The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship program is designed to support passionate, locally-rooted, and globally-minded young Africans who want to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. This scholarship covers full course fees, offers a living grant of £19,237, and provides custom training programs, networking opportunities, and other support.

This post will break down the details, requirements, benefits, and application process for the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship in a simple way.

2025 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
• Study Abroad: Study in UK
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All African Countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship | Flight Tickets | Visa Fee | Accommodations
• Deadline: Not Specified

2025 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Details:

The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have formed a partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). This partnership aims to provide 400 young African scholars with fully-funded opportunities to pursue taught Masters degrees related to pandemic preparedness and recovery at the University of Oxford.

The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship program is built on shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion, and community between the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx.

The scholarship funds a rigorous one-year taught Master’s course at Oxford, designed to equip scholars with relevant technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills. It also connects them to world-leading resources in their respective fields. Key elements of the program include support and preparation for students, an emphasis on life skills beyond academia, and a lifelong network of alumni.

2025 University of Oxford Mastercard Scholarship Requirements:

To be considered for this scholarship, you need to:

1. Be of African nationality.
2. Submit your application to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the deadline for your chosen course and indicate your wish to apply for AfOx funding.

Special consideration is given to students from refugee and displaced backgrounds. The scholarship particularly encourages applications from historically under-represented groups, including female scholars, refugees, and disabled scholars.

Read the Application Guide thoroughly before applying. It’s recommended to submit your application form and all supporting documents at least a week before the earliest deadline for your course.

2025 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship Duration and Reward

This full-cost scholarship is available to Master’s students, covering tuition fees and living expenses for international students. It also includes logistical support such as an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, a settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.

In the first year, scholars undergo a rigorous academic Master’s course at Oxford and participate in a Leadership and Impact Programme. This program helps scholars develop the leadership qualities needed to create solutions for social and environmental problems. After completing their Master’s Program, scholars are supported for 4-6 month placements in leading Africa-based organizations during their Ubuntu Period of Service.

The program includes a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise and provides tailored academic and social support throughout their studies.

How To Apply for 2025 MasterCard AfOx Scholarship (Step by Step)

1. Visit the scholarship webpage by clicking the button below.
2. Apply for a graduate degree at the University of Oxford and indicate your interest in AfOx funding.
3. The Oxford University Masters application fee of £75 is waived for many low-income countries. Check the application fee waiver section for more details.
4. You can also apply to the Afrisoc Mentoring program for support with Oxford Applications and potential fee waivers for countries not eligible for the fee waiver.
5. If you have concerns about the application fee, email afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk before submitting your application through the Applicant Portal.
6. Candidates who receive a conditional offer from their course will be invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program.
7. All invited candidates will need to fill in the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire during the application process.
8. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually before final decisions are made, with timelines communicated at the interview stage.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Deadline: January 5, 2025

FAQs

1. What are the living costs covered by the scholarship? The scholarship includes a living grant of £19,237, which should cover accommodation, food, and other daily expenses.
2. Is the application fee always waived for low-income countries? Yes, the £75 application fee is waived for many low-income countries. You can refer to the application fee waiver section for specific details.
3. Can refugees and displaced individuals apply? Absolutely, the scholarship program makes special residence considerations for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.