If you are an African student dreaming of studying at the University of Oxford without worrying about tuition or living costs, the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027 is worth your attention. This programme is built for young Africans who are ambitious, rooted in their communities, and ready to make an impact both at home and globally.
The scholarship covers full tuition and gives recipients an annual living allowance of £21,805. Beyond the money, scholars get access to leadership training, a strong professional network, and ongoing mentorship throughout their studies. Below is everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027: Quick Overview
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Study Destination: Study in the UK
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Who Can Apply: Students from any African country
- What You Get: Full tuition coverage, £21,805 yearly stipend, flight tickets, visa fees, and accommodation support
- IELTS: Not required
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2027
What Is the Mastercard AfOx Scholarship?
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is a partnership between the University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation, delivered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative. Together, they plan to fund 400 young Africans to pursue taught Master’s degrees at Oxford, with a focus on programmes tied to pandemic preparedness and recovery.
The programme is built on shared values of collegiality, empathy, inclusion, and community. It funds a demanding one year Master’s course designed to build technical knowledge, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership skills, while connecting scholars to some of the best resources in their field.
Scholars also get structured preparation before their studies begin, training in life skills that go beyond the classroom, and lifetime access to a growing alumni network.
Who Qualifies for the 2027 University of Oxford Mastercard Scholarship?
To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You must hold African nationality.
- You need to apply directly to the University of Oxford through the graduate admissions portal before your course deadline, and state clearly that you want to be considered for AfOx funding.
- Applicants from refugee or displaced backgrounds will have their residence circumstances taken into account.
- The scholarship actively encourages applications from groups that are usually under-represented, including women, people from refugee or displaced backgrounds, and applicants with disabilities.
- Read the Oxford Application Guide carefully before you start your application.
- Try to submit your form and supporting documents at least a week before your course’s earliest deadline, so you have room to fix any last-minute issues.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a full scholarship, and it takes care of far more than just school fees. Here is what scholars receive:
- Full tuition fees and an annual living allowance of £21,805 for the duration of the Master’s programme.
- An economy return flight ticket, visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge costs, and a settling-in allowance.
- Access to a Thrive Fund that scholars can tap into during emergencies.
- A first year that combines rigorous academic study with a Leadership and Impact Programme, helping scholars build the collaborative leadership skills needed to solve complex social and environmental problems across sectors.
- A guided placement of four to six months in a leading Africa-based organisation after graduation, known as the Ubuntu Period of Service.
- A tailored Leadership and Impact Programme run in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise, along with academic and social support throughout the entire programme.
How to Apply for the 2027 Mastercard AfOx Scholarship (Step by Step)
Here is how to go about your application:
- Visit the official scholarship page and confirm the course you want to study.
- Apply for your chosen graduate degree at the University of Oxford and clearly indicate that you want to be considered for AfOx funding.
- Check if you qualify for the application fee waiver. Oxford waives its £75 Master’s application fee for applicants from many low-income countries. Details are available in the application fee waiver section.
- If your country is not on the waiver list, you can apply to the Afrisoc Mentoring Program for guidance with your Oxford application and possible fee support.
- Still unsure about the application fee? Send an email to afox@ndm.ox.ac.uk before submitting your application.
- If you receive a conditional offer for your course, you will then be invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program.
- At this stage, you will need to complete the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire.
- Shortlisted applicants go through a virtual interview, and the timeline for final decisions will be shared with you at that point.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship 2027 is one of the most generous funding opportunities open to African students right now, covering everything from tuition to flights and emergency support. If you are serious about studying at Oxford, start your application early, follow the steps carefully, and don’t wait until the January 8, 2027 deadline is close.
Join our Community & inside you get free access to premium Udemy courses, live tech job updates, scholarship and fellowship opportunities, and a community of professionals actually moving forward in their careers.
No fees. No paywalls. No gatekeeping.