The Felix Scholarship is a highly prestigious, fully funded financial award designed for academically gifted and underprivileged students from India and other developing nations.
It provides a 100% tuition fee waiver and a living stipend (£19,237 (≈ INR 24 L) at the University of Oxford and £17,894 (≈ INR 22 L) at the University of Reading for 2025–26). and covers almost all subjects, though medicine is generally excluded.
The Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to their local communities.
Who is Eligible for Felix Scholarship?
The Scholarship is competitive, fully funded postgraduate opportunity designed for academically gifted, underprivileged students who otherwise could not afford to study abroad.
The Felix Scholarship is mainly for Indian nationals and developing countries students who are ordinarily resident and hold a first-class degree from a university.
Academic Eligibility for Felix Scholarship
To be eligible for the Scholarship, students must hold at least a first-class Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
Candidates must prove that they need financial support to study, and have not previously studied for a year or more outside the country, and hold an offer of admission for a full-time postgraduate program (Master's or PhD) at a participating UK university.
Applicants must meet these conditions:
Must hold at least a first-class bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or comparable institution.
Must apply for a full-time master’s or PhD/DPhil course at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.
Must show academic merit and financial need.
Who Cannot Apply for Felix Scholarship?
You are ineligible for the Scholarship if you are a citizen of a developed country, already hold a degree from a university outside your home country, or are applying for a second master's degree.
Students may not be eligible if:
They do not hold a first-class bachelor’s degree.
They are applying for a part-time course.
They already hold a degree from outside countries.
They have studied outside the country for one year or more, where this rule applies.
They already have a master’s degree and are applying for a master’s scholarship.
They already have a PhD and are applying for a PhD scholarship.
They are applying for medicine.
They cannot show financial need.
They are applying to a university other than Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.
Benefits of Felix Scholarship
The Scholarship provides full financial support to underprivileged students from India and developing countries to pursue postgraduate education at top-tier UK institutions like Oxford, Reading, and SOAS.
Benefits generally include international tuition fees, a living cost grant, and return airfare. Exact benefits can vary by university, so students should check the official university page.
To understand this better, here is a detailed breakdown:
Benefit Type
Coverage
Tuition Fees
100% of international tuition fees
Living Expenses
Maintenance grant provided by the host university
Travel Support
One return economy-class flight between the home country and UK
Additional Support
Some universities may provide allowances for books and clothing
Scholarship Duration
Available for the full period of fee liability for the approved course
Note:
The maintenance grant varies by university. For example, the University of Oxford mentions a living cost £19,237 (≈ INR 24 L) for 2025-26, while the University of Reading mentions grant of £17,894 (≈ INR 22 L) for 2025-26, along with book and clothing allowances.
Applicants should check the scholarship page of their chosen university for the latest funding details.
The Scholarship requires a confirmed admission offer from a participating university (like Oxford, Reading, or SOAS) before you apply.
The Felix Scholarship application process depends on the university. Here is the step-by-step procedure for the application to Felix Scholarship:
Step 1: Visit the official Felix Scholarship page
Check the partner universities and application instructions.
Step 2: Choose your university
Select Oxford, Reading, or SOAS based on your eligible postgraduate course.
Step 3: Apply for admission
Submit the official application for a full-time master’s or PhD/DPhil course.
Step 4: Follow the university-specific process
Oxford considers eligible applicants through the graduate application. Reading and SOAS require the university scholarship process.
Step 5: Upload documents
Submit academic, identity, financial, and course-related documents.
Step 6: Review your application
Check all information before submission.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
Submit the application before the official university deadline.
Note: Oxford does not have a separate scholarship form. Reading asks applicants to use the me@reading portal after receiving an offer. SOAS requires students to submit both the course application and scholarship application by the deadline.
Documents Required for Felix Scholarship
The official Felix website does not give one common document list for all universities. Applicants must submit documents required by universities.
These documents usually prove academic merit, nationality, admission status, and financial need.
Documents may include:
Passport or valid nationality proof
Academic transcripts
Degree certificate or provisional certificate
Course admission application details
Offer letter, if issued
Statement of purpose or supporting statement
References or recommendation letters
Proof of financial need
English language test score, if required
Research proposal, if applying for PhD/DPhil
Note: Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and match the details entered in the university application form.
The Scholarship deadlines vary by university, typically occurring in January or March depending on the specific institution. Deadlines are structured into distinct application phases.
Below is how the application timeline works:
University of Oxford: Candidates are considered if they apply for their chosen graduate course by the relevant December/January funding deadline for their specific course.
SOAS University of London: The scholarship application deadline is typically early March (e.g. 2 March 2026, 12 noon UK local time)
University of Reading: Applications for the Felix Scholarship traditionally close in late January (e.g. around 29 January 2026)
Students should always check the latest Felix Scholarship deadline on the official university page before applying.
Felix Scholarship Selection Process
The Scholarship selection process involves three main stages: course application and university shortlisting, a written questionnaire, and a final panel interview.
The selection process generally follows these stages:
Stage 1: University Application and Shortlisting
Applicants must first apply for an eligible master's or doctoral program at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, or SOAS University of London.
Each university reviews applications to assess academic achievements, financial circumstances, and scholarship eligibility.
Candidates who meet the requirements are shortlisted based on merit, financial need, and supporting documents.
Stage 2: Questionnaire Submission
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete an additional written questionnaire.
This questionnaire typically covers academic objectives, career plans, personal background, and reasons for applying for the Felix Scholarship.
Stage 3: Final Panel Interview
Candidates shortlisted after the questionnaire stage are invited for a final panel interview, usually held between April and May.
Interviews generally last around 30 minutes and may be conducted online or in person, depending on the applicant's location.
The Felix Trustees make the final selection after evaluating interview performance and supporting information.
Successful applicants are usually notified of the scholarship decision by June.
There is no single, centralized login portal to track your Felix Scholarship status. Your application status depends entirely on which of the three participating UK universities you applied to.
The Felix Scholarship does not have a common application portal where students can track their application status. Updates are shared through the university where the student submitted their scholarship application.
Here are the steps to check your status:
Step 1: Log in to the University Portal
Use the admissions or scholarship portal of Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.
Step 2: Open the Scholarship Section
Visit the funding, scholarships, or admissions dashboard.
Step 3: Check Your Application Updates
Review notifications, scholarship messages, or admission updates.
Step 4: Monitor Your Email
Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted through their registered email address.
Step 5: Contact the Scholarships Office
If you do not receive an update within the expected timeline, you can contact the scholarships office of your university.
Common Reasons for Rejection of Felix Scholarship
Applications for the Scholarship are often rejected due to missed university-specific deadlines, failing the return to home country requirement or financial requirements or submit incomplete applications.
Some common reasons for rejection include:
Not meeting the requirement of a first-class bachelor's degree
Failing to demonstrate genuine financial need
Applying for an ineligible university or course
Holding a degree from outside India
Having studied abroad for more than one year, where this rule applies
Missing supporting documents
Providing incorrect information
Weak personal statement or recommendation letters
Missing the scholarship deadline
Performing poorly during the interview stage
Conclusion
The Felix Scholarship offers fully funded postgraduate opportunities for academically talented students who need financial support to study in UK.
By covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, it helps students focus on their education at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS without major financial concerns.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria should prepare their documents early, submit strong university applications, and carefully follow the scholarship deadlines.
Applying on time and presenting a clear academic and career plan can improve the chances of selection.
The Felix Scholarship mainly supports students from India. A limited number of scholarships are also available for students from selected developing countries through the University of Reading and SOAS. Eligibility requirements vary by university.
What is the Felix Scholarship 2026?
The Felix Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for academically gifted students with financial need. It supports eligible master's and PhD students studying at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS.
Who funds the Felix Scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by the Felix Trustees. The donor wishes to remain anonymous, while administration is handled by the University of Oxford, University of Reading, and SOAS University of London.
How competitive is the Felix Scholarship?
The Felix Scholarship is highly competitive because only a small number of awards are offered each year. Candidates are assessed on academic merit, financial need, and their potential contribution to their home country.
What is the age limit for Felix Scholarship?
The Felix Scholarship website indicates that preference is usually given to candidates below the age of 30. However, age is not always treated as an absolute requirement, and universities may consider exceptional cases.
What is a Felix Scholar?
A Felix Scholar is a student who receives funding through the Felix Scholarship Trust to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS while demonstrating academic excellence and financial need.
How can students apply for Felix Scholarship at Oxford?
Students applying to Oxford do not need to submit a separate Felix Scholarship application. Eligible candidates who apply for graduate study before the relevant December or January deadline are automatically considered.
How can students get Felix Scholarship?
Students should apply for an eligible full-time master's or PhD program at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS, meet the academic requirements, demonstrate financial need, and complete any university-specific scholarship steps.
What is needed to get Felix Scholarship?
Applicants usually need a first-class bachelor's degree, proof of financial need, academic references, a statement of purpose, nationality proof, and admission to an eligible postgraduate course.
Is Felix Scholarship available for Indian students?
Yes. The Felix Scholarship was primarily established to support academically talented and underprivileged Indian students. Indian citizens who are ordinarily resident in India are the main beneficiaries of the program.
Is Felix Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Felix Scholarship is considered a fully funded award. It generally covers full tuition fees, maintenance costs, return airfare, and in some cases allowances for books and clothing.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4612 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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