Supporting word-class training for African students at Oxford

Students

By 2050 the majority of the world’s student age population will be in Africa. African graduates and researchers will play a key role in contributing to the future of not just the continent, but the world. We are taking a multi-pronged approach aimed at increasing the number of successful African applications, improving the update of offers by supporting scholarships and providing on-course support to African graduates at Oxford.

Scholarships for African students in Oxford
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Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholars 2022

The AfOx Graduate Scholarships aim to provide outstanding African graduates the opportunity to undertake a fully funded Masters degree at the University of Oxford. Going beyond providing course fees and living costs, the AfOx scholarships deliver tailor made training programmes, networking opportunities and support for students before, during and following their time at Oxford. 

We have recently developed a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The partnership is set to provide 400 young African scholars with a fully-funded opportunity to pursue taught Masters degrees in programmes related to pandemic preparedness and recovery at the University of Oxford.  Click here for information about the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship

We are also currently working with the Standard Bank Africa's Chairman Scholarship, Oppenheimer Fund, St Hugh's College and Reuben College to provide scholarships to African Masters students in Oxford. 

View the list of scholars here
 

AfOx Scholarships Selection Process

Late March – If you are eligible for consideration, you will receive an email from Student Fees and Funding with an invitation to complete a Microsoft Form application

Early April – Deadline for the Microsoft Form applications to be submitted

April-May – Application review process

Late May – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified that they have not been successful in their application.

Early June – Interviews take place (online via Zoom)

Late June/Early July – Interview outcomes will be communicated to all candidates. Successful candidates will receive an offer letter from Student Fees and Funding and a letter from AfOx with further information.

 

"My research interest in forced displacement began when I fled persecution in Ethiopia and started working with refugees. Through my work with refugees and my own lived experience of displacement, I witnessed first-hand the challenges displaced people face. This experience has inspired me to pursue the MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration. I hope pursuing this course will equip me with the knowledge and skills I need to contribute to making a difference in the lives of displaced people."
Mohammed Abdella I Ethiopia I MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration I Somerville College

Virtual Open Day

Our livestream Q&A session features a panel of professors, admissions officers and students who share guidelines best tips for applying to Oxford.

Mentoring prospective applicants

AfriSoc Mentoring Scheme

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We support the University of Oxford Africa Society's Mentoring Programme for prospective African applicants applying to Oxford. In the last academic year, 120 African applicants were mentored by 40 African graduates students currently studying at Oxford. The mentors lend their time and experience to help applicants with writing CV’s and personal letters, managing referees and identifying suitable scholarships.

More than providing assistance on scholarships, this scheme helped me to know that I was not alone in what I was feeling, going through or in the questions that I had. It was so comforting to have someone to turn to and ask questions who had been in my shoes and had made it to the other side.
MSc African Studies applicant from Zimbabwe
Our bespoke support programmes aim to ensure that African graduates don't just survive, but thrive in Oxford. 

Thriving at Oxford

Top tips from African alumni on navigating the city

Unofficial guide to Oxford

What does matriculation mean? Where can I get a good haircut? 

Read our Unofficial Guide to Oxford where students, alumni and staff share top tips on navigating Oxford and the University. 

Essay writing workshop

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Adjusting to a new academic environment and style of writing can be challenging. At the start of every academic year we facilitate a writing workshop for students to discuss essay formats, dissertation writing, references and how to synthesise information.

I found it to be very helpful and well structured. I used to refer to it and other essay guidelines gathered from my course supervisors. I will highly recommend it to any student at Oxford University.
Dr. Mary Ansong, MSc Clinical Embryology from Ghana

DPhil Roundtable

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Our DPhil round table brings together research students and academic supervisors to share guidance and best tips in undertaking a DPhil in Oxford. 

I first participated in the DPhil roundtable as a first year DPhil student. It was helpful to hear from other students and professors who faced similar academic challenges and how they overcame them. I also participated in the DPhil roundtable in the weeks closer to my final thesis submission, which allowed me to share my own learnings, challenges, and success with a newer generation of research students. I would encourage all African students to take up this unique and tailor-made opportunity
Dr Ndjodi Ndeunyema, Modern Law Review Early Career Fellow, Oxford University
Thrive Fund
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The Thrive Fund supports African graduate students to pursue activities that will ensure the viability of academic projects, meet unexpected and urgent financial circumstances and support, urgent needs that might be considered appropriate by the award committee

African graduate social mixers
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Our graduate social mixers are an opportunity for African students to come together and interact with other students, alumni and staff in an informal and relaxed environment. The aim of the mixers are to help build a flourishing community, create networks and provide institutional support for African graduate students in Oxford.