The University of Oxford, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), has launched a transformative scholarship programme aimed at fostering African leadership and development. Through this collaboration, and with additional support from the Saïd Business School Foundation, the AfOx Graduate Scholarships will be available for up to five exceptional students joining the 2026–27 MBA programme.
These scholarships form part of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which focuses on nurturing future leaders from the African continent. The initiative not only offers financial support but also delivers extensive developmental opportunities to prepare scholars for long-term success and impact.
A Commitment to Africa’s Future
The AfOx Graduate Scholarships are designed specifically for African nationals who are ordinarily resident in Africa and who can clearly demonstrate a deep commitment to the continent’s development. The aim is to empower individuals who will go on to drive innovation, transformation, and sustainable growth across Africa.
The programme aligns with AfOx’s mission to foster equitable partnerships between Oxford and African institutions and individuals. It also reflects Oxford Saïd’s growing investment in inclusive global leadership, with a particular emphasis on African talent.
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, allowing students to focus fully on their academic and leadership journey. Each AfOx Graduate Scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for the MBA programme.
- A grant for living expenses valued at a minimum of £20,780.
- Tailored leadership and professional development opportunities.
- Structured training programmes that extend beyond the classroom.
- Dedicated mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Continued support throughout the student’s time at Oxford and beyond.
This wraparound support aims to foster personal growth, career readiness, and long-term impact in communities across the continent.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AfOx Graduate Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be citizens of any African country.
- Be ordinarily resident in Africa at the time of application.
- Demonstrate a clear and ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.
- Apply and be admitted to the full-time MBA programme at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Candidates who meet the above criteria are strongly encouraged to apply for the MBA programme and will automatically be considered for the scholarship. There is no separate application process specifically for the scholarship itself.
Application Process
Prospective applicants must complete and submit the standard MBA application form by the official deadline: 7 January 2026. All required materials, including academic transcripts, references, and the statement of purpose, must be submitted by this date.
Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted directly by the University. Scholarship selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, professional achievement, and demonstrated leadership potential, with a particular emphasis on alignment with the goals of the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx.
Supporting African Talent
The AfOx Graduate Scholarships are part of a broader commitment by the University of Oxford and Saïd Business School to expand access for talented African students. The school advocates for greater investment in African leadership and continues to support and recruit students from across the continent.
Learning More and Getting Involved
Candidates interested in the MBA or the 1+1 MBA programme—which combines the one-year MBA with a second Oxford master’s degree—are encouraged to visit the Saïd Business School website to learn more about admissions requirements, programme structure, and upcoming events.
Potential applicants can also connect with the MBA recruitment team for personalized guidance on eligibility and how to strengthen their applications.
Continued Impact Beyond Oxford
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholars join a global network of changemakers committed to inclusive development and African advancement. Beyond graduation, they continue to benefit from mentorship, alumni engagement, and collaboration with peers, ensuring their Oxford experience has long-lasting, real-world impact.
For more information, visit the AfOx Graduate Scholarships page or contact the Saïd Business School for application guidance and support.
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Disclaimer:Â Global South Opportunities (GSO)Â is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
