Dubai: Prospective graduate students from Arab countries can now apply for a UAE-based scholarship to study at Oxford, the UK’s highest ranked university.

The new graduate scholarship programme has been set up between the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) and the University of Oxford.

The scholarships target students from 22 Arab League nations looking to pursue graduate studies. To be eligible, students must wish to pursue full-time Master’s and DPhil courses. Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses are not covered.

Students must also intend to return to their countries after completing their studies. The programme covers both national and residents of Arab states.

Preference will be given to UAE applicants, as well as to those seeking to pursue courses relevant to Arab heritage.

“This scholarship presents valuable opportunities to young Arabs,” said Jamal Bin Huwaireb, MBRF’s managing director. “Studying at such a prominent institution as Oxford University will provide a notable leverage for the scholars in their academic and professional careers.”

The scholarship covers course fees, college fees, and a grant for living costs for full-time students. The application deadline has been set for January 6 or 20, 2017, depending on the course. Selection is expected to take place in April 2017.

The first scholars will start their studies at the beginning of academic year 2017-2018.

Nick Rawlins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Oxford University, said that “this landmark grant creates a partnership that will offer students access to a world-class education.”

The scholarships also show “Oxford’s status as a truly global university,” he added.

Established around a millennium ago, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second oldest surviving university. Oxford has been deemed the world’s best university, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) world university rankings.

Oxford University is also renowned for its numerous facilities to support its 22,000 students.