The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027 offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding African students to pursue a one-year taught master’s degree at the University of Oxford.
Delivered through a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), the program equips scholars with academic, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to drive positive change across Africa.
Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: University of Oxford
- Scholarship Partners: Mastercard Foundation and Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx)
- Study Level: Master’s
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 8 January 2027
About the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship supports talented African students who are committed to creating lasting social and economic impact in their communities.
The partnership aims to support 400 African scholars through fully funded master’s programs related to pandemic preparedness and recovery, while also providing leadership development, entrepreneurship training, and lifelong professional networking opportunities.
In addition to academic excellence, the scholarship places strong emphasis on collaborative leadership, inclusion, empathy, and community engagement.
Following completion of their studies, scholars participate in an Ubuntu Period of Service, undertaking professional placements with leading organizations across Africa to apply their knowledge and contribute to sustainable development.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Annual living expenses grant.
- Economy-class return airfare.
- Visa application fees.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees.
- Settling-in allowance upon arrival.
- Access to the Thrive Fund for emergency financial support.
- Leadership and Impact Programme delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.
- Academic mentoring and personalized student support.
- Networking opportunities with global scholars and professionals.
- Four to six months of professional placement in an Africa-based organization after graduation through the Ubuntu Period of Service.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Apply for an eligible taught master’s program at the University of Oxford.
- Indicate during the graduate application that they wish to be considered for AfOx funding.
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Show commitment to creating positive impact in Africa after graduation.
The scholarship particularly encourages applications from:
- Women.
- Refugees and displaced persons.
- Applicants with disabilities.
- Individuals from historically underrepresented communities.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their Oxford application at least one week before their course deadline.
Scholarship Conditions
Selected scholars are expected to:
- Successfully complete a one-year taught master’s degree at the University of Oxford.
- Participate in the Leadership and Impact Programme.
- Engage actively in networking, mentoring, and community-building activities.
- Complete the Ubuntu Period of Service with an Africa-based organization after graduation.
- Remain committed to using their education and leadership skills to contribute to Africa’s development.
How to Apply
To apply for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship:
- Apply for an eligible taught master’s program through the University of Oxford graduate admissions portal.
- Indicate during your application that you wish to be considered for AfOx funding.
- If eligible, request a graduate application fee waiver where applicable.
- Applicants from countries not covered by the fee waiver may seek support through the Afrisoc Mentoring Programme.
- Candidates who receive a conditional admission offer will be invited to complete the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Questionnaire.
- Shortlisted applicants will participate in a virtual interview before final scholarship decisions are made.
📋 Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Any additional documents requested by the University of Oxford during the admission process
- Personal statement and supporting documents required by the chosen master's program
- Completed University of Oxford graduate application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- English language proficiency documents (if required by the chosen course)