2026 MasterCard AfOx Postgraduate Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Location: United Kingdom

Program: MBA and Master’s Degrees

Eligibility: African Students

Duration: 1 year (MBA), 1-2 years (Master’s programs)

Deadline: January 7, 2026

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP & GET UPDATES ON SCHOLARSHIPS WORLDWIDE

The AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2026 represent an extraordinary opportunity for talented African students to pursue fully funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. This transformative scholarship program is offered through a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Oxford, the Mastercard Foundation, the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), and Saïd Business School Foundation, with additional support from Standard Bank Africa’s Chairman Scholarship, Oppenheimer Fund, Kennedy Institute, and Eni. The initiative aims to provide up to 400 exceptional African graduates with access to world-class education in MBA programs and various Master’s degree courses related to critical development areas including health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, food systems, and entrepreneurship. Beyond simply covering tuition and living expenses, the AfOx scholarships deliver comprehensive wraparound support including tailor-made leadership training programs, intensive mentorship, networking opportunities with global leaders, and sustained assistance before, during, and after students’ time at Oxford, preparing scholars to become transformative agents of change who will drive inclusive development across the African continent.

Benefits of the Scholarship

This scholarship provides comprehensive support including:

100% tuition and college fees coverage for the entire duration of the program
Living expenses grant of at least £20,780 at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate
One economy return flight to and from the UK
Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees coverage
Settling-in allowance to support arrival and integration into Oxford
Leadership and Impact Programme in first year focusing on collaborative leadership development
Ubuntu Period of Service – 4-6 months placement in leading Africa-based organizations after completing Master’s program
Tailored training programs and professional development opportunities
Dedicated mentorship from Oxford faculty and AfOx network
Extensive networking opportunities with AfOx scholars and alumni across UK and Africa
Access to the Saïd Business School Foundation network (for MBA scholars)
Other benefits.

Also Check:

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships by the European Commission

Douglas College Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

Be a citizen of any African country with African nationality
Be ordinarily resident in Africa at the time of application
Demonstrate a strong commitment to Africa’s development through leadership, community engagement, or professional contributions

Meet the academic and admission requirements of the University of Oxford’s MBA program at Saïd Business School
Have relevant professional work experience (typically 3-6 years)
Submit a complete MBA application by the scholarship deadline

Apply for a taught postgraduate Master’s degree at the University of Oxford in relevant fields (for master’s degree)
Meet the admission requirements for your chosen Master’s program

English proficiency required (IELTS, TOEFL, or other acceptable tests)
Specific requirements vary by program

Strong academic merit and demonstrated leadership potential
Alignment with AfOx values: collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion, and community

Note: Kindly check the official website for full and complete requirements.

Also Check:

WorldQuant University Online Masters Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Selection Criteria

Selection evaluates four key areas: Academic merit and potential (strong academic records and intellectual capability), Leadership experience and capacity development (demonstrated leadership through community engagement, professional contributions, and change-making initiatives), Alignment with AfOx values (commitment to collegiality, empathy, inclusion, and community), and Commitment to Africa’s development (clear dedication to contributing to the continent’s sustainable progress and addressing development challenges). Eligible applicants who receive conditional offers from Oxford are invited to complete an AfOx questionnaire, followed by virtual interviews (February-April) for shortlisted candidates. Final decisions are communicated by July. The program particularly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities.