Oxford University launches new scholarship for Indian students. Check details

Oxford University's Somerville College has introduced the Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship, offering full support for Indian students at Oxford for courses aligned with sustainable development goals.

In Short

• Oxford University's Somerville College launches new scholarship
• Full support offered to Indian students
• Scholarships focus on sustainable development

The prestigious Somerville College at the University of Oxford has announced the launch of the Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship for Indian students, in collaboration with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) and the Piramal family.

This scholarship, introduced to honour Dr Gita Piramal’s legacy in academia and corporate leadership, aims to support deserving Indian students in pursuing higher education at Oxford.

The Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship provides extensive support, covering course fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This financial assistance is valid for the entire duration of the recipient’s fee liability for their course. For the 2025 entry, one scholarship will be awarded.

OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP: ELIGIBILITY AND COURSES

Applicants must be Indian residents enrolled in one of the following full-time courses:

• MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery
• MSc in Economics for Development
• MSc in Education (Child Development and Education)
• MSc in Education (Comparative and International Education)
• MSc in Education (Digital and Social Change)
• MSc in Energy Systems
• MSc in Environmental Change and Management
• MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy
• MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology
• MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance

DR. GITA PIRAMAL SCHOLARSHIP: SELECTION PROCESS

The Dr. Gita Piramal Scholarship, available exclusively at Somerville, will be awarded based on both academic excellence and alignment with the interdisciplinary objectives of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development.

Applicants are automatically considered if they apply for relevant courses by Oxford’s funding deadline, regardless of their initial college preference. In April 2025, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, with further selection steps ensuring that each applicant’s financial circumstances are thoroughly reviewed.

Eligible candidates who have applied to the necessary graduate programmes and meet the residency criteria will receive an email invitation in February 2025.

They will then be asked to complete an online form, confirming their interest in the scholarship and providing additional financial information. Successful candidates who listed a different college as their preference will be transferred to Somerville to accept the award.

FIRST RECIPIENT

Sanjana Choudhary, a respected journalist and first-generation scholar, has been selected as the first recipient of this distinguished scholarship. Currently pursuing an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies, Choudhary’s research spans global solidarity movements, post-colonial labour rights, and racial capitalism.

Her work has already garnered recognition, with publications in renowned outlets like The Caravan and Duke University Press.

ABOUT DR. GITA PIRAMAL

Dr. Gita Piramal, a Senior Associate Fellow at Somerville College, has an illustrious career contributing to research on corporate India.

Her works, which are integral to MBA programmes worldwide, have shaped the perspectives of aspiring business leaders. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she has excelled as an entrepreneur, journalist, and author, inspiring emerging leaders across multiple fields.

With this initiative, Somerville College continues to foster educational opportunities for Indian students, investing in future leaders poised to make a positive impact on both local and global scales.