Study in UK | University of Oxford Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027

The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship programme offers passionate, locally rooted, and globally minded African young people a transformative opportunity for graduate studies at the University of Oxford. This partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) will provide 400 young African scholars with fully funded taught Masters degrees focused on pandemic preparedness and recovery.

Scholarship Funding Packages

Selected scholars receive comprehensive support for their one-year taught Master’s course:

• Full course fees for the entire programme
• Annual living stipend of £21,805 for international students
• Economy return flight to the United Kingdom
• Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees
• Settling down allowance for initial expenses
• Access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies

Beyond financial support, scholars benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Programme delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise. This programme develops collaborative leadership qualities needed for cross-sector, interdisciplinary solutions addressing complex social and environmental problems.

Programme Structure and Benefits

The first year involves rigorous academic study at Oxford combined with leadership development. Scholars receive tailored academic and social support throughout their studies.

After completing their Master’s programme, scholars participate in 4-6 month placements with leading Africa-based organisations for their Ubuntu Period of Service. This practical component ensures theoretical knowledge translates into real-world impact.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria for consideration:

• Hold African nationality
• Submit applications to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal
• Indicate interest in AfOx funding during application
• Meet course-specific deadlines

The scholarship explicitly emphasises groups historically under-represented, including female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations apply for refugee and displaced students.

Application Process

Prospective applicants should follow these steps:

1. Apply for a graduate degree at the University of Oxford
2. Indicate interest in AfOx funding on the application
3. Request application fee waiver where applicable (£75 fee waived for many low-income countries)
4. Consider applying to the Afrisoc Mentoring programme for support
5. Email afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk for fee waiver concerns before submitting

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

Candidates receiving conditional offers will receive invitations to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program. Invited candidates must complete the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire during the application process. Shortlisted candidates will participate in virtual interviews before final decisions.

Critical Deadline

The application deadline for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027 is 8 January 2027. Applicants should submit their forms and supporting documents at least one week before the earliest course deadline.

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