The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious opportunities for African students to pursue fully funded graduate studies. With a strong emphasis on pandemic preparedness, recovery, and sustainable development, the program equips scholars with technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills while fostering a lifelong network of African leaders. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting under‑represented groups, including women, refugees, displaced persons, and scholars with accessibility needs.
About the Program
- Partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx)
- Provides full funding for one‑year taught Master’s degrees in fields critical to Africa’s development
- Focus areas: food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy, governance, public policy, entrepreneurship
- Grounded in AfOx themes: Healthy People, Integrated Societies, Green Futures, Innovation for Prosperity
- Includes a Leadership and Impact Program to develop collaborative leadership skills
Key Features
- Full‑cost scholarship: tuition, living expenses, economy return flight, visa, health surcharge, settling allowance, Thrive Fund for emergencies
- Ubuntu Period of Service: 4–6 month placement in Africa after graduation, working with NGOs, governments, research institutions, or start‑ups
- Tailored support: mentorship, career guidance, and access to AfOx’s global research and innovation network
- Alumni network: lifelong community of African scholars linked to Oxford and AfOx
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold an offer for a full‑time one‑year taught Master’s course at Oxford (or PGDip in Global Health Research for 2026/27 entry)
- Be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident there (special consideration for refugees/displaced persons)
- Must not have previously completed a graduate degree
- Demonstrate leadership and service within community
- Show alignment with AfOx values: Collegiality, Empathy, Commitment, Transparency, Inclusivity
- Illustrate how past work or future plans will address Africa’s challenges (pandemic threats, climate crisis, youth employment)
Selection Timeline
- September 2025 – January 2026: Submit graduate application via Oxford’s admissions portal by the earliest funding deadline for your course
- Virtual interviews: shortlisted candidates invited for AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program interviews
- August 2026: Final selection for PGDip Global Health Research scholarships
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official AfOx portal:
👉 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – University of Oxford
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📌 Note:
- Priority given to financially disadvantaged applicants, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities
- Rigorous background checks and eligibility verification required
- Scholars are expected to return to Africa for the Ubuntu service year to implement impactful projects