Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford supports passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African young people to undertake graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is grounded in the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion and community. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is part of the broader AfOx Graduate Scholars Program, which aims to support African students to access opportunities at Oxford and to thrive both during and after their time at the University.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford funds a rigorous one-year taught Master’s course at Oxford aimed at equipping the Scholars with relevant technical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and connecting them to world-leading resources in their respective sectors. Key elements of the scholarship programme include adequate support and preparation for students to take up their studies, intensive emphasis on life skills beyond academia and support for a lifelong network of alumni. Each Scholar will benefit from the highest calibre training in specific disciplines critical to solving pressing problems, including food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship, among others. Their programs will centre the four AfOx themes relevant to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Healthy People, Integrated Societies, Green Futures, and Innovation for Prosperity.

An important and innovative aspect of the program is the “Ubuntu period of service” undertaken upon completion of the Master’s degree. During this second year of the Program, the Scholars will be supported and encouraged to design and deliver impactful projects based on African organisations, which could include launching start-ups and working in multinational development agencies, governments, NGOs or research institutions.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs.  

This full-cost scholarship is available to Master's students, covering tuition fees and living expenses for international students. The scholarship also provides logistics support, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.  The first year includes a rigorous academic Master’s course at Oxford and a Leadership and  Impact Programme, which support the scholars in developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector, interdisciplinary solutions to address complex social and environmental problems. 

After completing their Master’s Program, Scholars will be supported to take up 4-6 months placements in leading Africa-based organisations for their Ubuntu Period of Service. The Scholars will work on initiatives in Africa, receiving mentoring from leading Africa-based academics and practitioners, enabling the Scholars to develop pathways to building impactful careers in Africa.

The Scholars benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program and tailored academic and social support throughout their studies. Beyond their studies, Scholars will join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni, and the  AfOx Alumni Network, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African Scholars linked to the University of Oxford and beyond.  In addition to the peer support from the Scholar Community, the Scholars have access to mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the more comprehensive AfOx network of research leaders and entrepreneurs.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford enables African students to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships cover course fees and a grant for living costs for taught postgraduate students at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate. Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed taught postgraduate course. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford emphasises explicitly groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.

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: 1) Academic merit and potential 2) Leadership experience and capacity development 3) Alignment with AfOx values and themes 4) Commitment to Africa’s development. To be considered for this scholarship you must submit your application for graduate study by the relevant December/January deadline for your course.

(a) To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford, 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. Please read the Application Guide in detail ahead of making the application. We strongly recommend you submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least a week before the December/January  for your course.

(b) Eligible candidates will be then invited to a virtual interview for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program. 

AfOx Scholarships Selection Process (2025/26 entry)

September 2024 - January 2025 - Ensure you apply for the relevant course by the earliest deadline, ensuring that you meet the specific funding deadline for your course. To begin your application, please click here to learn more about courses, fees and funding, and applying to Oxford. Please be aware that the exact deadline can vary depending on the course. As such, it's recommended that prospective students check the specific application deadline for their chosen course well in advance.

Most postgraduate courses at the University of Oxford have application deadlines in December or January, but not all. The specific dates to note are:

15th November 2024 – application deadline (some courses)

3rd December 2024 – application deadline (Medical Sciences Division and some other courses)

7th January 2025 – application deadline (Humanities courses)

8th January 2025 – application deadline (Some Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences courses and remaining Medical Sciences Division courses)

9th January 2025 – application deadline (Some Social Sciences courses)

28th January 2025 – application deadline (Other Social Sciences courses)

29th January 2025 – application deadline (Continuing Education courses, Law, and all other courses)

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).

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.

The University of Oxford has an extensive database of frequently asked questions and we recommend that you look there in the first instance. Click here for the FAQs. 

If you cannot find an answer please submit your question through email to afoxscholarships@ndm.ox.ac.uk and we'll answer you as soon as possible.