The AfOx Graduate Scholarships are a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for African students pursuing an MBA at the University of Oxford. Created through a partnership between Oxford, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), the scholarships aim to cultivate transformational African leaders committed to sustainable development across the continent.

For 2027, up to five scholarships are available for the Oxford Saïd Business School MBA programme, offering full financial support and leadership development.

What Is the AfOx Graduate Scholarship?

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarship is part of the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. It supports high-achieving African students with:

• Strong academic credentials

• Demonstrated leadership potential

• Commitment to Africa’s social and economic progress

AfOx Scholars benefit from mentorship, leadership training, and career support before, during, and after their MBA studies at Oxford, joining a vibrant academic and professional network.

Program Details

• Degree Level: MBA (Master’s)

• Available Subjects: Business Administration

• Eligible Nationalities: African students

• Number of Scholarships: Up to 5

Benefits of the Scholarship

Recipients of the AfOx Graduate Scholarship receive:

• Full MBA tuition at Oxford Saïd Business School

• Living cost grant of at least £20,780

• Customized leadership and professional development programs

• Networking opportunities with global leaders, alumni, and development partners

• Comprehensive pre-departure, on-course, and post-study support, including career guidance

This scholarship is one of the most generous fully funded MBA programs for African students in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be African citizens and ordinarily resident in an African country

• Apply for the Oxford MBA programme

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Africa’s development and leadership

• Meet all Oxford Saïd Business School MBA admission requirements

Only candidates aligned with the scholarship’s mission of advancing Africa’s future will be considered.

Application Procedure

No separate scholarship application is required. Applicants must:

1. Submit a complete MBA application to Oxford Saïd Business School

2. Apply before the MBA application deadline

3. If shortlisted for the MBA interview, candidates will automatically be considered for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship

4. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly by the University of Oxford

Application Deadline: 7 January

Late or incomplete MBA applications will not be considered for the scholarship.

Other Funding Opportunities at Oxford

African students can also explore additional scholarships, such as:

• Saïd Business School Foundation Scholarships

• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

Oxford remains a global leader in supporting and recruiting talented students from Africa across multiple disciplines.

Why Choose the AfOx Graduate Scholarship?

• Study at one of the world’s top universities

• Earn a globally recognized MBA degree

• Graduate debt-free

• Receive elite leadership training focused on Africa

• Join a powerful network of African change-makers and global leaders

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship?
African students applying for the Oxford MBA programme with strong leadership and academic credentials.

2. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers full tuition fees and living costs, plus leadership and career support.

3. How many scholarships are available?
Up to five scholarships are offered for the 2027 MBA cohort.

4. Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. All eligible MBA applicants are automatically considered during the interview stage.

5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for both the MBA and AfOx Graduate Scholarship is 7 January 2027.