The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships offer outstanding African graduates the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The scholarships are delivered through a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). The broader AfOx Graduate Scholarships programme is designed not only to help talented African students access Oxford but also to provide leadership development, networking, tailored training and support before, during and after their studies.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program itself is a major global initiative focused on developing the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and develop their leadership potential. The Foundation says its Scholars Program has committed more than 58,000 scholarships for young African leaders and has more than 20,000 alumni.
For African students seeking a fully funded Master’s degree at one of the world’s leading universities, the AfOx partnership represents a highly competitive opportunity combining academic study with leadership and impact development.
What Are the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships?
The AfOx Graduate Scholarships aim to provide outstanding African graduates with the opportunity to undertake fully funded Master’s degrees at Oxford.
Unlike a scholarship that only covers tuition, the AfOx programme is designed as a broader support system. It provides financial assistance alongside training, networking and support intended to help scholars thrive during their studies and transition into meaningful careers.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Oxford is part of the wider AfOx Graduate Scholars programme, which is built around the shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusivity.
The programme also places a strong emphasis on Africa’s development and on helping scholars use their education and leadership capabilities to contribute to major challenges facing the continent.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides substantial financial support for successful scholars.
For eligible taught postgraduate students, the Mastercard Foundation scholarship covers:
- Full course fees
- A grant for living costs
- Support for the full duration of the agreed fee liability
The University of Oxford’s AfOx information also describes additional logistical support for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, a settling-down allowance and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.
This makes the opportunity particularly attractive to students who would otherwise find the cost of studying in the United Kingdom difficult to afford.
What Does the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Programme Offer Beyond Funding?
One of the distinguishing features of the programme is that it goes beyond paying for a degree.
AfOx states that its Graduate Scholarships provide tailor-made training programmes, networking opportunities and support before, during and after students’ time at Oxford.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Oxford can also participate in leadership and impact-focused programming designed to develop collaborative leadership skills and help scholars work across sectors and disciplines.
The programme is therefore intended to prepare scholars not only to earn an Oxford degree but also to apply their knowledge to complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
What Is the Ubuntu Period of Service?
A distinctive element of the Mastercard Foundation AfOx programme is the Ubuntu Period of Service.
After completing their Master’s programme, Mastercard Foundation Scholars are supported to undertake a 4–6 month placement with an Africa-based organisation. These organisations can include governments, NGOs, development agencies, research institutions and other organisations working on important challenges facing African communities.
The purpose is to create a bridge between Oxford education and practical impact in Africa.
This means scholars can have the opportunity to take the knowledge, skills and networks developed at Oxford and apply them in an African professional or development setting.
Who Can Apply for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for African students and graduates who meet the programme’s academic, leadership and residency requirements.
For the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford, applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be ordinarily resident in an African country
- Apply for and receive an offer for an eligible full-time, one-year taught Master’s course at Oxford
- Apply through the Oxford graduate admissions portal by the relevant funding deadline
- Not have previously completed a graduate degree
- Demonstrate leadership and service within their community
- Demonstrate alignment with AfOx’s values
- Show how their past work or future plans can contribute to addressing major challenges facing Africa
Residence considerations can be made for applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds. The programme also explicitly highlights groups that have historically been underrepresented, including women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities.
What Kind of Candidates Does AfOx Look For?
Academic excellence is important, but the scholarship is not based on grades alone.
The Mastercard Foundation scholarship selection process considers four major areas:
1. Academic Merit and Potential
Applicants should demonstrate the academic ability and potential required to succeed in a demanding Oxford postgraduate programme.
2. Leadership Experience and Capacity Development
The programme looks for individuals who have demonstrated leadership and who have the potential to develop further as transformative leaders.
3. Alignment With AfOx Values and Themes
Applicants should demonstrate alignment with AfOx’s values, including collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusivity.
4. Commitment to Africa’s Development
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear connection between their ambitions and the development of Africa.
This could involve work or future plans relating to areas such as healthcare, climate change, employment, education, technology, governance, food systems, energy or other major development priorities.
Which Areas of Study Are Supported?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford has supported Master’s programmes connected to major challenges and development priorities in Africa.
The AfOx programme highlights four broad themes:
- Healthy People
- Integrated Societies
- Green Futures
- Innovation for Prosperity
The Mastercard Foundation programme at Oxford has also highlighted areas such as food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship.
However, applicants should not assume that every Oxford Master’s programme automatically qualifies. Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship and Oxford course, so prospective applicants should check the current AfOx and Oxford funding information for their chosen programme.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship
The application process begins with an application for graduate study at Oxford.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Oxford Master’s Programme
Applicants should identify a suitable taught postgraduate course that matches their academic background and career objectives.
Step 2: Check the Course Funding Deadline
Oxford courses have different application deadlines. Most postgraduate courses have deadlines in December or January, but applicants must check the specific deadline for their chosen course.
Step 3: Submit the Oxford Graduate Application
Applicants must submit their graduate application through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions system by the relevant funding deadline.
The scholarship information states that eligible candidates are considered after submitting their Oxford application and receiving an eligible offer.
Step 4: Wait for Scholarship Consideration
Eligible offer holders are contacted by Oxford’s Student Fees and Funding team and may be invited to complete additional scholarship materials.
Step 5: Participate in the Scholarship Interview
Eligible candidates may be invited to a virtual AfOx scholarship interview.
For the 2026/27 entry cycle, the AfOx selection process indicated that eligible candidates would receive interview invitations between February and April, with AfOx interviews taking place between April and June.
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship Timeline
The exact timeline changes from one admissions cycle to another.
For the 2026/27 entry cycle, AfOx indicated the following general timeline:
| Stage | Approximate period |
|---|---|
| Oxford course applications | September 2025 – January 2026 |
| Oxford application processing | January – February 2026 |
| Scholarship interview invitations | February – April 2026 |
| AfOx scholarship interviews | April – June 2026 |
| Scholarship outcomes | By July 2026 |
Applicants should always verify the deadline for their individual Oxford course because application deadlines can differ.
Is the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes, for the eligible Master’s scholarship described by AfOx, the opportunity is presented as a full-cost scholarship.
The scholarship covers course fees and living costs, while the broader programme also provides logistical support such as travel, visa-related costs and other forms of student support.
This is significantly different from scholarships that only provide a partial tuition reduction.
Why Study at Oxford Through the AfOx Programme?
The scholarship combines the academic reputation of the University of Oxford with a programme specifically designed around African leadership and development.
Successful scholars can benefit from:
World-class postgraduate education
Scholars undertake rigorous Master’s-level study at Oxford.
Leadership development
The programme incorporates leadership and impact development alongside academic study.
Professional networking
Students become part of a wider community of scholars, alumni, academics and partner organisations.
Career development
AfOx provides support designed to help African graduates transition from Oxford into meaningful professional opportunities.
Africa-focused impact
The programme encourages scholars to connect their academic and professional ambitions with challenges facing Africa.
Post-Oxford opportunities
The Ubuntu Period of Service provides a structured pathway for scholars to contribute to organisations in Africa after completing their studies.
How Competitive Is the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive because it combines a fully funded Oxford Master’s education with leadership development and post-study support.
The scale of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program demonstrates its reach. The Foundation reports that more than 58,000 scholarships have been committed to young African leaders, with more than 20,000 programme alumni and 62 global partners.
AfOx also reported welcoming more than 80 graduate scholars for its 2025/26 cohort, alongside 11 scholars pursuing postgraduate diplomas in Global Health Research.
Applicants should therefore treat the opportunity as a highly selective leadership scholarship rather than simply another postgraduate funding application.
How to Make Your AfOx Scholarship Application Stronger
A strong application should demonstrate more than academic ambition.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Through Evidence
Instead of simply describing yourself as a leader, explain what you actually changed.
For example, discuss:
- A community project you initiated
- A problem you helped solve
- People you have supported or mobilised
- A professional initiative you led
- Research that produced meaningful results
- A social enterprise or organisation you helped develop
Connect Your Career Goals to Africa
Your future plans should demonstrate why studying at Oxford matters for your long-term contribution to Africa.
Avoid presenting Oxford simply as an opportunity to leave Africa. Explain how the education, networks and expertise gained can contribute to solving challenges in your community, country or continent.
Show Alignment With AfOx Values
The programme specifically assesses alignment with AfOx values.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate examples of collaboration, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusion rather than simply listing these words in an application.
Think Beyond the Degree
The programme is designed around leadership and impact, including the Ubuntu Period of Service.
Applicants should therefore think about what they want to accomplish after Oxford and how their education could translate into measurable impact.
What Makes the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship Different?
Many international scholarships focus primarily on academic funding.
The AfOx model takes a broader approach.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to build a community of young people and institutions working toward inclusive and equitable socioeconomic change in Africa.
The Foundation’s wider Scholars Program has also built an alumni community intended to mobilise former scholars and other programme alumni as a force for positive change.
For prospective applicants, this means the value of the scholarship extends beyond the financial package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship?
The scholarship is primarily for African citizens who are ordinarily resident in Africa and who meet the academic, leadership and programme-specific requirements.
Is the AfOx Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The Master’s scholarship covers course fees and living costs, with additional logistical support available under the Mastercard Foundation programme.
Can I apply directly for the scholarship?
Applicants begin by applying for an eligible Oxford graduate course. Eligible offer holders are then considered for the scholarship and contacted by Student Fees and Funding.
Do I need to have a Master’s degree already?
No. For the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford, applicants should not have previously completed a graduate degree.
Can refugees and displaced students apply?
The programme includes residence considerations for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds and explicitly highlights refugees and displaced people among groups that have historically been underrepresented.
Does the scholarship support women?
Yes. The programme explicitly encourages applications from groups that have historically been underrepresented, including female scholars.
What happens after the Master’s degree?
Mastercard Foundation Scholars can receive support for a 4–6 month Ubuntu Period of Service with an Africa-based organisation, helping them transition their Oxford experience into practical impact in Africa.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships represent a major opportunity for talented African graduates seeking a fully funded Master’s education at the University of Oxford.
The programme combines financial support with academic training, leadership development, professional networking and opportunities to contribute to Africa after graduation. Its emphasis on academic potential, leadership, service and commitment to Africa means applicants should present themselves as future contributors and problem-solvers rather than simply students seeking financial assistance.
The Mastercard Foundation’s broader Scholars Program has already supported tens of thousands of young African leaders, while AfOx continues to expand its graduate scholarship community at Oxford.
Prospective applicants should begin preparing early, carefully check the funding deadline for their chosen Oxford course, and make sure their academic goals, leadership record and plans for contributing to Africa are clearly reflected throughout their application.
Important: Scholarship deadlines and eligible Oxford courses can change between admissions cycles. Applicants should always confirm the latest requirements through the official AfOx and University of Oxford scholarship pages before applying.
SEO Keywords
Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships, Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship, AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027, Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027, fully funded scholarships for African students, Oxford scholarships for African students, University of Oxford scholarships for Africans, fully funded Masters scholarships in UK, fully funded scholarships in UK for African students, Oxford Masters scholarships, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Oxford, AfOx scholarships 2027, AfOx Masters scholarships, Africa Oxford Initiative scholarships, Oxford fully funded Masters, UK scholarships for African students, postgraduate scholarships for African students, graduate scholarships for Africans, Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship, fully funded postgraduate scholarships, Oxford University scholarships, scholarships for African graduates, scholarships for African students in UK, African students scholarships Oxford, fully funded Oxford scholarships, international scholarships UK, leadership scholarships for African students, postgraduate funding for African students, Oxford scholarships for international students, Mastercard Foundation scholarship eligibility, AfOx scholarship eligibility, AfOx scholarship application, Mastercard Foundation scholarship application, AfOx scholarship deadline, Oxford scholarship deadline, scholarships for African leaders, scholarships for African professionals, fully funded Masters scholarships 2027, study in Oxford with full funding, UK Masters scholarships for Africans, Africa Oxford Initiative Mastercard Foundation, Ubuntu Period of Service, Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship
ALSO CHECK
White House Fellowship Opportunities for Future American Leaders 2027
Columbia University Postdoctoral Fellowships Open Opportunities for Graduate and Postdoctoral Researchers 2026
Postdoctoral Fellowships for Researchers Seeking Advanced International Research Experience 2027
Follow Us On Our Social Media Platforms
WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUYDUNb8GCx4V2QqkBoiuq?mode=ems_copy_t
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb60pjHL2ATw5rPOEw2l
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578302620679
