What is the Oxford Scholar Programme?

Original research, one mentor, one student

The Oxford Scholar Programme is a fully bespoke, one-on-one research experience. Each student is matched with a single faculty mentor — a researcher at an Oxbridge, top UK, or Ivy League institution — who guides them through every stage of producing an original piece of academic work.

There are no cohorts, no group sessions, no fixed syllabi. The topic, pace, methodology, and output are entirely tailored to you and your intellectual interests.

What’s included

Dedicated 1:1 Mentor

Your mentor is a researcher at an Oxbridge, top UK, or Ivy League university, selected to match your field of interest.

Original Research Paper

You will produce a complete, original research paper — a genuine academic output, not a school essay.

Regular Mentor Meetings

Scheduled one-on-one sessions throughout the programme to review progress, refine your methodology, and develop your argument.

Any Discipline

Humanities, social sciences, STEM, law, economics, philosophy — we match mentors across a broad range of fields.

Application Support

Guidance on how to present your research within university applications, personal statements, and interviews.

OCAR Certificate

On successful completion, students receive an Oxford Centre for Advanced Research certificate of completion.

How it works

Apply & Be Matched

Submit a short application describing your academic interests and research goals. Our team matches you with the most appropriate mentor from our faculty network.

Define Your Research Question

In your first sessions, you and your mentor narrow down a specific, answerable research question and agree on the methodology you will use.

Conduct & Write Your Research

With ongoing mentor support and regular review sessions, you gather evidence, develop your argument, and produce a complete academic paper.

Complete & Receive Your Certificate

Your mentor reviews and approves your final paper. You receive your OCAR certificate and a strong foundation for your university applications.

Compare Programmes

Want to work toward publication?

The Oxford Publication Fellowship (£4,400) includes everything in this programme, plus additional mentor meetings and dedicated support to help you prepare and submit your research to a peer-reviewed journal.

View the Oxford Publication Fellowship