The Berrow Foundation Scholarships, administered in partnership with Lincoln College, University of Oxford, provide a highly competitive funding opportunity for Swiss nationals seeking postgraduate study at one of the world’s leading universities. The programme supports outstanding graduates from selected Swiss institutions who wish to pursue advanced degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Overview of the Berrow Foundation Scholarships
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually to up to six Swiss nationals domiciled in Switzerland. The awards are specifically designed for graduates of selected Swiss universities who intend to undertake postgraduate study at Lincoln College, University of Oxford.
Eligible candidates must be graduates of one of the following institutions:
- University of Berne
- University of Fribourg
- University of Geneva
- University of Lausanne
- University of Neuchâtel
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Applicants may pursue postgraduate qualifications in any academic field, including:
- DPhil
- MSc
- MLitt
- MSt
- MPhil
- MJur
- BPhil
Candidates must either be current students at one of the listed universities or have graduated within the past five years. The scholarship is strictly tenable only at Lincoln College, University of Oxford, and applicants must not already be enrolled in a programme at Oxford at the time of application.
Eligibility Requirements and Academic Expectations
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships are highly selective and emphasize both academic excellence and personal integrity. In addition to academic merit, candidates are assessed on character attributes including:
- Truthfulness
- Courage
- Dedication to duty
- Selflessness
- Fellowship
Applicants are required to demonstrate strong written and spoken English prior to submission. Scholars are expected to engage fully in academic and extracurricular life at Lincoln College.
Key conditions of the award include:
- Scholars must undertake full-time graduate study at Oxford
- Scholars are expected to reside in the United Kingdom for the duration of the award
- Paid employment is not permitted without prior approval from the Foundation
- Scholars must submit an annual academic and activity report
- The scholarship may be terminated for unsatisfactory progress or misconduct
- Scholars are required to acknowledge the Foundation in academic publications
Value, Financial Coverage, and Duration
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support covering:
- Full University and College fees at Oxford
- A generous living allowance equivalent to Rhodes Scholars (2025/26 rate: £20,400 per year)
However, the award does not cover additional costs such as:
- Laboratory bench fees
- Specialist equipment or apparatus expenses
The scholarship is normally awarded for up to three academic years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and progress.
Application Process and Key Deadlines
The application process is structured in multiple stages and requires careful preparation.
Applicants must:
- Submit an online Scholarship Application before applying to Oxford University
- Provide two academic written submissions as part of the application
- Arrange for two referees to submit recommendation letters directly to the Foundation
- Apply separately to the University of Oxford once shortlisted
Important administrative details include:
- Candidates must select Lincoln College as their preferred college in the Oxford application
- Applications for non-associated courses require prior consultation with the college admissions office
- All general queries are directed to the Foundation via official contact channels
Key dates for the 2026–2027 intake include:
- Application deadline: 28 August 2026
- Interview shortlist notification: September 2026
- Interviews in Geneva: 30 October 2026
The Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships
In addition to the main scheme, the Berrow Foundation also offers up to four Lord Florey Scholarships annually. These awards are targeted specifically at Swiss graduates pursuing postgraduate research in the medical, chemical, or biochemical sciences.
Eligible candidates must be graduates of any Swiss university, including EPFL and ETH Zurich, with recent graduation timelines adjusted for medical candidates based on qualification milestones.
Restrictions and Research Limitations
The Lord Florey Scholarships are subject to additional ethical restrictions. Research involving the following is strictly excluded:
- Human embryos or embryonic creation, including cloning
- Embryonic stem cell research
These restrictions ensure compliance with the Foundation’s ethical and scientific funding policies.
Financial Support and Additional Funding
Like the main scholarship, the Lord Florey Scholarships cover:
- Full Oxford University and College fees
- Living allowance equivalent to Rhodes Scholars (2025/26: £20,400 per year)
Additional funding provisions include:
- £1,500 annually for conference travel and academic presentation
- Possibility of extended funding for a fourth year in cases where a DPhil requires additional time
Application Requirements
The application process mirrors that of the main Berrow Foundation Scholarships and includes:
- Submission through the official online application system
- Provision of academic written work
- Submission of referee reports
- Completion of Oxford University graduate application after selection
Conclusion
The Berrow Foundation Scholarships and Lord Florey Scholarships represent prestigious funding opportunities for Swiss students aiming to pursue world-class postgraduate education at the University of Oxford. With full financial coverage, rigorous academic expectations, and a strong emphasis on personal character, these awards remain among the most competitive international scholarship programmes linked to Lincoln College.
