African students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies at one of the world’s leading universities have an exciting opportunity to access fully funded graduate scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford for the 2027/2028 academic year.
Delivered in partnership with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), the prestigious scholarship programme seeks to support outstanding African candidates pursuing eligible one-year, full-time taught master’s programmes and the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Global Health Research at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The initiative goes beyond providing financial assistance. It combines world-class academic education, transformative leadership development, professional networking and career transition support to prepare African scholars to become influential leaders and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
Applications for the 2027/2028 academic intake must be submitted through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions system by the relevant December 2026 or January 2027 funding deadline, depending on the selected course.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial and professional development support to successful candidates. The following are the benefits
- Full University Tuition Fees: Selected scholars receive funding covering their course fees for the full duration of their eligible one-year taught master’s programme or Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research.
- Living Expenses Grant: Successful applicants receive a grant towards living costs at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate. This financial support is intended to help scholars meet essential expenses during their studies.
- International Return Flight: The scholarship provides logistical assistance, including an economy-class return flight for scholars whose studies are based in Oxford.
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge Support: The programme covers eligible visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, reducing the financial burden associated with studying in the United Kingdom.
- Laptop Provision: Scholars receive a laptop to support their academic activities, research and participation in the programme.
- Settling-in Allowance: Successful beneficiaries receive a settling-in allowance to help with initial expenses associated with beginning their studies.
- Transformative Leadership Programme: Beyond financial assistance, scholars participate in a tailor-made leadership development programme. The programme focuses on developing collaborative leadership qualities and preparing participants to address complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
- Professional Networking and Career Development: Scholars gain access to networking opportunities, mentorship and professional development support before, during and after their studies at Oxford.
These opportunities are designed to establish lasting connections between African leaders, researchers and development professionals.
The scholarship targets academically outstanding African candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement and a commitment to addressing challenges across the continent.
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility requirements.
- African Citizenship and Residency: Candidates must be citizens of an African country and ordinarily resident in an African country. Special residence considerations will be made for applicants from refugee and forcibly displaced backgrounds.
- Admission to an Eligible Oxford Programme: Applicants must apply for an eligible full-time, one-year taught master’s programme or the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research at the University of Oxford. They must submit their graduate admissions application by the applicable December/January funding deadline.
- Previous Academic Qualifications: Applicants must not have previously completed a graduate degree.
- Demonstrated Leadership Experience: Candidates must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their communities. Relevant experiences may include community development initiatives, volunteering, social entrepreneurship, research, advocacy, public service and other activities demonstrating leadership potential.
- Alignment with AfOx Values: Applicants should demonstrate alignment with the five core values of the Africa Oxford Initiative:
- Collegiality.
- Empathy.
- Commitment.
- Transparency.
- Inclusivity.
- Commitment to African Development: Candidates must demonstrate how their previous work or future professional plans will contribute towards addressing major African challenges.
Priority areas include pandemic threats, climate change, youth employment and other critical development issues.
Preference will be given to candidates from historically under-represented backgrounds in higher education, including:
- Applicants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Female scholars.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Refugees and forcibly displaced
There is no single universal application deadline for all eligible courses. Most University of Oxford postgraduate programmes have funding deadlines in December 2026 or January 2027. The exact deadline depends on the chosen academic programme.
Click the link below to apply:
Author
Paul Olayioye
