Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford supports passionate, locally rooted, globally minded African students to undertake graduate studies at Oxford. It funds a rigorous one-year taught Master's course aimed at building technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills, connecting Scholars to world-leading resources in disciplines central to Africa's Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals — spanning food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship. After the Master's, Scholars undertake an "Ubuntu Period of Service" — a second-year period where they design and deliver impact projects with African organizations, potentially including start-ups, multinational development agencies, governments, NGOs, or research institutions. The program particularly emphasizes support for historically underrepresented groups, including women, people from refugee/displaced backgrounds, and scholars with accessibility needs.

Full course fees covered for the duration of your fee liability on the agreed taught postgraduate course

A living costs grant at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate

Logistics support: economy return flight, visa costs, Immigration Health Surcharge fees, a settling-down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies

A bespoke Leadership and Impact Program alongside academic studies

Support for a 4–6 month Ubuntu Period of Service placement in an Africa-based organization after the Master's

Mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the wider AfOx network

Lifelong membership in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni and AfOx Alumni Network

Must hold an offer for a full-time, one-year taught Master's course at Oxford, having applied via the graduate admissions portal by the relevant December/January funding deadline for that course (open-field applicants are not eligible)

Must be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident there (special residence considerations apply for refugee/displaced students — indicate this on the applicant form)

Must not have previously completed a graduate degree

Must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community

Must show alignment with AfOx values (Collegiality, Empathy, Commitment, Transparency, Inclusivity)

Must show how past work or future plans contribute to addressing Africa's major challenges (e.g., pandemic threats, climate crisis, youth employment)

Applications from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, women, refugees/displaced people, and people with disabilities are particularly welcomed