Felix Scholarship

Overview

The Felix Scholarship is a fully funded award for gifted students from India and a number of other developing countries to study at the postgraduate level in the United Kingdom. It is run by the Felix Scholarship Trust and supports master's and doctoral study at three institutions: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and SOAS, University of London.

The scholarship was founded with a clear purpose, to help talented students who could not otherwise afford to study abroad and who intend to use what they learn for the benefit of their home country. Awards are made on the basis of outstanding academic merit and financial need together, so a strong record alone is not enough; you also need to show that the funding is what makes the study possible. The programme began with a focus on India and has since widened to include students from a list of other developing countries.

If you come from one of the eligible countries, have an excellent academic record, and plan to return home after your degree, the Felix is worth a close look. It removes the cost barrier entirely by covering tuition, living costs, and a return flight, while asking that you put your studies to good use afterwards.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

The Felix Scholarship started as an India-focused programme and has expanded over the years to include students from a range of other developing countries. The list has grown to cover nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Which countries are eligible can depend on the university you apply to, so confirm that your nationality is accepted at your chosen institution before you apply.

Academic Requirements

You need outstanding academic merit. The scholarship is intended for students with a very strong record who are heading into demanding postgraduate study, so a high standard in your previous degree is expected. You should also plan to study a subject that will benefit your home country.

Financial Requirements

Awards are made on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. You must be financially disadvantaged in the sense that you could not fund this study yourself, and the scholarship is designed to make the opportunity possible for people in that position.

Age & Other Requirements

The Trust looks for academic excellence, strong extra-curricular achievement, leadership potential, and sound character. You are also expected to return to your home country after your studies and apply what you have learned there. Any specific age conditions are set by the Trust and the participating universities, so check the current rules before applying.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees for your master's or doctoral course
• A grant to cover your living costs while you study
• A return airfare between your home country and the UK

This makes the Felix a fully funded award, designed so that the cost of studying is not a barrier for talented students who need the support.

How to Apply

1. Confirm your eligibility. Check that your nationality is accepted at your chosen university and that you meet the academic and financial-need criteria.
2. Choose your university and course. Decide whether you want to study at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS, and pick a postgraduate course that benefits your home country.
3. Apply for admission. Apply to your chosen course through the university's own admissions process, since the Felix is tied to gaining a place there.
4. Indicate your interest in the Felix. Follow the university's instructions for being considered for a Felix Scholarship, which usually means flagging it within or alongside your course application.
5. Submit supporting materials. Provide your transcripts, references, and any required statements to support your application.
6. Meet the deadline. Make sure your full application reaches the university by its course and scholarship deadline, which is often around January.
7. Await selection. The university nominates and selects Felix scholars from its strong applicants, and you will be notified of the outcome.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Evidence of outstanding academic merit, such as grades or rankings
• Letters of academic reference
• A personal statement or statement of purpose
• Proof of nationality, such as a passport
• Evidence supporting your financial need, where requested
• English language test results, if your course requires them

The exact requirements depend on the university you apply to, so follow the document checklist for your chosen course.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The Felix Scholarship follows the annual admissions cycle of its three partner universities. Because the scholarship is tied to your course application, the deadline you need to meet is your university's deadline, which is typically around January for entry the following autumn. Courses start in line with the UK academic year. Always check the current dates for your specific course at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS, since these can differ between programmes.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Pick a course that clearly connects to needs in your home country
• Make your statement of purpose specific about your goals and your plan to return
• Show both academic strength and genuine financial need, since both matter
• Apply early so admission and scholarship consideration are not rushed
• Choose referees who can speak to your academic ability and character

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying to a university where your nationality is not eligible
• Treating the Felix as a separate process and missing the course deadline
• Leaving out evidence of financial need when it is part of the criteria
• Writing a vague statement that does not link your study to your home country
• Submitting incomplete documents that delay your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Felix Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The Felix Scholarship covers full tuition fees, your living costs, and a return airfare, so it is a fully funded award.

Who is eligible for the Felix Scholarship?

Gifted, financially disadvantaged students from India and a list of other developing countries who are applying for master's or PhD study at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS. Non-Indian eligibility varies by university and country.

What is the deadline for the Felix Scholarship?

There is no single deadline. It aligns with each university's course deadlines, which are typically around January each year. Check the date for your specific course.

Which universities accept the Felix Scholarship?

The University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and SOAS, University of London. You apply to a course at one of these institutions.

Does the Felix Scholarship cover living costs?

Yes. Alongside full tuition, the scholarship provides a grant to cover your living costs while you study in the UK.

Do I have to return to my home country after the Felix Scholarship?

Yes. The scholarship is intended for students who will study a subject beneficial to their home country and return there to apply what they have learned.

Does the Felix Scholarship require financial need?

Yes. Awards are made on the basis of outstanding academic merit and financial need together, so you must show that you could not afford this study without the scholarship.

Can I apply for the Felix Scholarship for a PhD?

Yes. The scholarship supports both master's and doctoral study at the participating universities.

How do I apply for the Felix Scholarship?

You apply for admission to a course at Oxford, Reading, or SOAS and indicate your interest in the Felix according to that university's instructions. There is no fully separate application.

What countries are eligible for the Felix Scholarship?

India plus a growing list of other developing countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe. The exact list can depend on the university, so confirm your country is accepted there.

Does academic merit matter for the Felix Scholarship?

Yes. Outstanding academic merit is a core requirement, considered alongside financial need, leadership potential, and character.

When do Felix-funded courses start?

Courses begin in line with the UK academic year, usually in the autumn, following an application deadline around January. Check your specific course for exact dates.