Mastercard Foundation 2023 AfOx Scholarships for African Students(Fully-funded)

The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). 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.  

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship programme supports passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African young people to undertake graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship programme is grounded in the Mastercard Foundation, and AfOx shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion and community. The Scholarship is part of the broader AfOx Graduate Scholars Program, which aims to support African students to access opportunities at Oxford and to thrive both during and after their time at the University.

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University of Oxford Information

University of Oxford Grants

Mastercard Foundation 2023 AfOx Scholarships for African Students(Fully-funded) Founded in 1096, University of Oxford is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Oxford (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South East England. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, University of Oxford is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Oxford offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 923 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 20-30% making this UK higher education organization a very selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship enables students from all African countries to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. 
  • All students with an African nationality and residence who receive a conditional offer from the University will be eligible for the scholarship.
  • The scholarship emphasises explicitly groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
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Offered Benefits

  • This full-cost scholarship is available to Master's students, covering tuition fees and living expenses for international students. The scholarship also provides logistics support, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.  The first year includes a rigorous academic Master’s course at Oxford and a Leadership and  Impact Programme, which support the scholars in developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector, interdisciplinary solutions to address complex social and environmental problems. 
  • After completing their Master’s Program, Scholars will be supported to take up 4-6 months placements in leading Africa-based organisations for their Ubuntu Period of Service. The scholars will work on initiatives in Africa, receiving mentoring from leading Africa-based academics and practitioners, enabling the Scholars to develop pathways to building impactful careers in Africa.
  • The Scholars benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise and tailored academic and social support throughout their studies. Beyond their studies, Scholars will join the AfOx Alumni Network, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African Scholars linked to the University of Oxford. 
  • In addition to the peer support from the Scholar Community, the Scholars have access to mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the more comprehensive AfOx network of research leaders and entrepreneurs.

Application Process

  •  To be considered for this scholarship, submit your application to the University of Oxford via the  graduate admissions portal by the deadline for your chosen course of study and indicate that you wish to apply for AfOx funding. Please read the  Application Guide in detail ahead of making the application. We strongly recommend you submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least a week before the earliest deadline for your course.
  • The Oxford University Masters application fee of £75 is waived upon request for many low-income countries – refer to the  application fee waiver section. Prospective applicants can apply to the  Afrisoc Mentoring program for support with Oxford Applications and potential fee waivers for countries not eligible for the fee waiver. If you have any concerns about the application fee, please email    before you submit your application through the Applicant Portal.
  •  Eligible candidates who receive a conditional offer from their course will be then invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program. All invited candidates will be expected to fill in the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire during the application process.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually before decisions are made, and the timelines will be communicated at the interview stage
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