Oxford University Unveils New Scholarship Opportunity For Indian Students – Details Inside
Oxford University Unveils New Scholarship Opportunity For Indian Students: Somerville College at the University of Oxford recently launched the Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship, in partnership with the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) and the Piramal family. This distinguished scholarship supports Indian students aiming to pursue sustainable development and social impact courses, offering full coverage for tuition, living expenses, and travel. Open to eligible Indian residents, this award honours Dr Gita Piramal’s impact in academia and corporate leadership. The 2025 entry scholarship will aid students enrolled in Master’s programmes in fields like Environmental Change, Education, Global Governance, and Global Health.
Purpose and Focus Areas
By offering extensive financial support, the Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship seeks to advance Dr Piramal’s legacy of inspiring and empowering future leaders from India. The scholarship is designed for students enrolled in specific courses, such as MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery, MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology, and MSc in Economics for Development, all based at Somerville. Emphasising interdisciplinary study, the scholarship encourages students to address pressing issues in sustainability, education, and health at the international level.
Application Process
The application process requires candidates to apply for eligible courses by Oxford’s funding deadline. All qualified candidates will automatically be considered for the scholarship, even if Somerville is not their first-choice college. Shortlisted applicants will participate in interviews in April 2025, where academic merit and financial need will be key criteria. Candidates will also be evaluated on how well their aspirations align with OICSD’s goals.
First Recipient and Impact
Sanjana Choudhary, a prominent journalist and the first Dr Gita Piramal Scholarship recipient, is currently pursuing an MSc in Modern South Asian Studies. Her research addresses complex topics such as post-colonial labour rights, racial capitalism, and global solidarity movements, which have been recognised in renowned publications like The Caravan and Duke University Press. Her selection demonstrates the scholarship’s commitment to supporting students who seek to make significant, lasting contributions in their fields.
Honouring Dr Gita Piramal’s Legacy
Dr Gita Piramal’s work has transformed corporate education and inspired leaders worldwide. As an entrepreneur, author, and researcher, her contributions continue to influence global MBA curricula and aspiring business leaders. Somerville College’s partnership with the Piramal family in creating this scholarship is a testament to her life’s impact, aiming to inspire new generations of Indian students to lead change on local and global levels. This scholarship strengthens the bridge between India and Oxford, fostering innovation in sustainability and leadership.
