Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Program at the University of Oxford 2025

The University of Oxford, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), offers an innovative program to support 400 young Africans in pursuing a fully funded Master’s degree in fields related to pandemic preparedness and management.

Program Objective

The program aims to train passionate young individuals who are locally rooted and globally minded by providing high-quality academic training and skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and technical expertise. This program reflects the shared values of the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx: inclusion, community, commitment, collegiality, and empathy.

What the Scholarship Covers

• This fully funded scholarship covers:
• Tuition fees,
• Living expenses,
• A round-trip economy class flight ticket,
• Visa and health fees,
• A settlement allowance,
• An emergency fund (Thrive Fund).

Students will also benefit from a leadership and impact program designed to help them develop collaborative and interdisciplinary solutions to social and environmental challenges.

A Commitment to Africa

After completing their Master’s degree, scholars will participate in an “Ubuntu Service Period” of 4 to 6 months, where they will work on impact-driven projects within organizations based in Africa. They will be mentored by African experts, thereby building meaningful and impactful careers on the continent.

Fields of Study

Available programs are aligned with the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• Food systems,
• Health sciences,
• Sustainable energy,
• Governance and public policy,
• Entrepreneurship.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic excellence and potential,
• Experience in leadership and capacity building,
• Adherence to AfOx’s values and themes,
• Commitment to Africa’s development.

The program pays special attention to underrepresented groups: women, refugees, displaced persons, and applicants with specific needs.

Read also: Scholarships for African Students in Mauritius

Application Timeline

• November 2024 - January 2025: Submission of applications for Master’s programs via the University of Oxford’s admission portal.
• February - April 2025: Online interviews for shortlisted scholars.
• July 2025: Announcement of results and preparation for arrival at Oxford.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their applications by the specific course deadlines (between November 2024 and January 2025). Check the application guide on the University of Oxford’s website for more details. Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to a virtual interview to finalize the selection process.

For any questions, please contact: afoxscholarships@ndm.ox.ac.uk.

Click HERE to visit the official website for more information.

This scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for young Africans wishing to actively contribute to the development of their continent through cutting-edge studies and a prestigious international network.

Read also: SI Scholarships for Swedish Government 2025/2026.