AfOx - MasterCard Foundation Graduate Scholarships at Oxford University 2026-2027

Omran Aburayya
16 hours ago
4 min read

If you’re an ambitious African national ordinarily resident in Africa, passionate about driving development on the continent — and you’re applying to the University of Oxford Saïd Business School MBA for the 2026‑27 academic year — here’s a life-changing opportunity: the Mastercard Foundation- AfOx Graduate Scholarships are now open. Through a partnership between Oxford Saïd, Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), and the Mastercard Foundation’s Scholars Program, up to five fully funded scholarships are offered to African change‑makers. These scholarships cover your entire MBA fees plus a living‑costs stipend, and link you to a robust Leadership & Impact Programme, lifelong mentorship, and an Ubuntu service placement—all aimed at equipping you to lead transformative impact in Africa.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

Location: Oxford (Manage your MBA based at the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School) – in full partnership with AfOx and Mastercard Foundation.
Study Level: Full‑time MBA, one academic year (2026–27 intake).
Target Group: African citizens, ordinarily resident in Africa, with a strong commitment to Africa’s development.
Fields of Study: Business Administration (core MBA curriculum across finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership) complemented by co‑curricular leadership training focused on systems change in Africa.
Value & Coverage:
- Full tuition fees and university levies.
- Living‑cost grant of at least £20,780 (≈ USD 25K), to support housing, food, transport, study materials, and more.
Duration: One academic year (MBA) + an optional 4–6‑month Ubuntu Period of Service post‑MBA (in an Africa‑based placement).
Application Deadline: 7 January 2026 — MBA application and interest in the AfOx Scholarship must be submitted by this date via Oxford’s application portal.
Start Date: Autumn/Winter 2026 — aligned with the MBA academic calendar.
Eligible for: Candidates applying for the 2026–27 Oxford MBA; no separate scholarship application is required — scholarship consideration is automatic if criteria are met.

✨ Scholarship Overview

The AfOx Graduate Scholarship is both a financial package and a leadership journey. It aligns with Oxford’s mission to nurture global leaders grounded in purpose and networks that catalyze long-term impact.

Year One (2026–27)

Alongside your academic MBA, you join the AfOx Leadership & Impact Programme, co‑designed by the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise and AfOx. This two‑year programme includes:

Leadership development modules, peer learning sessions, strategic frameworks for impact, and community building within a cohort of African leaders.
Practical coaching on best practices in systems leadership, execution strategies, and exploring pathways in social entrepreneurship or policy.

Year Two (2027–28)

After graduation, you enter the Ubuntu Period of Service, a 4–6‑month placement at an African NGO, company, or policy institution. You’ll contribute to high-impact projects and continue working on development challenges while receiving ongoing support from mentors and the AfOx network.

Networking opportunities, alumni events, access to the broader AfOx/Skoll alumni community, and long‑term career support from the Mastercard Foundation complete the holistic experience.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition & fees: The full costs of your MBA programme at Oxford are covered — including college fees and University levies.
Living stipend: A grant of at least £20,780 (or local currency equivalent), sufficient for living expenses in Oxford.
Logistical support: Assistance may include a return economy flight to your home country, visa guidance, and settling‑in orientation.
Tailored leadership training: Enjoy exclusive programming with Skoll, community‑building retreats, peer coaching, and reflective leadership workshops.
Ubuntu placement: Funded post‑MBA placement within Africa that deepens professional networks and real‑world development experience.
Ongoing mentorship & alumni network: Connect with African scholars from previous cohorts, access career coaching, and collaborate at the AfOx Leadership & Impact Symposium.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:
- Be an African national, ordinarily resident in an African country at the time of application.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to Africa’s development, through leadership, service, work, or entrepreneurship.
- Meet the admission requirements for the MBA programme at Oxford Saïd (academic merit, leadership potential, GMAT/GRE score, references, etc.).
Selection factors:
- Academic excellence and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the MBA classroom.
- Demonstrated leadership experience and vision for impact.
- Alignment with AfOx’s values: collaboration, empathy, innovation, and planet‑centred prosperity

📝 Application Procedure

Apply via the Oxford MBA portal: Complete the standard MBA application on the Saïd Business School website, pay the £75 fee, and choose the 2026–27 intake.
Indicate interest in AfOx Scholarship: During the application, you’ll be asked if you’re interested in Mastercard Foundation funding. Respond Yes. No separate scholarship form is needed.
Application materials:
- Academic transcripts (undergraduate and any postgraduate study).
- One‑page CV (detailing at least two years of full‑time professional experience).
- GMAT or GRE score (≈ 650 + is competitive; median GMAT ~ 680).
- English proficiency (TOEFL 110+ or IELTS 7.5+), if applicable.
- Two academic or professional references (sent via institutional email).
- Supporting statement and Kira Talent video interview.
Submit early if possible: Oxford uses a rolling admission system. Applying during Stage 1 (Sept‑Nov 2025) or Stage 2 (Dec 2025 – early Jan 2026) enhances your scholarship chances.
After applying, candidates may be shortlisted for interviews in mid‑2025.
Scholarship offers are made upon conditional admission to the MBA.

💬 Pro Tips

Frame your African clarity: Use essays and your CV to highlight concrete examples of service, leadership, or innovation benefitting communities in Africa.
Practice the video assessment: The Kira Talent test involves three response videos focused on leadership and values. Practice concise answers in English, and simulate timing.
Reach out for guidance: You can contact the Saïd MBA African Initiative Manager, Tammy Brophy, for questions related to African scholarships or eligibility.

✅ In Summary

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships offer you a fully funded pathway into Oxford’s MBA, combined with:

Generous financial support (full tuition + £20,780 minimum living grant),
A bespoke Leadership & Impact Programme (Year One),
An Ubuntu service placement in Africa (Year Two), and
Lifelong mentorship and networking across AfOx and Mastercard Foundation communities.