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Optiver / Liam Prior
The Optiver Foundation Scholarship Programme supports women from low- and middle-income countries to undertake Master’s courses at Oxford within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Its aim is to promote greater diversity in postgraduate STEM programmes at Oxford as well as contribute to a more inclusive global scientific community. Scholarships are a crucial tool in enabling individuals, from all backgrounds, to pursue postgraduate study and to overcome potential financial barriers. The scheme also supports Oxford in its ambitions to nurture the next generation of global leaders including across STEM subject areas.
Our latest cohort is made up of women from Lebanon, Mexico, Ethiopia, Belarus, China and Kenya. They will be undertaking courses in areas such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Theoretical Chemistry and Energy Systems.
Mahabba El Sahili, who will be studying an MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science says, “Studying at Oxford is a dream that has grown with me over the years. I am excited to join its intellectual and diverse community and to spend the year in this beautiful city. I am looking forward to growing my knowledge and passion for mathemtics and computer science during my time here.”
Shalom Mulinge is joining the MSc Energy Systems course within the Department of Engineering Science. Shalom says, “During my time in Oxford, I hope to deepen my understanding of systems thinking, particularly at the intersection of technology and policy, as well as expand my knowledge on renewables and the role they play in the energy transition.”
Professor James Naismith, Head of the MPLS Division, said:
“We are proud to welcome this new group of Optiver Foundation Scholars to Oxford. Their talent, determination and different perspectives enrich our community and strengthen our collective pursuit of scientific discovery. The Optiver Foundation’s continued generous support is helping us to attract brilliant women from around the world to Oxford. If we are to solve society's biggest challenges, STEM needs to search everywhere to find and then support talent. I look forward to seeing the impact these scholars will make during their time here and beyond.”
Rashid Shah, Managing Director of the Optiver Foundation, said: “It is a privilege for us to support these exceptional scholars as they pursue their ambitions in STEM. We wish them success in their studies and future careers.”
Applications open for 2026/27
Applications for next year’s Optiver Foundation Scholarship Programme are now open. A fourth round of scholarships will be awarded to students applying to one-year masters’ courses within the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Science, or the Mathematical Institute. This includes the new MSc in Quantum Technologies. Female applicants from low- and middle-income countries will be considered for the awards, which provide full financial support to cover course fees and a stipend for living costs. Scholars will also receive tailored induction activities, mentoring and on-course support. More information about the Optiver Foundation Scholarships, including how to apply, can be found here.