Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford 2025. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford supports passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African young people to undertake graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
About Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Opportunity Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford is grounded in the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion and community.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford 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.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford funds a rigorous one-year taught Master's course at Oxford aimed at equipping the Scholars with relevant technical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and connecting them to world leading resources in their respective sectors. Key elements of the scholarship programme include adequate support and preparation for students to take up their studies, intensive emphasis on life skills beyond academia and support for a lifelong network of alumni. Each Scholar will benefit from the highest calibre training in specific disciplines critical to solving pressing problems, including food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship, among others. Their programs will centre the four AfOx themes relevant to Africa's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Healthy People, Integrated Societies, Green Futures, and Innovation for Prosperity.
Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- This full-cost scholarship is available to Master's students, covering tuition fees and living expenses for international students. The scholarship also provides logistics support, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies. The first year includes a rigorous academic Master's course at Oxford and a Leadership and Impact Program, which support the scholars in developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector, interdisciplinary solutions to address complex social and environmental problems.
- 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.
- The Scholars benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program and tailored academic and social support throughout their studies. Beyond their studies, Scholars will join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni, and the AfOx Alumni Network, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African Scholars linked to the University of Oxford and beyond. In addition to the peer support from the Scholar Community, the Scholars have access to mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the more comprehensive AfOx network of research leaders and entrepreneurs.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Requirements
- Open to passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African young people.
- The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford specifically emphasises groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and scholars with accessibility needs.
Selection Criteria
Eligible candidates will be invited to demonstrate how they meet the following selection criteria. In awarding the Scholarships the panel looks at four areas:
- Academic merit and potential
- Leadership experience and capacity development
- Alignment with AfOx values and themes
- Commitment to Africa's development
Application Date and Process
Submit your application for graduate study to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the main funding deadline for your chosen course of study.
Application Deadline
15 November, 2024
Scholarship Application Portal
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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
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