Financial aid for current students
African Graduate Support Fund
The African Graduate Support Fund provides awards of up to £2000 to African graduate students currently studying at the University of Oxford.
Applications should include a clear statement of the circumstances that necessitate the need for funding, the amount required, as well as how the fund will be used. Applicants may, if they wish, include a statement from a mentor, tutor or supervisor in support of their application. Information provided in the application will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
While the circumstances leading to an application will vary where applicable it would be useful for applicants to explain the need for support, their current circumstances and any steps taken or funding sought to address these circumstances.
Cuppy Africa Oxford Scholars Fund
Cuppy Africa Oxford Scholars Fund provides awards of up to £2000 to African graduate students currently studying at the University of Oxford. Cuppy studied at Oxford between 2021 and 2022, successfully undertaking an MSc in African Studies.
Florence Otedola, widely known as Cuppy, is a philanthropist, advocate, and changemaker dedicated to creating meaningful impact. As the founder of The Cuppy Foundation, she has raised over $17 million for Save the Children, directly supporting displaced children in Nigeria.
A passionate proponent of education, Cuppy has established hardship funds at her alma maters, including Oxford University, providing crucial support to African students facing financial barriers. In 2023, she was appointed the first international ambassador for King Charles III's The King's Trust, championing youth empowerment on a global stage.
In 2024, as the United Nations' official DJ, Cuppy moderated the opening session of the UN General Assembly, using her platform to inspire action on pressing global challenges. Her work embodies a steadfast commitment to equity, empowerment, and sustainable change.
The Cuppy Africa Oxford Scholars Fund aims to support future leaders from the continent by enabling them to access the necessary skills, resources and networks to maximise their impact across Africa and beyond. It will support African graduate students at the University to meet unexpected and urgent financial needs
Thrive Fund
The African Graduate Thrive Fund (AGTF) Fund provides awards of up to £2000 to African graduate students currently studying at the University of Oxford. The Fund supports African graduate students to meet unexpected and urgent financial circumstances and support urgent needs that might be considered appropriate by the award committee.
The Fund has been established by Mr Thomas Svanikier and supported through the African Studies Centre International Advisory Board.
Other sources of financial and wellbeing support for students are available at the University and in Colleges. Details of these can be found on the University's website. Your College is able to offer advice on the support for which you are eligible.
- African graduate students at the University of Oxford who are ordinarily resident and have spent a significant part of their life in any African country before their admission to the University.
- The Fund will support students during their course of study. Students who have not yet started their studies or who have already completed their studies are not eligible.
- Students must be able to demonstrate in their statement of support that they are in need of financial assistance.
The committee is unable to support applications that fall outside the remit of the fund, particularly where more appropriate sources of support exist within the University.
As such, we do not provide funding for:
- Academic or other support courses
- Attendance at academic conferences
- Fieldwork or other research costs
- Purchase of devices such as laptops, phones, or other electronic equipment
We encourage students to explore funding opportunities available through their departments and colleges for these expenses.
How to apply
Applications for the Thrive Fund 2025/26 cycle is now open. The new deadlines for 2026/27 are as follows:
- Michaelmas Term: 6th November 2026
- Hilary Term: 12th February 2027
- Trinity Term: 21st May 2027
Urgent applications can be considered between meetings. Please note this process may take several weeks depending on availability of the committee. Urgent applications include only unprecedented events such as sudden displacement due to unforeseen circumstances, disability-related emergencies or other exceptional situations that require immediate support. Applications for living costs will not be considered urgent unless the committee decides otherwise.
To submit an application, please download the application form, complete it, and return it to afoxoperations@ndm.ox.ac.uk.
We may contact you to voluntarily provide feedback on the impact of the Thrive Fund support.
Notification of the Outcome and Reporting
You will be notified about the outcome of your application via email.
Kindly take note that in the event of being granted an award, it is important to be aware that the payment process may take some time to complete. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.