Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027 at the University of Oxford: Fully Funded
Introduction
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027 provide African students with an opportunity to pursue a fully funded taught Master’s degree at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is offered through a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). The programme supports passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African students who have demonstrated leadership, service and a commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.
The broader partnership between Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation is set to provide 400 young African scholars with fully funded opportunities to pursue taught Master’s degrees in programmes related to pandemic preparedness and recovery.
The scholarship is based on the shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion and community and forms part of the wider AfOx Graduate Scholars Programme, which helps African students access Oxford and thrive during and after their studies.
Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship is a full-cost scholarship.
Successful scholars receive:
- Full tuition/course fees for the approved Master’s programme.
- A living-cost grant at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate.
- Economy return flight to the UK.
- UK visa fees.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees.
- A settling-down allowance.
- Access to a Thrive Fund for emergency situations.
- Academic and social support throughout the programme.
- A bespoke Leadership and Impact Programme.
- Leadership development focused on collaborative leadership and developing cross-sector and interdisciplinary solutions to complex social and environmental challenges.
- Access to world-leading resources in relevant sectors.
- Opportunities to develop technical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
- Mentorship and career support.
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni network.
- Membership of the AfOx Alumni Network after graduation.
- Access to mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the wider AfOx network of research leaders and entrepreneurs.
The first year consists of a rigorous one-year taught Master’s course at Oxford, alongside the Leadership and Impact Programme.
Ubuntu Period of Service
An important part of the programme is the Ubuntu Period of Service after completion of the Master’s degree.
During this period, Scholars are supported to undertake 4–6 month placements with leading Africa-based organisations. Scholars work on initiatives in Africa while receiving mentorship from Africa-based academics and practitioners.
The placements can involve organisations such as:
- African start-ups
- Multinational development agencies
- Governments
- NGOs
- Research institutions
The aim is to help Scholars develop practical experience and pathways towards impactful careers in Africa.
The programme also provides preparation and support before students begin their studies, places strong emphasis on life skills beyond academia, and supports the development of a lifelong alumni network.
Areas of Focus
The programme provides training in disciplines connected to major challenges facing Africa, including:
- Food systems
- Health sciences
- Sustainable water and energy systems
- Governance and public policy
- Entrepreneurship
The programmes centre on four AfOx themes connected to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Healthy People
- Integrated Societies
- Green Futures
- Innovation for Prosperity
Eligibility
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident in Africa.
- Hold an offer for a full-time, one-year taught Master’s course at the University of Oxford.
- Have submitted their Oxford graduate application through the Graduate Admissions Portal by the relevant December/January funding deadline for their chosen course.
- Not have previously completed a graduate degree.
- Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.
- Demonstrate alignment with AfOx’s values of Collegiality, Empathy, Commitment, Transparency and Inclusivity.
- Show how their previous work or future plans will contribute to addressing major challenges facing Africa, including pandemic threats, the climate crisis and youth employment.
Open-field applicants are not eligible for consideration. Applicants must apply for an eligible course.
The programme particularly welcomes applicants from groups that have historically faced barriers to higher education, including:
- Women
- People from refugee or displaced backgrounds
- People with disabilities/accessibility needs
- People from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
For applicants with a displacement background, Oxford asks applicants to indicate this when completing their graduate application by answering “Yes” to the question asking whether they are, or have been, a refugee, stateless person, asylum seeker or otherwise forcibly displaced within or outside their country of origin.
Deadline
The reported deadline for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027/28 is: 8 January 2027
However, applicants should not assume that 8 January applies to every Oxford course. The University of Oxford states that the exact funding deadline varies by course, and applicants must apply by the relevant December/January deadline for their chosen programme.
Oxford recommends submitting the graduate application and all supporting documents at least one week before the applicable deadline.
How to Apply
There is no separate initial application form for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship.
Applicants must first apply for an eligible full-time, one-year taught Master’s programme at the University of Oxford through the University’s Graduate Admissions Portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions website.
- Research the eligible Master’s courses and select a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
- Check the specific application and funding deadline for your chosen course.
- Read Oxford’s Graduate Application Guide carefully.
- Prepare your academic and supporting documents.
- Submit your complete graduate application through the Oxford Graduate Admissions Portal before the relevant December/January funding deadline.
- Indicate any refugee, displacement or other relevant background information accurately in your Oxford application where applicable.
- Eligible offer holders will be contacted by Student Fees and Funding by email and invited to complete the scholarship application.
- Eligible candidates will then be invited to a virtual AfOx Graduate Scholarship interview.
- Successful candidates will receive a scholarship offer and further information about joining Oxford and the induction programme.
The AfOx selection process includes consideration of academic merit and potential, leadership experience and capacity development, alignment with AfOx values and themes, and commitment to Africa’s development.
Applicants should therefore focus not only on academic qualifications but also on demonstrating leadership, community service, commitment to Africa and the potential impact of their work.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship offers African students the opportunity to earn a fully funded Master’s degree at Oxford while receiving leadership training, mentorship and practical support to build an impactful career in Africa.
Application Link
Apply through the official University of Oxford Graduate Admissions Portal:
Scholarship information:
Reported scholarship deadline: 8 January 2027, but applicants must confirm the specific funding deadline for their chosen Oxford course.
