Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at University of Oxford, UK 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for African Students
Applications are now open for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford, UK 2026, a prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarship designed for academically outstanding and socially driven students from across Africa. This opportunity is part of a strategic collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) and seeks to support young African leaders in building the skills and networks required to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.
Offered by one of the world’s top universities, this fully funded scholarship in the UK provides access to advanced academic training, leadership development, and a lifelong network of professional and peer support.
Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026 | Quick Summary
- Host Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Level of Study: Master’s (Taught Programmes)
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African countries
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Fields: Pandemic preparedness, recovery, and related sectors
- Financial Support: Full tuition, living stipend (£20,780), flight, visa, health fees
- Additional Support: Leadership programme, emergency fund, professional placements
- Application Deadline: January 7, 2026
- Keywords: Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at University of Oxford, UK 2026, Fully Funded Scholarships in UK, Master’s Scholarships for African Students
Overview of the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at Oxford University
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship is an exceptional initiative that brings together two key institutions: the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). This collaborative effort seeks to provide 400 young Africans with the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford over the next few years.
This UK-based scholarship supports African students who are locally grounded, globally minded, and committed to service. It focuses on postgraduate students who aim to make meaningful contributions to pandemic preparedness and recovery, especially within African countries. It also supports those with leadership potential and a strong commitment to solving real-world problems through research, innovation, and policy.
What the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Covers
The 2026 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is comprehensive in its coverage and support structure. The benefits include:
- Full tuition fees for a one-year full-time Master’s programme at the University of Oxford
- Living stipend of £20,780 to cover accommodation, food, and other personal costs
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from the United Kingdom
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees
- Settling-in allowance upon arrival in the UK
- Access to the Thrive Fund to address emergency financial needs
- Leadership and Impact Programme delivered in collaboration with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise
- Ubuntu Period of Service, which offers 4 to 6 months of placement in Africa-based organizations after completing the degree
- Ongoing academic, career, and psychosocial support during and after the program
This makes it one of the most competitive and inclusive postgraduate scholarships in the UK for African students.
Key Components of the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship
 Key components include:
- Rigorous Academic Training: One-year Master’s programmes designed to equip scholars with high-level skills in leadership, research, and professional practices.
- Leadership Development: Scholars engage in a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community impact.
- Ubuntu Period of Service: Following graduation, scholars participate in placements within top African institutions to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
- Inclusive Support System: The scholarship prioritizes underrepresented groups, including women, students with disabilities, and those from refugee or displaced backgrounds.
This structure ensures that African scholars are prepared not only to succeed academically but also to become agents of change across the continent.
Eligibility Criteria for Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026
To be eligible for the 2026 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of any African country
- Must apply for admission to a relevant Master’s programme at Oxford via the official University of Oxford Graduate Admissions Portal
- Must indicate interest in being considered for the AfOx scholarship at the time of application
- Must submit all required documents (transcripts, statement of purpose, references, etc.) before the application deadline for their chosen course
- Applicants from low-income, displaced, or refugee backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply
- Emphasis is placed on candidates from groups historically underrepresented in higher education, including women, individuals with disabilities, and first-generation graduates
Applicants are advised to carefully review the course-specific deadlines and submit their application well in advance.
How to Apply for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026 | Step-by-Step Process
Follow the guide below to submit a successful application:
Apply to Oxford University
- Visit the Oxford University Graduate Admissions Portal
- Choose a relevant Master’s course aligned with pandemic preparedness or related fields
- Complete and submit your application before the course deadline
- Indicate in your application that you wish to be considered for AfOx funding
Request Application Fee Waiver (if applicable)
- Applicants from many low-income countries are eligible for a waiver of the £75 application fee
- If you are not automatically eligible but face financial hardship, contact the AfOx team via email at afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk to request a waiver
AfOx Scholarship Application
- If you receive a conditional offer from your academic department, you will be invited to complete the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Application Form
- Complete the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire as part of the process
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a virtual interview
Application Deadline
The final date to submit your application for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026 is January 7, 2026. However, the deadline for your academic course may be earlier, so candidates are strongly encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible to meet all requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford UK 2026 is a transformative opportunity for African postgraduate students seeking to advance their academic and professional careers at one of the world’s leading institutions. With full financial support and access to unparalleled academic, professional, and leadership development resources, this scholarship is uniquely positioned to empower the next generation of African changemakers.
If you are passionate about development, social change, public health, and sustainability, and have the academic credentials to match, this scholarship can serve as a gateway to a future of impact and global collaboration.
For more details, visit the official University of Oxford graduate admissions page or the Africa Oxford Initiative website.
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