Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at University of Oxford, UK 2027

University of Oxford Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship 2027 Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford, administered in partnership with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), supports high-achieving young African scholars to pursue fully funded, one-year taught Master’s degrees. Focused on fields related to pandemic preparedness and recovery, the program combines academic rigor with the Leadership and Impact Program (in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise) and a post-graduation 4–6 month placement ("Ubuntu Period of Service") at leading Africa-based organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of an African country.
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• Inclusivity & Target Groups: Special consideration is given to historically underrepresented groups, including female scholars, refugees/displaced individuals, and scholars with disabilities.
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• Academic Program: Must apply to an eligible one-year taught Master’s program at the University of Oxford.
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• Core Qualities: Leadership potential, commitment to community service, and alignment with shared values of collegiality, empathy, inclusion, and social impact.
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Scholarship Benefits & Award Package

CategoryValue & Financial SupportTuition & Fees100% full tuition waiver for the duration of the one-year Master’s degreeLiving AllowanceComprehensive monthly stipend covering housing, meals, and daily living costsLogistics & RelocationEconomy round-trip airfare, visa application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and a settling-in allowanceEmergency SupportDirect access to the dedicated AfOx "Thrive Fund" for unexpected emergency expensesPost-Graduation SupportFunded 4–6 month "Ubuntu Period of Service" placement with an Africa-based organization

Required Documentation

• Standard University of Oxford graduate admissions application materials (academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, written work samples, and academic references)
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• Proof of African citizenship or refugee/displaced status documentation
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• Completed AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire (submitted upon invitation)
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• Application fee waiver request form (if applying from an eligible low-income country or via the AfriSoc Mentoring program)
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How to Apply

1. Select an eligible one-year taught Master’s program at the University of Oxford.
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3. Submit your graduate application via the Oxford Graduate Admissions Portal before your course’s official deadline (typically December or January), ensuring you tick the box indicating you wish to be considered for AfOx funding.
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5. (Optional) Request an Oxford application fee waiver (£75) if eligible, or contact afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk regarding fee support prior to submitting.
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7. Candidates who receive a conditional admission offer from Oxford will be invited to complete the supplemental AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire.
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9. Shortlisted applicants will participate in a virtual selection interview before final award decisions are confirmed.