SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW
Organization: University of Oxford & Mastercard Foundation
Program: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (AfOx Graduate Scholarship)
Level: Fully-Funded Master’s Degree
Duration: 1-Year Taught Master’s Program + 1-Year Ubuntu Service
Application Deadline: Varies by course (Nov 15, Dec 3, Jan 7–29, 2026)
Place of Study: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
About the Scholars
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford, in partnership with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), offers fully-funded Master’s degrees to 400 African scholars. The program targets passionate, locally rooted, and globally minded students in fields related to pandemic preparedness and recovery and other sectors critical to Africa’s sustainable development.
The scholarship emphasizes:
- Leadership development
- Academic excellence
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Global networking opportunities
Scholars also participate in the Ubuntu Period of Service, a 4–6 month placement in Africa post-graduation, working with NGOs, governments, research institutions, or launching impactful initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be African nationals
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential
- Be committed to Africa’s development
- Include under-represented groups such as female scholars, refugees, displaced students, and scholars with accessibility needs
Scholarship Benefits
The program provides:
- Full tuition fees for the chosen Master’s program
- Living expenses grant at UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate
- Economy return flight
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees
- Settling down allowance
- Access to Thrive Fund for emergencies
- Comprehensive academic and leadership support
- Access to Mastercard Foundation and AfOx alumni networks
Selection Criteria
The selection panel evaluates applicants on:
- Academic Merit & Potential
- Leadership Experience & Capacity Development
- Alignment with AfOx Values and Themes
- Commitment to Africa’s Development
Eligible applicants will be invited to:
- Virtual interview via Zoom for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program
- Receive scholarship offer letters from Student Fees and Funding (if successful)
How to Apply
- Submit your application for your chosen Master’s course via the University of Oxford graduate admissions portal by the course-specific funding deadline.
- Recommended to submit at least 1 week before the deadline.
- Check the relevant course deadlines:
- 15 Nov 2025 – Some courses
- 3 Dec 2025 – Medical Sciences & others
- 7 Jan 2026 – Humanities courses
- 8 Jan 2026 – Mathematical, Physical, Life Sciences courses
- 9 Jan 2026 – Some Social Sciences courses
- 28 Jan 2026 – Other Social Sciences courses
- 29 Jan 2026 – Continuing Education, Law, other courses
- AfOx Scholarship Interview: Eligible candidates will be contacted via email for an online interview (Feb–Apr 2026)
- Offer Letter: Successful candidates will receive scholarship offer letters and induction information by July 2026
Key Program Highlights
- Access to world-class academic resources at Oxford
- Interdisciplinary training in areas critical to Africa: food systems, health sciences, governance, water & energy, entrepreneurship
- Leadership & Impact Program with peer and mentor support
- Ubuntu Period of Service – hands-on placements in Africa for career impact
- Alumni network with global and Africa-focused connections
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