The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship program supports young African leaders to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. This fully funded scholarship covers all course fees and provides a grant of £19,237 for living costs, along with tailored training programs, networking opportunities, and support.
Summary of the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in the UK
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Flight Tickets | Visa Fee | Accommodations
- Deadline: January 5, 2025
- Scholarship Alerts: For updates on scholarships, you can receive alerts on WhatsApp by clicking here.
Details of the Scholarship
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have formed a partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). This program aims to provide 400 young African scholars with fully-funded opportunities to pursue taught Masters degrees in fields related to pandemic preparedness and recovery at the University of Oxford.
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship emphasizes collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion, and community. It funds a rigorous one-year Master’s course at Oxford, equipping scholars with technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills, and connecting them to world-leading resources in their sectors.
Key elements include support and preparation for studies, a focus on life skills beyond academia, and a lifelong alumni network.
Requirements for the Scholarship
To be considered for the 2025 University of Oxford Mastercard Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be of African nationality.
- Submit an application to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the course deadline and indicate an interest in AfOx funding.
- Consideration will be given to students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
- The scholarship focuses on historically under-represented groups, including female scholars, refugees, and disabled individuals.
- Carefully read the Application Guide before applying.
- Submit the application form and supporting documents at least a week before the earliest course deadline.
Duration and Benefits
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship covers full tuition fees and living expenses for international students. It also provides logistical support, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.
In the first year, scholars complete a rigorous academic Master’s course at Oxford and participate in a Leadership and Impact Programme. After their Master’s, scholars undertake 4-6 month placements in leading African organizations during their Ubuntu Period of Service. They also benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program delivered with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise, along with academic and social support.
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford, interested and qualified applicants should:
- Visit the scholarship webpage
- Apply for a graduate degree at the University of Oxford, indicating a wish to be considered for AfOx funding.
- Request a waiver for the £75 application fee if eligible.
- Apply to the Afrisoc Mentoring program for support with Oxford Applications and potential fee waivers if not eligible for the automatic waiver.
- Email afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk if there are any concerns about the application fee.
- Candidates with a conditional offer will be invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program and fill out the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire.
- Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually, and timelines will be communicated at the interview stage.
Deadline: January 5, 2025
For more scholarship opportunities, click here.
