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AfOx Graduate Scholarships: Full Funding for African Students at Oxford University

The Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Graduate Scholarships provide outstanding African graduates with the opportunity to undertake fully funded master’s degrees at the University of Oxford. Recognizing that by 2050 the majority of the world’s student-age population will be in Africa, this comprehensive program goes beyond traditional scholarship support to deliver transformative educational experiences.

AfOx scholarships cover complete course fees and living costs while providing tailor-made training programs, extensive networking opportunities, and ongoing support before, during, and after students’ time at Oxford. This holistic approach ensures African graduates don’t just survive at Oxford—they thrive and become leaders who contribute to Africa’s development and the world’s future.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

September – January: Submit applications for relevant Oxford courses by the earliest deadline, ensuring you meet specific funding requirements for your chosen program. Application deadlines is January 7th, 2026

February – April: Eligible candidates receive email invitations from Student Fees and Funding for AfOx scholarship interviews conducted online via Zoom.

April – June: AfOx conducts scholar interviews for shortlisted candidates.

July 2026: Final scholarship decisions announced. Successful candidates receive scholarship offer letters and comprehensive information packs about Oxford arrival and induction programs.

Important: Check specific application deadlines for your chosen course well in advance, as requirements can vary significantly between programs.

Scholarship Partners and Funding Opportunities

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

The University of Oxford partners with the Mastercard Foundation to offer comprehensive scholarships for African candidates applying for taught postgraduate courses. These awards cover full course fees and living costs grants at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate for the complete duration of your program.

Selection Criteria:

  • Academic merit and potential
  • Leadership experience and capacity development
  • Alignment with AfOx values and themes
  • Commitment to Africa’s development

Eligible offer holders are automatically considered and contacted directly by Student Fees and Funding.

Standard Bank Africa Chairman’s Scholarship

This partnership provides prestigious funding opportunities for exceptional African candidates pursuing master’s degrees at Oxford, emphasizing leadership development and commitment to continental advancement.

Oppenheimer Fund

The Oppenheimer Fund offers targeted support for applicants who have previously studied at South African universities and are applying for full-time master’s courses. These awards are linked to other scholarship schemes to provide comprehensive funding packages.

Eligible candidates are automatically considered through the standard admissions process or contacted directly by the University for application invitations.

Kennedy Trust Prize Studentship

The Kennedy Institute, a world-leading research facility focusing on immune function and inflammatory disease, offers fully funded AfOx Kennedy Trust Prize Studentships. This program builds vital links between African universities and institutes and the Kennedy Institute’s cutting-edge research in:

  • Immune mediated inflammatory diseases
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Osteoarthritis and tendinopathy
  • Cancer, biophysics, infection, and microbiome research
  • Computational biology, heart disease, and tissue healing

Saïd Business School Scholarships

Saïd Business School demonstrates its commitment to investing in Africa’s future leaders by supporting young, inspiring Africans seeking to make meaningful impacts on the continent. The school recognizes youth potential in driving African opportunities and advocates for job-creating industry investments.

Blavatnik School of Government

The AfOx graduate scholarship through Blavatnik School covers:

  • 100% of course fees
  • Living costs grant
  • Return flights to and from the UK
  • Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees
  • Settling down allowance
  • Leadership and Impact Program participation

This comprehensive package includes academic and social support programs plus connections to broader AfOx networks across the UK and Africa.

College Partnerships

AfOx collaborates with numerous Oxford colleges to provide additional support and community for African scholars:

  • Balliol College
  • Christ Church
  • Corpus Christi College
  • Green Templeton College
  • Hertford College
  • Kellogg College
  • Linacre College
  • Mansfield College
  • Oriel College
  • Reuben College
  • Somerville College
  • St Cross College
  • University College
  • Worcester College

Comprehensive Support Programs

Pre-Arrival Support

  • Virtual open days for prospective applicants
  • AfriSoc Mentoring Scheme connecting applicants with current African students
  • Application guidance and course selection assistance

During Studies Support

  • Unofficial Guide to Oxford orientation
  • Essay writing workshops
  • DPhil roundtables for research guidance
  • Thrive Fund for additional academic and personal support
  • African Graduate Social Mixers for community building

Ubuntu Transitions Program

Upon completion of studies, scholars participate in the Ubuntu Transitions period—a 4-6 month placement program providing:

  • Modest salary support
  • Placements with Africa-based organizations or Africa-facing institutions
  • Mentorship from leading African academics and practitioners
  • Project work aligned with AfOx’s four core themes:
    • Healthy People
    • Green Futures
    • Integrated Societies
    • Innovation for Prosperity

Placement opportunities span corporates, start-ups, multinational development agencies, governments, NGOs, and research institutions, all focused on creating meaningful employment and driving positive change in Africa.

Eligibility and Application Process

Who Can Apply:

  • African graduates seeking master’s degree opportunities at Oxford
  • Candidates demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential
  • Students committed to Africa’s development and aligned with AfOx values

Application Requirements:

  • Submit Oxford course applications by relevant December/January deadlines
  • Meet specific funding deadlines for chosen programs
  • Demonstrate alignment with AfOx selection criteria during interview process

Automatic Consideration: Most eligible candidates are automatically considered for AfOx scholarships through the standard Oxford admissions process, with additional interview invitations sent to qualifying applicants.

Building Africa’s Future Leaders

The AfOx Graduate Scholarships represent more than financial support—they constitute a comprehensive leadership development program preparing African graduates to tackle continental and global challenges. By combining world-class Oxford education with targeted support systems and practical experience through Ubuntu Transitions, the program creates a pipeline of capable leaders ready to drive positive change.

This initiative recognizes Africa’s growing importance in global affairs and invests in the continent’s human capital through education, mentorship, and practical experience. AfOx scholars join a distinguished network of change-makers committed to leveraging their Oxford education for Africa’s advancement and global contribution.

The program’s multi-faceted approach ensures scholars develop both academic expertise and practical leadership skills necessary for addressing complex social, environmental, and economic challenges facing Africa and the world. Through partnerships with leading foundations, businesses, and academic institutions, AfOx creates unparalleled opportunities for African talent to flourish at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

For more information and APPLY CLICK HERE

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