Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Program for Graduate Study at Oxford

The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Program supports young Africans who are community-driven, globally minded, and committed to creating positive change by enabling them to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

In addition to covering full tuition fees, the University of Oxford Mastercard Scholarship provides a £20,780 living allowance, alongside tailored training programs, networking opportunities, and comprehensive academic and personal support. This article explains the scholarship details, eligibility requirements, benefits, and the full application process in clear and simple terms.

Summary of the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026

• Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)

• Study Abroad: Study in the UK

• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships

• Eligible Countries: All African Countries

• Reward: Full Scholarship | Flight Tickets | Visa Fees | Accommodation

• Deadline: January 7, 2026

Read More: Islam Scholarship at University of Birmingham Fully Funds Master’s Study

Details of the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026

The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is an ambitious partnership between the University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation, delivered under the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Through this collaboration, 400 young African scholars will receive fully funded opportunities to pursue taught master’s degrees focused on pandemic preparedness and recovery programs at the University of Oxford.

The program is built on shared values between the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx, including camaraderie, empathy, commitment, inclusivity, and community. Its core objective is to equip scholars with access to world-class academic resources while developing their technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills.

The scholarship supports a demanding one-year taught Master’s program at Oxford and places strong emphasis on preparation before arrival, life skills beyond the classroom, and long-term engagement through a lifelong alumni network.

Eligibility Requirements for the University of Oxford Mastercard Scholarship 2026

To be considered for the 2026 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be of African nationality

• Apply for a graduate degree at the University of Oxford via the Graduate Admissions Portal by the deadline for the chosen course

• Indicate interest in AfOx funding during the Oxford application process

• Residence considerations will be made for applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds

• The scholarship explicitly prioritizes groups historically under-represented in higher education, including but not limited to female scholars, refugees and displaced persons, and disabled scholars

• Applicants are advised to read the Application Guide carefully before applying

• It is strongly recommended that applicants submit their application and supporting documents at least one week before the earliest course deadline

Read More: Aix-Marseille University TIGER Excellence Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Duration and Benefits of the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026

The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is a full-cost scholarship for Master’s students and provides comprehensive support, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Living expenses for international students

• Economy return flight tickets

• Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees

• Settling-down allowance

• Access to a Thrive Fund for emergency support

The first year includes an intensive academic Master’s program at Oxford combined with a Leadership and Impact Programme, designed to help scholars develop collaborative leadership skills to address complex social and environmental challenges.

After completing their Master’s degree, scholars will undertake 4–6 months of placements with leading Africa-based organizations as part of the Ubuntu Period of Service.

Scholars also benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Programme, delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise, along with tailored academic and social support throughout their studies.

Read More: MRS Oil Nigeria Scholarship 2026 (Secondary School & Undergraduate)

How to Apply for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps to apply:

1. Apply for a graduate degree at the University of Oxford and indicate interest in AfOx funding.

2. The Oxford University Master’s application fee of £75 may be waived upon request for applicants from many low-income countries. Refer to the application fee waiver section for details.

3. Prospective applicants may apply to the Afrisoc Mentoring Program for support with Oxford applications and possible fee waivers for countries not eligible for automatic waivers.

4. If you have concerns about the application fee, contact afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk before submitting your application through the Applicant Portal.

5. Applicants who receive a conditional offer from their chosen course will be invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program.

6. All invited candidates must complete the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire during the application process.

7. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually, and timelines will be communicated at the interview stage.