Oxford Ertegun Graduate Scholarships 2027–2028

The Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities 2027–2028 is an international scholarship initiative offered by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Established in 2012 through the generosity of Mica Ertegun, the programme supports academically outstanding students pursuing advanced study and research in humanities disciplines.

The scholarship aims to develop future scholars, researchers and leaders who can make significant contributions to their academic fields and the wider understanding of human culture.

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support to undertake an eligible full-time graduate degree at Oxford.

Academic Opportunities

The programme supports master's and doctoral degrees in eligible humanities disciplines, including:

• Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
• Classics and Classical Archaeology
• English Language and Literature
• History and History of Art
• Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics
• Medieval and Modern Languages
• Music
• Philosophy
• Theology and Religion
• Film Aesthetics
• Digital Scholarship
• Comparative Literature and Translation
• Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

A small number of interdisciplinary and Global and Area Studies programmes are also eligible.

Applicants must consult the official eligible-course list, as not every Oxford graduate programme qualifies.

Ertegun House

A distinctive feature of the scholarship is access to Ertegun House, a dedicated academic and cultural space for scholars.

The house offers opportunities for reading, writing, academic discussions, lectures, cultural activities and interaction with other humanities researchers.

Scholars become members of an international community with interests across literature, history, philosophy, music, languages and related disciplines.

Academic and Cultural Development

The programme encourages students to engage beyond their immediate specialisation.

Through the Ertegun community, scholars may participate in lectures, performances, discussions and cultural gatherings designed to promote interdisciplinary understanding.

The scholarship aims not only to support graduate education but also to strengthen the role of humanities scholarship in contemporary society.

Master's and Doctoral Study

Scholarship recipients undertake the full academic requirements of their chosen master's or DPhil programme.

Master's courses typically involve advanced seminars, specialist research and a dissertation or equivalent assessment.

DPhil candidates conduct original doctoral research under academic supervision and complete the requirements of their department.

The scholarship supports the approved course for its applicable fee-liability period.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Apply to begin a new full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford.
• Select a programme included in the official Ertegun eligible-course list.
• Meet the academic admission requirements of the selected course.
• Meet the relevant English-language requirements before taking up a place, unless exempted or granted an approved waiver.
• Select the Ertegun scholarship in the Oxford graduate application.
• Complete the required Ertegun Supporting Statement.
• Upload the statement as a PDF with the graduate application by the relevant deadline.
• Submit the course application by the applicable January 2027 funding deadline.
• Not hold another incompatible scholarship award at the same time.

Successful Ertegun Scholars receive:

• Full Course Fee Coverage: The scholarship pays the full course fees for the approved degree.
• Annual Living-Cost Grant: Financial support towards accommodation, meals and ordinary living expenses in Oxford.
• Multi-Year Funding: Support for the full fee-liability period of the approved course, subject to renewal requirements.
• Ertegun House Access: Dedicated facilities for academic work and community activities.
• Academic Community: Opportunities to engage with other scholars across humanities disciplines.
• Lectures and Seminars: Access to relevant scholarly discussions and organised activities.
• Cultural Events: Opportunities to participate in performances, exhibitions and cultural gatherings.
• Interdisciplinary Development: Exposure to perspectives from different humanities research fields.
• Professional Connections: Opportunities to build relationships with academics and fellow scholars.
• Scholarly Development: Supportive opportunities to develop independent academic research and communication.

Applicants must prepare the official scholarship statement and documents required for their chosen Oxford graduate course.

Scholarship-Specific Document

• Ertegun Supporting Statement 2027 Entry: Completed using the official programme template and uploaded as a PDF.

The supporting statement contains three main questions relating to:

• Academic and career plans and their relationship to the scholarship's mission.
• How the applicant intends to contribute to their country or community and promote the humanities.
• How the applicant would contribute to the Ertegun House community.

Applicants must use the current 2027 entry form and respect its instructions and word limits.

Graduate Application Documents

Depending on the chosen course, applicants may need:

• Academic Transcripts: University academic records.
• Degree Certificates: Evidence of completed qualifications, where requested.
• Academic References: Recommendations meeting the department's requirements.
• Statement of Purpose: An academic statement outlining research interests and motivation.
• Curriculum Vitae: If requested for the particular course.
• Research Proposal: For DPhil or other research programmes where required.
• Written Work: Relevant academic writing samples where required.
• English-Language Evidence: An accepted test result or approved waiver, where applicable.
• Additional Departmental Documents: Any course-specific supporting material.

The selection committee considers:

• Academic Excellence: Strong academic achievements and potential for advanced scholarship.
• Research Potential: Ability to make meaningful contributions to the chosen academic field.
• Commitment to the Humanities: Evidence of genuine engagement with humanities scholarship.
• Scholarship Mission: Alignment with the academic and cultural objectives of the Ertegun Programme.
• Supporting Statement: Strength and clarity of the applicant's answers.
• Academic Ambitions: Potential to become an influential scholar or leader in the chosen field.
• Contribution to Ertegun House: Willingness and ability to participate in its intellectual and cultural community.
• Faculty Interview: Assessment of the applicant's ideas and suitability, where shortlisted.

• Advanced academic education: Study humanities at a leading international research university.
• Research development: Develop specialist knowledge and independent research skills.
• Interdisciplinary exchange: Learn from scholars working across different humanities disciplines.
• Academic community: Become part of the international Ertegun House network.
• Cultural engagement: Participate in lectures, performances and scholarly activities.
• Professional development: Strengthen skills relevant to research, teaching, publishing and cultural professions.
• Long-Term Connections: Establish relationships with researchers and scholars from different backgrounds.