Support access to lifelong learning

Oxford Lifelong Learning extends the benefits of Oxford's research and scholarship beyond the full-time student body and offers a stimulating environment to nurture every curious mind – providing tutors and teaching resources dedicated to the needs of adult learners. This is at the heart of what we do. Every one of our learners is part of our historic legacy of the Oxford extension movement that began nearly 150 years ago.

Offering opportunities for flexible, adult, lifelong learning is vital as people adapt to changed circumstances – whether upskilling, changing career path, seeking pathways into formal education, or rethinking life plans and improving their wellbeing – and we want to ensure that finances are not a barrier.

A gift to support Oxford Lifelong Learning helps us fulfil our mission and bring accessible, inclusive, and transformative education to all who might benefit.

'The bursary that covered my tuition fees proved immensely useful because it provided a cushion for my unexpected expenses meaning I could focus on my studies. I am forever grateful for my experience at the department and the positive impact it has had on me.'

Assia Maryam, Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education

Supporting students

With your help, we can provide financial support to ensure that talented lifelong learners can achieve their full potential at Oxford.

The generosity of donors allows us to widen access to education at Oxford for a local, national, and global community of learners.

How your gift could help

  • £25 could assist a local student with their travel costs
  • £50 could cover the cost of essential books for a term of study
  • £500 could pay for accommodation to attend a study week or a laptop to facilitate study
  • £2,520 could provide a fee bursary for learners on low incomes studying our certificates and diplomas

The value of a fully funded scholarship varies and we welcome you getting in touch to discuss how establishing a scholarship can change people’s lives.

Investing in academic excellence

Securing academic posts is crucial to delivering our mission. There is a continuing need to identify, nurture and retain high quality and dedicated staff that underpin our education, and to support world leading research.

Enhancing student experience

We aim to make the experience for lifelong learners as inviting, supportive and inclusive as that of Oxford's full-time students. We strive to enhance our teaching, accommodation, library and social spaces to meet the needs of our diverse learners.

How to donate or make a gift

Single or regular recurrent gifts to our bursary fund can be made through the 'donate' button.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss a potential gift and ways to donate, would like to learn more about our priorities and how your gift can help, are considering leaving a legacy gift in a will, or are interested in supporting a particular area of our work. 

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how your support can best serve our community of lifelong learners and bring life changing education to a wide spectrum of society.