoral programmes
- Academic Year: 2027/2028
- Eligible Fields: Selected humanities disciplines and specifically approved interdisciplinary courses
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries
- Funding: Full course fees and an annual living-cost grant
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Application Method: Apply for an eligible Oxford graduate course and select the Ertegun Scholarship option
- Deadline: Relevant January 2027 deadline for the chosen course; applicants should observe the programme’s early-January funding deadline
About the Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme
Established in 2012 through the generosity of Mica Ertegun, the scholarship programme brings together outstanding graduate students from different countries and academic backgrounds to pursue advanced studies in the humanities at Oxford.
The programme supports selected master’s and doctoral degrees in areas including history, literature, philosophy, music, archaeology, languages, theology, religion, and other approved humanities disciplines.
Scholars become part of an international academic community and have dedicated access to Ertegun House, a centre for study, research and intellectual exchange. The programme also provides opportunities to participate in lectures, seminars, performances and other activities organised for its scholars.
The scholarship is highly competitive. Oxford reports that the programme receives more than 1,500 applications for approximately 15 awards in a typical year. Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic application and supporting statement demonstrate strong preparation and a clear connection with the programme’s aims.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition-fee coverage: The scholarship covers the course fees for the approved graduate programme.
- Annual living-cost grant: Scholars receive financial support towards their living expenses in Oxford. The published rate for the 2026/2027 academic year is £21,805; applicants for 2027/2028 should check the official programme website for the applicable rate.
- Funding for the duration of the course: Awards are made for the full period of the student’s fee liability for the agreed programme, subject to the required annual renewal and satisfactory academic progress where applicable.
- Access to Ertegun House: Scholars have dedicated space for writing and research.
- Academic and intellectual opportunities: Scholars can participate in lectures, seminars, performances and activities designed for the Ertegun community.
- Mentorship and academic community: The programme provides opportunities to engage with scholars from different disciplines and backgrounds.
The scholarship covers course fees and provides a living-cost grant. Applicants should consult Oxford’s official guidance for the full terms of the award and should not assume that every additional personal or travel expense is separately covered.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship welcomes applicants from all countries, including Nigerian students. However, applicants must satisfy the programme’s academic and course-specific requirements.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be applying to start a new full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford.
- Choose a course included on the official Ertegun list of eligible programmes.
- Meet the academic admission requirements of their selected Oxford course, including applicable English-language requirements.
- Submit the required Ertegun supporting statement alongside their graduate application.
- Demonstrate the academic ability and potential expected of candidates for this competitive programme.
Eligible academic areas include Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classics, English Language and Literature, History, Linguistics, Medieval and Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Theology and Religion, and selected interdisciplinary programmes.
Some approved courses in Global and Area Studies and Social Sciences are also eligible. Applicants must check the official eligible-course list rather than assume that every humanities-related or social-science programme qualifies.
Part-time courses and courses outside the approved list are not eligible. The scholarship is intended for students starting a new course; current graduate students cannot use it to obtain funding for a later year of an existing programme. The award cannot be held together with another scholarship.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Identify an eligible Oxford graduate course.
Visit the University of Oxford graduate admissions website and identify a full-time master’s or doctoral course that appears on the official Ertegun eligible-course list. Check the course’s admission requirements and application deadline.
Step 2: Prepare your graduate application.
Gather the academic and supporting documents required by your selected course. Follow the specific instructions on the Oxford course page.
Step 3: Select the Ertegun Scholarship option.
While completing the University of Oxford Graduate Application Form, go to the Funding section and select the relevant Ertegun Graduate Scholarship option. Selecting the scholarship is an essential part of the process.
Step 4: Complete the Ertegun supporting statement.
Download the official supporting-statement document for 2027 entry, answer the questions provided and prepare the completed document as a PDF.
Step 5: Upload and submit your documents.
Upload the supporting statement together with your graduate application form and submit the complete application by the applicable deadline. Oxford states that an Ertegun application cannot be reviewed without the supporting statement.
Step 6: Prepare for possible shortlisting and interview.
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by a faculty representative, usually by telephone or videoconference. Successful applicants will be notified by email.
Important Deadline
The Ertegun Scholarship follows the early-January funding deadline for most eligible humanities courses. For 2027/2028 entry, applicants should check the specific January 2027 deadline for their chosen course and submit the complete graduate application and supporting statement in time.
A limited exception applies to certain eligible courses in the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies and related areas, for which the programme directs applicants to use the relevant course deadline. Do not assume that a later course deadline automatically applies to every Ertegun applicant.
Important: Oxford’s official guidance does not give one universal deadline for every eligible course. Confirm the date on the individual course page and the Ertegun scholarship website before submitting.
Official Application Link
University of Oxford Graduate Admissions
Official List of Eligible Courses
Final Note from AK Travels LTD
The University of Oxford Ertegun Graduate Scholarship is a highly competitive funding opportunity for academically outstanding students interested in postgraduate study in the humanities. Nigerian applicants are welcome, provided they meet the admission and scholarship requirements and select an eligible course.
Before applying, carefully review the eligible-course list, prepare a strong graduate application and ensure that the Ertegun supporting statement is submitted before the applicable deadline. An application to Oxford alone does not automatically complete the Ertegun scholarship application.
For more verified international scholarships, study opportunities and application guidance, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.
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