Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28: Study at the University of Oxford

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is offering fully funded postgraduate opportunities for eligible African students for the 2027/28 academic year. Benefits include tuition fees, living-cost support, travel, visa expenses and leadership development. Applications close according to course-specific funding deadlines.

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28: Study at the University of Oxford
• About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• What Does the Scholarship Cover?
• Leadership Development and Professional Placements
• Eligible Study Programmes
• ALSO READ
• Who Can Apply?

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford is delivered in partnership with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). It combines postgraduate education with leadership development and opportunities for scholars to contribute to Africa’s social and economic progress.

The initiative seeks individuals who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities and a commitment to addressing challenges affecting African communities.

Applicants are expected to show how their previous experiences or future ambitions relate to issues such as climate change, pandemic threats, youth unemployment and other development priorities.

The programme also places importance on values such as collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusivity.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to eligible students for the period during which they are liable to pay fees for their agreed course.

The funding package includes:

• Full course fees: Covers the tuition fees associated with the eligible programme.
• Living-cost support: Provides a living-cost grant calculated at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate.
• Return airfare: An economy-class return flight.
• Visa expenses: Support towards visa costs.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: Covers the applicable immigration health surcharge fees.
• Laptop: Scholars receive a laptop to support their academic work.
• Settling-in allowance: Financial assistance to help scholars settle into their studies.

The 2027/28 announcement does not specify a fixed monetary value for the living-cost grant. The actual amount should therefore be confirmed through the official scholarship information.

Scholars will also receive academic, social and professional support and opportunities to connect with the wider Africa Oxford Initiative network.

The programme accommodates both Oxford-based and online scholars. Online participants will have an opportunity to meet in person once annually. However, applicants considering online study should confirm with AfOx which travel, immigration and allowance provisions apply to their circumstances.

Leadership Development and Professional Placements

Beyond financial assistance, the programme places considerable emphasis on developing future African leaders.

During their studies, scholars will participate in the Transformative Leadership Programme, which complements their academic learning with leadership development activities.

After completing their academic programmes, scholars will receive support to undertake six-month professional placements through the Ubuntu Transitions Programme.

These placements are arranged with leading Africa-focused organisations and provide opportunities to contribute to initiatives relevant to the continent.

Participants will gain practical professional experience, receive mentoring from academics and practitioners, and establish connections that can support their future careers and development work in Africa.

Eligible Study Programmes

The 2027/28 scholarship call identifies two main study routes:

• Eligible one-year, full-time taught master’s programmes at the University of Oxford.
• The Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research follows a different format from the master’s programmes. Oxford lists it as a 14-month, part-time course delivered entirely online, with an expected start date of 4 October 2027.

Attendance in Oxford is not required for this diploma, and the course cannot sponsor a student visa.

Applicants should carefully review the relevant course information to understand its academic requirements, delivery arrangements and funding deadlines before applying.

The scholarship call also indicates that applicants from countries affected by visa bans may be considered for online part-time courses where possible. This provision is conditional, and interested applicants should confirm available options directly with AfOx.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The scholarship is intended for citizens of African countries who meet the programme’s academic, residence and eligibility requirements.

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident in an African country. Residence considerations may be made for applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
• Apply for an eligible Oxford course and meet its relevant funding deadline.
• Obtain an admission offer for an eligible programme.
• Not have previously completed a graduate degree.
• Demonstrate a record of leadership and community service.
• Show alignment with AfOx values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusivity.
• Explain how their previous work or future plans could contribute to addressing challenges facing Africa.

Applicants must also meet the academic, English-language and other admission requirements of their chosen Oxford course.

The programme gives preference to individuals from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. These include people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from refugee or displaced backgrounds.

Applicants with displacement experiences are encouraged to provide accurate information in the relevant section of Oxford’s graduate application form so that their circumstances can be considered.