2023 Fully funded Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships for Africans.
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship program is a dedicated initiative that empowers passionate, globally-minded African youth to pursue graduate studies at the prestigious University of Oxford. Rooted in the shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion, and community, this scholarship program is a reflection of the joint commitment of the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx (Africa Oxford Initiative) to facilitate opportunities for African students at Oxford and support their holistic development during and after their time at the university.
This scholarship provides essential funding for a comprehensive one-year taught Master’s program at Oxford, focusing on equipping the scholars with the necessary technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills. It also connects them with world-leading resources in their respective fields. The program’s key components encompass robust support and preparation to excel in their studies, an emphasis on life skills beyond academic endeavors, and the establishment of a lifelong network of alumni.
Scholars awarded this scholarship have the privilege of receiving top-tier training in specific disciplines crucial for addressing pressing challenges, spanning areas such as food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, entrepreneurship, and more. Furthermore, these programs revolve around the four key AfOx themes, directly aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals: “Healthy People,” “Integrated Societies,” “Green Futures,” and “Innovation for Prosperity.” This initiative plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of African leaders and change-makers who will contribute significantly to the continent’s progress.

Benefits
This full-cost scholarship is available to Master’s students, covering tuition fees and living expenses for international students. The scholarship also provides logistics support, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies. The first year includes a rigorous academic Master’s course at Oxford and a Leadership and Impact Programme, which support the scholars in developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector, interdisciplinary solutions to address complex social and environmental problems.
After completing their Master’s Program, Scholars will be supported to take up 4-6 months placements in leading Africa-based organisations for their Ubuntu Period of Service. The scholars will work on initiatives in Africa, receiving mentoring from leading Africa-based academics and practitioners, enabling the Scholars to develop pathways to building impactful careers in Africa.
The Scholars benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise and tailored academic and social support throughout their studies. Beyond their studies, Scholars will join the AfOx Alumni Network, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African Scholars linked to the University of Oxford. In addition to the peer support from the Scholar Community, the Scholars have access to mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the more comprehensive AfOx network of research leaders and entrepreneurs.
Requirements For The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship enables students from all African countries to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. All students with an African nationality and residence who receive a conditional offer from the University will be eligible for the scholarship.
Selection
The scholarship emphasises explicitly groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
Method of Application
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship enables students from all African countries to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. All students with an African nationality and residence who receive a conditional offer from the University will be eligible for the scholarship.
The scholarship emphasises explicitly groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
(a) To be considered for this scholarship, submit your application for graduate study to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the deadline for your chosen course of study. Please read the Application Guide in detail ahead of making the application. We strongly recommend you submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least a week before the December/January for your course.
(b) Eligible candidates who receive a conditional offer from their course will be then invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program. All invited candidates will be expected to fill in the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire during the application process.
(c) Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually before decisions are made, and the timelines will be communicated at the interview stage.
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