Felix Scholarship: Eligibility, Application Process & More

Do you dream of studying at prestigious universities like the University of Oxford or SOAS? However, are you worried about the tuition fees? Felix scholarship, established in 1993 by philanthropist Felix Thornley Cobbold, rewards approximately 20 talented students every year. The scholarship program is a boost for those who want to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and The School of Oriental and African Studies. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a part of the scholarship that has awarded a total of 428 students to live their dreams in the UK? If you want to learn about the Felix fellowship, we have a guide for you! Here, we delve into what this scholarship is and its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.

What is Felix Scholarship? 

Felix scholarship for postgraduate programs is designed to help prospective students from certain developing countries, including India. The fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit and financial need. Students can acquire 100% of tuition fees; hence, you can get a grant for living expenses! So far, around 388 Indian students have achieved the Felix scholarship and around 40 students from other developing countries (primarily in Africa). Since the program aims for postgraduate studies, one might apply for a master’s or PhD based on the university’s offerings and chosen field. 

Benefits of Felix Scholarship

The primary and most significant benefit of Felix scholarship is the financial assistance it offers to students. The scholarship covers educational expenses, tuition fees, and other expenses to alleviate the financial burden. Below, we mention the advantages of applying for the scholarship: 

1. Full tuition fees during your master’s degree 
2. Yearly stipend of around £17,800 to cover living expenses 
3.  A return flight from the student’s home country to the UK
4. Tier 4 student visa application fees for non-EU students 
5. Research paper allowance to support academic work 
6. Additional funds for attending conferences 
7. To become a part of the Felix scholar community

Felix Scholarship Eligibility 

If you are wondering how to get into Oxford University, SOAS, or the University of Reading, the Felix scholarship might be your ticket. The eligibility criteria for the scholarship vary depending on whether you are applying as an Indian citizen or a student from another developing country. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:

General Eligibility

The basic Felix scholarship eligibility criterion is to apply to a new, full-time postgraduate program (Master's or PhD) at the University of Oxford, University of Reading, or SOAS. You need to demonstrate outstanding academic ability, as the university will assess your academic background. Below are the general eligibility criteria you must keep in mind: 

1. Gather academic transcripts, references, and potentially a research proposal (depending on the program).
2. Submit a proof of financial need. You will need to provide documentation to demonstrate you are unable to afford your studies in the UK without financial assistance.
3. A commitment to returning to your home country after completing your studies and using your acquired knowledge and skills to contribute to positive change.
4. Strong command of both spoken and written English. You must have a good score for IELTS (minimum 7.5) or TOEFL (ideally above 100). 
5. Show leadership potential and a strong commitment to your communities in your home country. 
6. Applicants should have at least two years of previous full-time work experience. 
7. There is no specific requirement for GMAT scores; however, it’s recommended to have 650 or above.

Indian Students 

Felix scholarship ranks high, being one of the top 10 UK scholarships for Indian students. Hence, you must have proof of whether you are an Indian citizen and not staying or living outside of India. Along with the general Felix scholarship eligibility criteria, you need to keep the following criteria in mind: 

1. Candidates must not have previously studied for one year or more outside India. Felix master’s alumni applying for a PhD scholarship are exempt. 
2. Must have a first-class bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university. 
3. Students with an upper second-class bachelor’s degree may be considered for a PhD if they have a first-class master’s degree.

Non-Indian Students 

Felix Trust scholarship is a program to bridge the gap between students’ academic aspirations and financial burdens. For the non-Indian slot, the scholarship focuses on low-income countries and least-developed countries. If you are also from one such country, you should follow the below requirements to be eligible: 

1. Must be a national of a country on the DAC (Development Assistance Committee) List for ODA (Official Development Assistance) Recipients. 
2. A first-class undergraduate degree from a recognised university or a comparable institution. 
3. Not a holder of a degree from a university in your home country. 

Documents Required for Felix Scholarship

Whether you are trying to get into the University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the UK, or SOAS, one of Britain’s leading law schools, the scholarship can help you achieve your dreams. Or, who knows, you might be one among 5,000 international students at the University of Reading once you win your chance with the scholarship? Remember, the Felix scholarship application process varies depending on whether you are an Indian citizen or a student from a developing country. Here’s a general guide to the necessary documents: 

1. Completed application form 
2. Academic transcripts
3. Degree certificates 
4. Statement of purpose 
5. Scores from an English proficiency test 
6. Letters of recommendation
7. Proof of nationality 
8. Proof of financial need 
9. CV/Resume 

Tip: Don’t wait till the last minute to collect all the required documents. It might take time to request official transcripts or letters of recommendation.

How to Apply for Felix Scholarship

The application process solely depends on the university you would like to apply to. It is essential to remember that candidates can apply for one scholarship application among three universities. Below, we provide a detailed guide to how to apply for Felix financial aid: 

1. University of Oxford 

There's no separate application for the University of Oxford Felix scholarship — you have to tick the scholarship in the form. When applying for the program, ensure you fill in the "Nationality and ordinary residence" section. This way, the university assesses your eligibility, and then you will be shortlisted. 

2. University of Reading 

For the University of Reading Felix scholarship, the process is similar to that of Oxford. You need to check the website and get updated information on the application process and deadline. The scholarship is available for a master’s or PhD, so you need to choose your research program best aligned with your academic interests. 

3. School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

Unlike the University of Oxford and the University of Reading, the SOAS Felix scholarship follows a different application process. Though the deadline remains the same, you have to choose your program first. Once you successfully submit your application for the program, you can fill up the Felix scholarship application form. 

Selection Process of Felix Scholarship

These three prestigious universities shortlist candidates on the basis of their academic excellence and financial need. The University of Reading and the University of Oxford conduct an initial screening. For Indian applicants only, there might be an additional shortlisting process where the candidates submit a short questionnaire or attend the interview to allow the authority to assess the following factors: 

1. Financial need 
2. Personality and suitability 
3. Commitment to coming back to your home country after studies 

However, SOAS assesses both your program application and your Felix scholarship to shortlist the candidates. Unlike the other two interviews, SOAS does not conduct online interviews; instead, the members of the Felix Trust scholarship interview shortlisted candidates. 

Now that you know Felix scholarship amount includes the tuition fees and airfare and offers a stipend for living expenses, you can start your preparation. Scour some great tips to write a great SOP, check whether you need to present a research proposal, or collect your academic transcripts. The application process for the scholarship varies every year, and you should check the official websites for the most accurate information. Moreover, you should check the Oxford University acceptance rate as well as the University of Reading’s and SOAS’ to evaluate your chances. So, best wishes for your journey!