Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships at the University of Oxford
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford provides fully funded opportunities for young Africans to pursue selected one-year taught Master’s degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Delivered through a partnership between the University of Oxford, the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), the programme is designed to equip scholars with advanced academic knowledge alongside leadership, entrepreneurial and practical skills relevant to addressing major challenges across Africa.
The partnership is expected to support 400 young African scholars, with particular emphasis on areas connected to Africa’s development priorities, including health, food systems, sustainable water and energy, governance, public policy, entrepreneurship and other related fields.
Scholarship Coverage
This is a full-cost scholarship. Selected Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholars receive:
- Full University of Oxford course fees
- Living-cost grant at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate
- Economy return flight
- Visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge fees
- Settling-in allowance
- Access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies
- Leadership and Impact Programme
- Tailored academic and social support
- Mentorship and career support
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and AfOx alumni networks
- Support for an Africa-based placement following the Master’s programme
The award covers the full duration of the scholar’s fee liability for the agreed taught postgraduate course.
Programme Structure
The programme extends beyond funding the Master’s degree.
During the first year, scholars complete their one-year taught Master’s programme at Oxford while participating in a dedicated Leadership and Impact Programme. This component develops collaborative leadership skills and prepares scholars to work across disciplines and sectors on complex social and environmental challenges.
After completing the Master’s degree, scholars participate in an “Ubuntu Period of Service.” Scholars are supported to undertake four-to-six-month placements with leading Africa-based organisations.
These placements can involve work with organisations operating across development, government, research, entrepreneurship and other sectors. Scholars receive mentoring from Africa-based academics and practitioners as they develop pathways towards impactful careers on the continent.
Areas of Study
The programme supports eligible one-year taught Master’s courses connected to areas important to Africa’s development.
Programme areas include:
- Food systems
- Health sciences
- Sustainable water systems
- Sustainable energy
- Governance
- Public policy
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Other relevant disciplines addressing major African development challenges
The programme is organised around four broad AfOx themes:
- Healthy People
- Integrated Societies
- Green Futures
- Innovation for Prosperity
Applicants should confirm that their intended Oxford course is eligible before applying.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be ordinarily resident in an African country
- Apply for a full-time, one-year taught Master’s course at the University of Oxford
- Submit their Oxford graduate application by the relevant December or January funding deadline for their chosen course
- Receive an offer for an eligible course
- Not have previously completed a graduate degree
- Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community
- Demonstrate alignment with AfOx values, including collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusivity
- Show how their previous work or future plans will contribute towards addressing major challenges facing Africa
Residence considerations are available for applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
Priority Groups
The programme particularly welcomes applications from groups that have historically faced barriers to accessing higher education, including:
- Women
- Applicants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds
- Refugees and forcibly displaced people
- Applicants with disabilities and accessibility needs
Applicants are still required to meet the relevant academic and scholarship eligibility criteria.
Academic Requirements
Admission requirements differ by Oxford course. Applicants must satisfy the academic and other entry requirements specified for the Master’s programme they select.
Importantly, the scholarship criteria state that applicants should not have previously completed a graduate degree. Prospective applicants who already hold a Master’s or another graduate qualification should therefore check their eligibility carefully.
Application Process
There is an important distinction between applying to Oxford and being considered for the scholarship.
Applicants should first:
- Identify an eligible one-year taught Master’s programme at the University of Oxford.
- Check the programme’s academic requirements and funding deadline.
- Prepare the required graduate admission documents.
- Submit a complete application through Oxford’s graduate admissions portal by the relevant December/January funding deadline.
- Ensure all supporting documents are submitted on time.
Oxford and AfOx recommend submitting the application and supporting documents at least one week before the applicable course deadline.
Eligible candidates who receive an offer will be contacted by Student Fees and Funding and invited to complete the scholarship application process.
Eligible candidates can subsequently be invited to a virtual interview as part of the AfOx Graduate Scholarship selection process.
Applicants therefore do not simply submit a standalone Mastercard Foundation scholarship application without first applying for graduate admission to Oxford.
Selection Considerations
Beyond meeting Oxford’s academic admission requirements, the scholarship places considerable emphasis on the applicant’s connection to Africa and demonstrated potential for impact.
Selection considers areas such as:
- Leadership experience
- Community service
- Commitment to Africa
- Alignment with AfOx values
- Previous contributions and future plans
- Potential to address significant challenges facing African communities
- Academic suitability for the selected programme
Relevant challenges highlighted by AfOx include pandemic threats, the climate crisis and youth employment.
Additional Support
Scholars become part of both the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community and the wider AfOx network.
This provides access to:
- Peer support from other scholars
- AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows
- Researchers and academics
- Entrepreneurs
- Career support
- Mentorship
- Alumni networks extending beyond graduation
The programme therefore combines graduate education, financial support, leadership development, professional exposure and post-study engagement in Africa.
Important Information
- Study Destination: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: University of Oxford
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Study Format: Full-time
- Master’s Duration: One year
- Funding: Fully funded/full-cost
- Eligible Nationality: Citizens of African countries
- Residence: Ordinarily resident in Africa, with considerations for displaced applicants
- Previous Graduate Degree: Applicants should not have previously completed one
- Application Route: University of Oxford graduate admissions portal
- Scholarship Consideration: Eligible offer holders are subsequently contacted
- Deadline: Relevant December 2026/January 2027 Oxford course funding deadline
Applicants should carefully check the eligibility of their intended course and its specific funding deadline before beginning the application.
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