The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), therefore applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants from African nations for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships for studies at the University of Oxford for the 2026 academic session.
The Partnership is set to provide 400 young African scholars with a fully-funded opportunity to pursue taught Masters degrees in programmes related to pandemic preparedness and recover at the University of Oxford.
Scholarship Type: Full Funding
Host Institution(s): University of Oxford, UK
Scholarship Worth: Not specified
Number of Awards: 400
Study Level: Postgraduate (Masters)
- Nationality: Africans
DETAILS on Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships 2026/2027
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship programme supports passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African young people to undertake graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship programme is grounded in the Mastercard Foundation, and AfOx shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion and community. The Scholarship is part of the broader AfOx Graduate Scholars Program, which aims to support African students to access opportunities at Oxford and to thrive both during and after their time at the University.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be an African student interested in taking up master’s studies at the University of Oxford for the 2026 academic session.
- Applicants must have obtained a relevant bachelor’s degree from reputable institutions of higher learning.
- Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic and research abilities.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition costs
- Living expenses
- Logistics support including economy return flight, visa.
- Immigration Health Surcharge fees
- Settling down allowance
- Thrive Fund for emergencies
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships 2026 are to submit an application to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the deadline for their chosen course of study and indicate that they wish to apply for AfOx funding.
Application Deadline: Not specified
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship at Oxford 2026?
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program offered in partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Oxford under the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx).
The scholarship is designed to support academically talented African students who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to giving back to their communities. It covers full tuition, living expenses, airfare, visa costs, and provides leadership development opportunities for selected scholars to study at Oxford in 2026.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the AfOx Scholarship 2026?
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a citizen of an African country
Apply for an eligible full-time graduate course (Master’s or selected doctoral programs) at the University of Oxford
Demonstrate academic excellence
Show strong leadership qualities and commitment to community impact
Meet Oxford’s admission requirements for their chosen program
Applicants must first secure admission to the University of Oxford before being considered for the scholarship.
3. What expenses does the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and typically covers:
Full university tuition fees
College fees at Oxford
Monthly living stipend
Round-trip economy airfare
Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees
Access to leadership and networking programs
This comprehensive funding ensures scholars can focus entirely on their studies and leadership development without financial stress.
4. How can I apply for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship 2026?
To apply:
Choose an eligible graduate course at the University of Oxford.
Submit your application for admission through Oxford’s official graduate admissions portal before the course deadline.
Indicate your interest in scholarship funding (if required during the application process).
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews.
There is usually no separate scholarship application form, but applicants must carefully follow the official guidelines when applying for their chosen program.