The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford 2027 is a fully funded opportunity designed to support talented young Africans who want to pursue graduate-level studies at one of the world’s leading universities.
The programme is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) at the University of Oxford. It is designed to support academically talented, globally minded African students who demonstrate leadership, community commitment and the potential to contribute to Africa’s development.
For the 2027 intake, eligible scholars can receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition, living expenses, travel-related costs and other forms of academic and personal support.
Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
– Host University: University of Oxford
– Country: United Kingdom
– Study level: Master’s
– Eligible applicants: Citizens of African countries
– Scholarship type: Fully funded
– Tuition: Fully covered
– Living allowance: Provided
– Accommodation: Covered or supported
– Flight: Economy return flight
– Visa costs: Covered
– Health-related immigration costs: Covered where applicable
– Duration: Generally one-year Master’s programme
– 2027 deadline: January 8, 2027
About the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is part of a broader partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative.
The programme aims to provide talented African students with access to high-quality graduate education while preparing them to become leaders who can contribute to solving major challenges across Africa.
The partnership places particular emphasis on students who have demonstrated leadership, community service and a commitment to creating positive change.
The programme also encourages applications from individuals who have historically faced barriers to accessing higher education, including women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship provides substantial financial support.
Successful scholars may receive:
Full Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the eligible Master’s programme.
Living Expenses
Recipients receive financial support to help cover their living expenses while studying at Oxford.
Accommodation
Support is provided toward accommodation during the period of study.
Return Flight
The scholarship includes an economy-class return flight between the scholar’s home country and the United Kingdom.
Visa and Immigration Costs
Eligible visa expenses and applicable immigration-related health charges are covered.
Settling-In Support
Scholars can receive support to help them settle into life and study in the United Kingdom.
Emergency Support
The programme can provide access to a support fund for eligible emergencies.
Leadership Development
Scholars participate in programmes designed to develop leadership, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Networking Opportunities
Recipients become part of an international community of scholars, researchers and professionals.
Who Can Apply?
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is intended for African citizens applying for eligible graduate programmes at Oxford.
Applicants should generally:
– Be a citizen of an African country.
– Apply for an eligible Master’s programme at Oxford.
– Meet the academic requirements of their selected course.
– Demonstrate leadership potential.
– Have a record of community engagement or service.
– Show commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.
– Demonstrate alignment with the values of the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx.
– Meet the relevant admission requirements for the chosen programme.
Applicants should also carefully review the requirements of their specific Oxford course because admission requirements vary between programmes.
Important Eligibility Considerations
The scholarship is particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate meaningful leadership and service.
The selection process also places importance on applicants who can explain how their education and future work could contribute to addressing major challenges facing Africa.
These challenges can include:
– Public health
– Climate change
– Youth unemployment
– Education
– Poverty
– Economic development
– Technology
– Food security
– Social inequality
– Community development
Applicants do not necessarily need to have already solved a major social problem. However, they should demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive contribution.
Eligible Programmes
The scholarship is connected to eligible Master’s programmes at the University of Oxford.
Applicants should carefully check whether their intended course is included in the 2027 Mastercard AfOx scholarship opportunity.
Programmes may be related to areas such as:
– Public health
– Global health
– Development
– Environmental studies
– Social sciences
– Technology
– Public policy
– Economics
– Engineering
– Other fields connected to the scholarship’s objectives
Because eligible programmes can change, applicants should confirm that their preferred course qualifies before applying.
How to Apply
The application process begins with applying for an eligible graduate programme at Oxford.
Step 1: Choose Your Master’s Programme
Research Oxford’s available graduate programmes and identify a course that matches your academic background and career objectives.
Step 2: Review the Course Requirements
Check the academic qualifications, English-language requirements, supporting documents and other conditions for your chosen course.
Step 3: Submit Your Oxford Application
Complete the Oxford graduate application before the funding deadline for your chosen programme.
Applicants should indicate that they wish to be considered for AfOx funding where required.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
Make sure your application includes all required documents.
These may include:
– Academic transcripts
– Degree certificates
– Curriculum vitae
– Personal statement
– References
– Research proposal where applicable
– English-language evidence where required
– Other programme-specific documents
Step 5: Scholarship Consideration
Eligible applicants who receive the required Oxford course offer may subsequently be considered for the AfOx scholarship process.
Step 6: Complete the Scholarship Questionnaire
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete additional scholarship information and questionnaires.
Step 7: Attend an Interview
Candidates who progress through the selection process may be invited to a virtual interview.
2027 Application Deadline
For the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027, the published deadline is January 8, 2027.
Applicants should not wait until the final day.
Oxford graduate applications can require several documents and references, so prospective applicants should begin the process several months before the deadline.
Required Documents
Depending on the Oxford programme, applicants may need:
– Valid passport
– Bachelor’s degree certificate
– Academic transcripts
– Curriculum vitae
– Personal statement
– Statement of purpose
– Recommendation letters
– Research proposal where applicable
– English-language test results where required
– Other programme-specific documents
Applicants should ensure that all documents are clear, accurate and submitted according to the instructions.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Maintain Strong Academic Performance
Oxford is highly competitive, so applicants should have an excellent academic record.
Strong grades can demonstrate that you are prepared for advanced study.
Demonstrate Leadership
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a major political or organisational position.
It can include:
– Starting a community project
– Leading a student organisation
– Establishing a social enterprise
– Organising a volunteer initiative
– Mentoring young people
– Leading a research project
– Creating an educational programme
The most important consideration is the impact of your work.
Show Community Commitment
Explain how you have contributed to your community and what you have learned from those experiences.
Explain Your Future Goals
Your application should clearly connect your proposed Master’s degree to your long-term goals.
Explain how your Oxford education will help you contribute to your community, country or Africa more broadly.
Be Specific About Your Impact
Instead of simply stating that you want to “help Africa,” explain the specific problem you want to address and the contribution you hope to make.
Is the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes.
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is considered a fully funded scholarship because it provides comprehensive financial support for eligible scholars.
The package can include:
– Full tuition
– Living expenses
– Accommodation support
– Return airfare
– Visa expenses
– Immigration-related health costs
– Settling-in support
– Emergency assistance
The exact terms and conditions should be reviewed for the 2027 intake.
What Happens After the Master’s Programme?
The Mastercard AfOx programme is designed to support scholars beyond their academic studies.
After completing their Master’s degree, scholars may participate in an Ubuntu Period of Service, involving a placement with an Africa-based organisation.
This component is intended to help scholars apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges across the continent.
The programme also seeks to build a long-term network of African leaders who can collaborate on development challenges.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes.
Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply because Nigeria is an African country.
However, applicants must satisfy all other eligibility requirements, including the admission requirements of their selected Oxford programme and the scholarship’s leadership and service expectations.
Nigerian applicants should begin preparing early because Oxford admissions are highly competitive.
Is There an Age Limit?
The scholarship does not generally operate as a simple age-based scholarship where every applicant must fall below a specific age.
Instead, applicants must meet the requirements of their chosen Oxford graduate programme and the Mastercard AfOx selection criteria.
Applicants should therefore focus on their academic qualifications, leadership experience, community impact and future goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship?
It is a scholarship partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative that supports eligible African students pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Is it fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition and living expenses, with additional support for travel and other eligible costs.
Who can apply?
Eligible citizens of African countries who meet the requirements for an eligible Oxford Master’s programme can apply.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Nigerian applicants can apply if they meet the academic and scholarship requirements.
What does the scholarship cover?
It can cover full tuition, living expenses, accommodation, return airfare, visa-related expenses and other approved support.
What is the deadline for 2027?
The published deadline for the 2027 opportunity is January 8, 2027.
Do I need to apply to Oxford separately?
Yes. Applicants must apply for an eligible Oxford graduate programme and indicate their interest in AfOx funding where required.
Is leadership experience required?
The programme strongly values leadership and community service. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they have contributed to their communities and how they intend to create further impact.
Final Thoughts
(Apply Now) The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford 2027 is a major opportunity for talented African students seeking a fully funded Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship combines financial support with leadership development, networking, academic opportunities and post-study engagement. It is particularly suitable for applicants who have strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to addressing challenges in their communities and across Africa.
Prospective applicants should begin early by selecting an eligible Oxford programme, preparing their academic documents, developing a compelling personal statement and identifying strong referees.
With competition expected to be high, applicants should focus not only on academic excellence but also on leadership, service, impact and a clear vision for contributing to Africa’s future.
Important: Scholarship requirements, eligible programmes, benefits and deadlines can change. Applicants should verify the requirements applicable to the 2027 intake before submitting an application.