Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholarship — Master's Scholarship

The Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholarship is a School-managed award for students admitted to the University of Oxford’s one-year Master of Public Policy (MPP). It recognises top candidates whose academic and professional record shows sustained dedication to public service.

Recipients study in Oxford and hold the title Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholar. There is no separate application: everyone offered an MPP place is considered through the School’s Scholarship Questionnaire.

Benefits & funding

The amount varies; the School lists it as often half or full course fees and describes the award as full funding for its top candidates.
The 2026–27 MPP course fee is £54,650 a year for both Home and Overseas students; the 2027–28 fee is not yet listed.
At its 2015 launch the award covered full fees plus living expenses and was run with Green Templeton College and University College.
Recipients hold the title Blavatnik School of Government Public Service Scholar.

Eligibility

Open to any applicant to the Oxford MPP, of any nationality.
You must receive an MPP offer, then complete the Blavatnik School Scholarship Questionnaire.
Selection rests on an exceptional academic and professional record that shows commitment to public service.
No set amount of work experience is required; the School notes most successful MPP applicants bring at least one to two years, often more.
Applicants from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds are welcome.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

Education required
Bachelor

Check my eligibility — free

Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

1
Apply to the Oxford MPP by the 2 December deadline (the School recommends submitting by mid-November) with the application form, a four-part personal statement, a CV of up to two pages, a reflective policy essay, a 400-word public service essay, transcripts and three references.
2
Receive an MPP offer; all offers are issued without funding.
3
Complete the Blavatnik School Scholarship Questionnaire sent to every offer-holder, usually within one week of the offer (the MPP FAQ allows up to two weeks).
4
The School matches admitted students to its need- and merit-based awards, including this one.
5
Secure funding before arrival; the School cannot accept funding requests once students are in Oxford.

Program timeline

September 2026
Applications for 2027–28 entry open.
The School’s recommended submission point.
Mid-November 2026
MPP application deadline.
2 December 2026
The School aims to finish assessing all applications.
By March 2027
About one week after an offer
Scholarship Questionnaire due.
The MPP begins; teaching runs about 50 weeks.
Late September 2027
The Policy Report module closes the course.
July–August 2028