5 MBA SCHOLARSHIPS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (UK)

Deadline: 7 January 2026

The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). In partnership with the Saïd Business School Foundation, up to five AfOx Graduate Scholarships are available for the 2026-27 MBA programme. 

Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships are available for applicants who are African nationals, are ordinarily resident in African countries, and who can demonstrate a commitment to Africa's development. The scholarships cover course fees and a grant for living costs, as well as tailor-made training programmes, networking opportunities and support for students before, during and following their time at Oxford. 

Saïd Business School has made a pledge to continue to invest in Africa and support the next generation of African leaders. Saïd Business School understands the impact that the youth can have in driving the opportunities in Africa and we advocate for companies both in Africa and abroad to recognise the value in investing in job-creating industries in Africa. Saïd Business School's aim is to support young, inspiring Africans looking to leave their mark on the continent and to understand the role big business plays in driving economic growth.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT

 The Mastercard Foundation Scholarships cover course fees and a grant for living costs of at least £20,780 for eligible full-time taught master's students at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate. Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed full-time taught master's course.

ELIGIBILITY

This scholarship is open to African citizens who are ordinarily resident in Africa and who can demonstrate a commitment to Africa's development. Applications are particularly encouraged from people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, those who identify as women, refugees (or displaced), and/or those with disabilities as we understand that these groups face significant barriers to education. To be considered you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold an offer for a full‑time one-year taught master’s course at Oxford and have submitted an application via the graduate admissions portal by the relevant December/January funding deadline for your course. Open field applicants will not be eligible for consideration. 

• Be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident there. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds. If you have a displacement background, please indicate this on your applicant form submitted to the graduate admissions portal by selecting YES to the question titled, "Are you, or have you been, a refugee, stateless person, or asylum seeker, or been otherwise forcibly displaced within or outside your country of origin?"

• Should not have previously completed a graduate degree.

• Must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.

• Should demonstrate alignment with AfOx values (Collegiality, Empathy, Commitment, Transparency and Inclusivity).

• Should show how their past work or future plans will contribute to addressing Africa’s major challenges including, but not limited to pandemic threats, climate crisis and youth employment.

HOW TO APPLY

No separate application is needed, but you must submit your MBA application form by the deadline.If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be contacted by the University.

Apply: https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/oxford-experience/scholarships-and-funding/afox-graduate-scholarships