Applications are now open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford (AfOx) for the 2025-2026.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford (AfOx) is a transformative initiative designed to support talented young Africans in pursuing their Master's degrees at the University of Oxford. This program is part of a broader partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), aiming to foster a new generation of leaders who are passionate about driving positive change in their communities and beyond. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and living expenses, providing Scholars with the resources and opportunities to develop their technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford Summary
Host Institution: University of Oxford, UK
Funding: Full tuition fees and living expenses
Eligibility: Outstanding African graduates with leadership potential, commitment to Africa's development, and alignment with AfOx values
Application Deadline: Dec./January
Study Fields: Various Master's degree courses, including health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship.
Benefits: Tuition coverage, living expenses, tailored training programs, networking opportunities, and support for a lifelong network of alumni
Ubuntu Service: post graduation service in African organizations, including start-ups, NGOs, and multinational development agencies.
Scholarship Value
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford (AfOx) is fully-funded scholarship covering the following:
Tuition fees
Monthly allowance for living expenses (Approximately £2,700/month)
Economy return flight
Visa and Immigration Health fees
Settling down allowance
Access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Must be an African citizen residing in Africa.
Academic Excellence: Strong academic record (typically first-class or upper second-class degree).
Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership and commitment to Africa's development.
AfOx Values: Align with values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion, and community.
Field of Study: Applying for a relevant Master's degree (e.g., health sciences, governance).
Language: Proficiency in English
Underrepresented Groups: Encouraged applicants include women, refugees, and those with accessibility needs.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford (AfOx) involves several steps:
1. Choose a Course and University
Submit your application for graduate study to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the main December /January funding deadline for your chosen course of study. Read the Application Guide in detail ahead of making the application
2. Scholarship offers and University Nomination
Eligible offer holders will be automatically considered and contacted by Student Fees and Funding via email
Eligible candidates will be invited to demonstrate how they meet the following selection criteria. In awarding the Scholarships the panel looks at four areas:
Academic merit and potential
Leadership experience and capacity development
Alignment with AfOx values and themes
Commitment to Africa’s development
🗓️ Key Dates and Deadlines
Deadlines for Applications
Most postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford have application deadlines in December or January, but not all. The specific deadlines to note are:
3rd December 2024: (Medical Sciences Division and some other courses)
7th January 2025 : (Humanities courses)
7th January 2025: (Humanities courses)
8th January 2025: (Some Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences courses and remaining Medical Sciences Division courses)
9th January 2025: Social Sciences
28th January 2025: (Some Other Social Sciences courses)
29th January 2025: (Continuing Education courses, Law, and all other courses)
• Scholarship Nomination Notification
February 2025 - April 2025 – If you are eligible for consideration, you will receive an email from Student Fees and Funding with an invitation to an AfOx scholarship interview (online via Zoom).
• Selection results
By July 2025 – Candidates will be informed of the outcome of their AfOx scholarship interview. Successful candidates will receive a scholarship offer letter from Student Fees and Funding and an information pack from AfOx with further information about arrival in Oxford and the induction programme.
ℹ️ You can find further information and helpful answers by referring to the FAQ section.
🌐 Visit the official website of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford (AfOx) by clicking button below.
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