Applications are now open for the 2026 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship, a fully funded opportunity for passionate and globally minded African students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
This scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and additional benefits such as leadership training, networking support, and placement opportunities.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Flight Tickets | Visa Fee | Accommodations
- Deadline: January 7, 2026
Scholarship Details
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), are offering a transformative scholarship under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This collaboration aims to support 400 young African students in obtaining taught Master’s degrees focused on pandemic preparedness and recovery.
The scholarship is rooted in the shared values of community, empathy, inclusion, collegiality, and commitment. It funds a one-year full-time Master’s program at Oxford, specifically designed to develop leadership, technical, and entrepreneurial skills in African scholars. The program also includes holistic pre-arrival preparation, ongoing mentorship, and lifelong alumni connections.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be of African nationality
- Apply for a graduate course at Oxford via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions Portal before the deadline for the chosen course
- Indicate interest in AfOx funding during the course application
- Take note that considerations are made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds
- Belong to groups historically underrepresented in higher education, such as female scholars, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities
- Review the Oxford Graduate Application Guide thoroughly before applying
- Submit the full application and supporting documents at least one week before the earliest deadline
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of this scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition and course fees for the one-year Master’s program
- Living expenses grant of £20,780
- Economy return flight tickets
- Coverage of visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees
- Settling-down allowance upon arrival
- Access to the Thrive Fund for emergency support
- Participation in a year-long Leadership and Impact Programme, delivered with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise
- Post-study placement in African organisations for 4–6 months under the Ubuntu Period of Service
- Ongoing academic and personal support throughout the program
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford, interested and eligible applicants should:
- Click on the button below to visit the official scholarship application webpage
- Apply for a graduate degree at Oxford and indicate interest in AfOx funding during the application process
- Check if your country qualifies for an application fee waiver (£75) or request a waiver where applicable
- Reach out to [email protected] in case of concerns about the application fee
- Consider applying for the Afrisoc Mentoring Programme for additional guidance and application support
- Wait for a conditional offer from your course before being invited to submit the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews. Further details will be provided during the interview stage
To begin your scholarship application, Click HERE
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