The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is a prestigious and fully funded graduate scholarship designed to empower talented, community-driven, and globally minded young Africans to pursue advanced education at one of the world’s leading universities. The Program supports outstanding African students to undertake rigorous one-year taught Master’s degrees at Oxford while equipping them with the leadership, technical, and entrepreneurial skills required to drive meaningful change across the African continent.
Rooted in a shared commitment between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), the Scholars Program reflects core values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion, transparency, and community. These values guide every aspect of the Program—from scholar selection and academic training to leadership development, service, and lifelong alumni engagement.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford operates as part of the broader AfOx Graduate Scholars Program, an initiative dedicated to expanding access for African students and supporting them not only to succeed academically at Oxford, but also to thrive professionally and socially during and after their studies.
Purpose and Vision of the Program
At its core, the Program seeks to develop Africa’s next generation of transformative leaders—individuals who are deeply rooted in their local communities while remaining globally connected and forward-thinking. The scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to service and social impact.
Through world-class education and immersive leadership development, Scholars are prepared to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, including public health threats, food insecurity, climate change, sustainable energy and water access, governance reform, and youth unemployment. The Program aligns closely with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that Scholars’ academic and professional journeys contribute directly to long-term development outcomes.
Academic Structure and Areas of Focus
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program fully funds a one-year taught Master’s degree at the University of Oxford. These academically intensive programs are carefully selected to provide Scholars with advanced technical expertise while fostering interdisciplinary thinking and innovation.
Scholars pursue studies across critical fields, including but not limited to:
- Food systems and agricultural innovation
- Health sciences and public health
- Sustainable water and energy systems
- Governance, public policy, and development studies
- Entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development
All academic programs are framed around four core AfOx thematic priorities:
- Healthy People – improving health systems and population wellbeing
- Integrated Societies – strengthening governance, inclusion, and social cohesion
- Green Futures – advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience
- Innovation for Prosperity – driving entrepreneurship, technology, and inclusive growth
These themes ensure that Scholars’ learning remains relevant, impact-oriented, and grounded in Africa’s development priorities.
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Leadership, Life Skills, and Holistic Support
Beyond academic excellence, the Program places strong emphasis on personal growth, leadership development, and life skills. During the Master’s year, Scholars participate in a Leadership and Impact Programme designed to cultivate collaborative leadership, ethical decision-making, resilience, and cross-sector problem-solving skills.
Each Scholar receives tailored academic, professional, and personal support, including mentorship, wellbeing resources, and career guidance. This holistic approach ensures that Scholars are well prepared not only to succeed at Oxford, but also to transition effectively into impactful careers after graduation.
A distinctive feature of the Program is its focus on building a lifelong community of African leaders. Scholars become part of both the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni network and the AfOx Alumni Network, enabling continued collaboration, mentorship, and access to opportunities long after completing their studies.
Ubuntu Period of Service: Giving Back Through Impact
One of the most innovative aspects of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Oxford is the Ubuntu Period of Service, undertaken after completion of the Master’s degree. This second phase of the Program reflects the African philosophy of Ubuntu—the belief in shared humanity, mutual responsibility, and community service.
During this period, Scholars are supported to undertake 4–6 month placements with Africa-based organizations, where they design and implement impactful projects. These placements may include:
- Launching or scaling start-ups and social enterprises
- Working with governments or public institutions
- Engaging with NGOs, development agencies, or research institutions
- Collaborating with multinational organizations operating in Africa
Scholars receive mentorship from Africa-based academics and practitioners, enabling them to translate theory into practice and establish meaningful career pathways rooted in Africa.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is a full-cost scholarship. It provides comprehensive financial and logistical support, including:
- Full tuition fees for the Master’s program
- Living expenses at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate
- Economy return flight
- Visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Settling-in allowance
- Accommodation support
- Access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies
This extensive support allows Scholars to focus fully on their academic and leadership development without financial burden.
Commitment to Inclusion and Equity
The Program places strong emphasis on supporting students from groups that have historically been under-represented in higher education. Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Women
- Individuals from refugee or displaced backgrounds
- Applicants with disabilities
- Students from financially disadvantaged communities
Residence considerations and tailored support are available for Scholars from refugee and displaced backgrounds, ensuring equitable access and inclusion.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford, applicants must:
- Hold an offer for a full-time, one-year taught Master’s degree at Oxford
- Apply through the Oxford Graduate Admissions Portal by the December/January funding deadline for their chosen course
- Be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident in Africa
- Not have previously completed a graduate degree
- Demonstrate a strong record of leadership, service, and community engagement
- Show clear alignment with AfOx values
- Demonstrate how their academic and career goals will contribute to addressing Africa’s major challenges
Applicants with refugee or displacement backgrounds should indicate this clearly during the admissions application process.
Application and Selection Process (2026/2027 Entry)
- September 2025 – January 2026: Applicants must apply for their chosen Oxford Master’s program by the relevant funding deadline. Visit the official website
- Eligible offer holders will be contacted and invited to submit a scholarship application
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview as part of the AfOx Graduate Scholarship selection process
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all materials well ahead of deadlines and to carefully review the Application Guide before applying.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford represents a rare and transformative opportunity for African students to access world-class education, develop leadership capacity, and build careers dedicated to Africa’s sustainable development. By combining academic excellence, leadership training, community service, and lifelong alumni engagement, the Program prepares Scholars not only to succeed—but to lead, innovate, and give back.