The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Oxford, in partnership with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), represents one of the most ambitious educational collaborations between Africa and Europe. From 2026, the program will provide 400 young African scholars with a fully funded opportunity to gain a master’s degree at Oxford.
This initiative is designed to not only strengthen pandemic preparedness and recovery, but also provide African youth with the skills, networks and leadership qualities they need to address pressing challenges across the continent.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in Oxford
Vision and Values
The program is built on the shared values of the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx.
- Collegiality – Promotes cooperation and mutual respect.
- Empathy – centered on human dignity and compassion.
- Commitment – Commitment to the long-term development of Africa.
- Inclusion – Ensure diverse voices are represented.
- Community – building networks that last beyond Oxford.
Connect with the AfOx Graduate Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is part of the wider AfOx Graduate Scholars Programme, which supports African students to access Oxford’s world-class resources and succeed during and after their studies.
Academic Focus and Topics
The scholarship funds a rigorous, year-long master’s program at Oxford. Each scholar is equipped with technical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills while being connected to global resources in their field.
Major fields of study
- Food Systems – Covering hunger, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
- Health Sciences – Strengthening pandemic preparedness and health care delivery.
- Water and energy systems – improving sustainability and climate resilience.
- Governance and public policy – creating inclusive and transparent institutions.
- Entrepreneurship – Promotes innovation and job creation.
AfOx Thematic Pillars
The program is aligned with Africa’s 2063 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through four themes:
- Healthy People – Advancing health care and wellness.
- An inclusive society – promoting social cohesion and inclusive governance.
- Green Future – Addresses climate change and environmental sustainability.
- Innovation for Prosperity – Leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to grow.
Ubuntu service life
One of the most innovative aspects of the program is the Ubuntu service period that follows the master’s degree.
- Duration: 4-6 months.
- Location: Africa-based organization.
- Activities: Scholars design and deliver impactful projects, launch startups or collaborate with NGOs, governments and research institutions.
- Mentoring: Guidance from leading African scholars and practitioners.
This ensures that knowledge gained at Oxford is reinvested in African communities, creating a cycle of influence and empowerment.
Commitment to Inclusion
The program emphasizes support for groups that have historically been underrepresented in higher education.
- Women – Addressing gender inequality in academia.
- Refugees and Displaced Persons – Providing opportunities for people affected by conflict and displacement.
- Students with disabilities – ensuring accessibility and tailored support.
- Financially disadvantaged backgrounds – breaking down barriers to elite education.
Program Details
Full financial support
Scholarships include:
- tuition.
- Living expenses at the UKRI minimum PhD stipend.
- Economy return flight.
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharges.
- Settlement Allowance.
- You can use the Thrive Fund for emergencies.
Leadership and Influence Program
Along with academic studies, scholars participate in a tailored leadership and impact program that develops collaborative leadership qualities and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills.
alumni network
Graduates can join both the Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni community and the AfOx Alumni Network for access to lifelong mentorship, career support, and peer collaboration.
How to apply for admission in 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Get an offer for a full-time, one-year taught Masters course at Oxford.
- Apply through the Graduate Admissions Portal by the December/January application deadline.
- You must be a citizen of an African country and generally reside there.
- I have never previously earned a graduate degree.
- Demonstrate leadership and service within the community.
- Live up to the AfOx values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusiveness.
- Show how their work contributes to solving Africa’s challenges (pandemics, climate crisis, youth employment).
Application Process
- Graduate Admission Application – Submit by the December/January deadline.
- Scholarship Application – Qualified offer holders will be contacted by the Student Fees and Funding Department.
- Virtual Interview – Finalists will be invited to interview for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program.
2026/27 Participation Schedule
- September 2025 – January 2026: Submit your application by the earliest deadline for your chosen course.
- Early 2026: Scholarship application and interview.
- October 2026: Scholars begin masters studies at Oxford.
Case Studies and Success Stories
While the 2026 cohort is scheduled, Oxford’s initial batch of Mastercard Foundation Scholars have already demonstrated remarkable impact.
- Transforming health: Alumni leading immunization campaigns in rural Africa.
- Climate action: Scholars pioneering renewable energy projects in East Africa.
- Entrepreneurship: Graduates who create startups that create jobs for the community.
These examples highlight the program’s transformative potential.
Oxford and its strategic importance to Africa
This partnership reflects Oxford’s commitment to global inclusiveness and Africa’s role in shaping the future. The Mastercard AfOx Scholarship is more than an academic opportunity. This is a strategic investment in Africa’s future. This program helps strengthen the continent’s resilience to future health crises by prioritizing pandemic recovery. Academics also play a critical role in building a sustainable future through climate solutions, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Beyond academics, the scholarships empower youth employment by providing graduates with the skills to drive entrepreneurship and innovation and creating opportunities for Africa’s growing young population. This foundation prepares graduates for impactful careers in multilateral development agencies, African governments and NGOs, academia and research institutions, and private sector startups across the continent.
conclusion
Mastercard AfOx Scholarship at University of Oxford 2026 is a ground-breaking opportunity for African students. By combining rigorous academic training, leadership development and a period of Ubuntu service, the program ensures that scholars not only excel at Oxford but also return to Africa equipped to drive transformational change.
Please apply through the official website.