How to apply
Applications open once a year through the Fund’s online portal. The first call for applications will be issued by 15 January 2027, for students joining OUK in April 2027.
3.0 Who can apply
A competitive and meritocratic award
The Chancellor's Education Fund shall allocate resources through a fair, transparent, competitive and merit-based process, prioritising academically qualified students from vulnerable backgrounds who demonstrate financial need.
Applicants must meet the academic and institutional eligibility requirements set out in the Fund guidelines and approved by the Chancellor's Education Fund Board (CEFB), including providing verifiable evidence of financial need where applicable.
2.3 Application process and timelines
When and how applications open
The Chancellor's Education Fund shall invite applications once every year during the initial years of its operation. As the Fund grows and its financial capacity increases, the Chancellor's Education Fund Board (CEFB) may review and determine the appropriate frequency of application calls based on the availability of resources and the needs of eligible learners.
Applications shall be submitted through a dedicated online application portal established for the Fund to promote accessibility, efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The CEFB shall process and determine awards within three (3) months after the closure of the application period. All awards and commitments shall be subject to the availability of funds and compliance with the approved eligibility and selection criteria.
Where sufficient funds are not available to support an award cycle, no call for applications shall be issued for that cycle. The decision to open an application cycle shall therefore be guided by the Fund's available resources and approved financial commitments.
2.4 Application, screening, selection and award
The application stages
The application and selection process for the Chancellor's Education Fund shall be transparent, competitive, merit-based, and guided by approved criteria. The process shall comprise the following stages:
- 1
Review and Approval of Application and Selection Tools
Before each call for applications, the Chancellor's Education Fund Board (CEFB) shall review and approve the application forms, assessment tools, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria to be applied during that funding cycle.
- 2
Call for Applications
The CEFB shall publish a call for applications once a year at an appropriate time within the academic calendar. The application window shall remain open for a minimum of twenty-one (21) days.
- 3
Submission of Applications
Applications shall be submitted through the approved online channels and accompanied by the required supporting documents, including:
- Certified academic certificates and transcripts;
- OUK fee statement;
- Relevant category verification documents, where applicable, such as a Persons with Disabilities (PWD) registration certificate; and
- Reference or recommendation letters from the applicant's immediate previous institution of study.
- 4
Administrative Screening
Before applications are presented to the CEFB for evaluation, the Fund Secretariat shall undertake an administrative screening to verify completeness and eligibility, including:
- OUK registration status, where applicable;
- Compliance with the minimum academic progression requirements, particularly for applicants seeking renewal or repeat awards; and
- Authenticity and validity of submitted documents.
- 5
Incomplete Applications
Applications that are incomplete or fail to meet the prescribed eligibility requirements shall not be considered for award.
- 6
Evaluation and Selection
Eligible applications shall be evaluated by the CEFB using an approved and standardised scoring rubric. The assessment shall be undertaken objectively and in accordance with the approved eligibility, merit, financial need, and vulnerability criteria.
- 7
Approval and Awarding
Upon completion of the evaluation and selection process, the CEFB shall prepare and submit a selection report to the Vice-Chancellor for concurrence. Following concurrence, successful applicants shall be formally notified of the award.
All awards shall be subject to the availability of funds and the terms and conditions of the Fund. Disbursement shall be made directly to the prescribed OUK university tuition fees account and shall not be paid directly to individual beneficiaries.
2.5 Due diligence and verification
Verification of applications
To ensure that support is awarded only to eligible and deserving beneficiaries, the Chancellor's Education Fund Board (CEFB) shall undertake appropriate due diligence to verify applicants' information and supporting documentation. This shall include verification of documents relating to disability, orphan status, financial need, academic qualifications, and other relevant vulnerability categories.
The Board may conduct spot checks, seek clarification, or request additional information and supporting documentation where necessary to confirm the accuracy and authenticity of an application.
Any falsification, misrepresentation, concealment of material information, or submission of fraudulent documents shall result in disqualification from the Fund and may attract further disciplinary action in accordance with the University's applicable policies, regulations, and procedures.
3.3 Award conditions
Conditions of the award
- 1Any award shall be once a year.
- 2Whereas the Fund anticipates supporting those awarded the scholarship for the duration of their study, the Fund does not guarantee renewal for subsequent years.
- 3Any subsequent applications shall be subjected to the award procedures as prescribed in this framework.
2.7 Appeals
Appeals
Unsuccessful applicants may lodge an appeal within 14 days of notification of the decision, limited to procedural grounds or the submission of new evidence. Appeals shall be reviewed and determined by the Fund Board in accordance with the Fund's governance structure and applicable procedures. Where, after appeal, a candidate is not satisfied, they may write to the Vice-Chancellor, who may appoint an independent team of evaluators from among staff members of the University. The appeal members shall be an ad hoc committee comprising not less than five and not more than seven members. At least four of the appeal members should be appointed from the academic members of staff and the chairperson should be of the rank of a senior lecturer and above. Appeal cases must be completed within one month of receipt.
Not applying? You can still help
Contributions from individuals, organisations, alumni and partners decide how many learners each cycle can support.