The Oxford AfOx Graduate Scholarships offer high-achieving African graduates the transformative opportunity to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. Provided through a partnership between the University of Oxford, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), these scholarships support emerging leaders committed to driving positive change across the African continent. Beyond providing complete financial coverage, the program delivers specialized leadership training, academic support, and lifelong professional networks.
📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Oxford AfOx Graduate Scholarships (Mastercard Foundation AfOx Programme) |
| Institution | Saïd Business School, University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree (Full-Time MBA) |
| Programs Offered | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Full Tuition Fee Waiver + Living Cost Stipend) |
| Eligible Applicants | African Citizens ordinarily resident in African countries |
| Duration | 1 Year (Full-Time MBA) |
| Application Deadline | January 6, 2027 – January 8, 2027 (Varies by admissions round) |
| Application Mode | Online Application System via Oxford Saïd Business School Portal |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
The Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and Saïd Business School awards fully funded MBA scholarships to exceptional candidates from Africa. Up to three dedicated scholarships are available specifically for the Oxford MBA program to ensure scholars thrive during and after their studies. The scholarship scheme places a strong emphasis on academic potential, transformative leadership capacity, and a proven dedication to Africa’s long-term economic and social growth.
💰 What Does It Cover?
Selected scholars receive an all-inclusive financial and professional support package:
- 🎓 Full Course Fees: 100% tuition coverage for the 1-year Oxford MBA program.
- 💵 Living Cost Grant: A tax-free living stipend of at least £21,805 for the duration of the course.
- 🤝 Bespoke Support: Pre-arrival orientation, tailored writing workshops, academic mentoring, and access to the African Graduate Support Thrive Fund.
- 🌐 Networking Opportunities: Specialized leadership development retreats and access to global alumni and industrial networks.
🎓 What Programmes / Courses Does It Support?
The scholarship supports full-time postgraduate study in the Oxford MBA curriculum, featuring specialized coursework in:
- Business Leadership & Global Strategy
- Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation
- Sustainable Business & Finance
- Technology & Operations Management
- Global Economic Policy
👤 Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to early- and mid-career African professionals who meet the following profile:
- Citizens of any recognized African nation who currently reside in Africa.
- Candidates demonstrating clear leadership ambition and a track record of community involvement.
- Individuals driven to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development agenda.
- Applicants who meet all general Oxford Saïd Business School entry standards.
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes, Nigerian citizens are fully eligible to apply for the Oxford AfOx Graduate Scholarship. Nigerian candidates living in Nigeria or elsewhere on the African continent who hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree, competitive GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, and a strong commitment to African development are encouraged to apply.
🌍 Eligible Countries
Applicants holding citizenship and primary residence in any of the 54 African nations are eligible.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must fulfill all the following scholarship and program entry criteria:
- Residency & Nationality: Must be an African citizen ordinarily resident in an African country.
- Academic History: Must hold a strong undergraduate degree from a recognized university and must not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Professional Work Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant full-time work experience.
- Standardized Tests: High competitive GMAT or GRE performance.
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT) meeting Oxford’s higher-level requirements.
- Development Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to contributing to socio-economic solutions across Africa.
📅 Important Application Information
- Main Application Deadline: January 6, 2027 (Round 2 MBA Deadline)
- Shortlisting & Interview Phase: February – March 2027
- Final Scholarship Decisions: April – May 2027
- Program Commencement: September / October 2027
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Check MBA Prerequisite Standards
Confirm that your academic transcripts, work history, and test scores meet Oxford Saïd Business School admission requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Standardized Test Scores
Take your GMAT/GRE and English test early to ensure official scores reach the University before the deadline.
Step 3: Complete the Oxford MBA Application
Fill out and submit your standard full-time Oxford MBA application via the Saïd Business School portal.
Step 4: No Separate Scholarship Application Form
You do not need to fill out a separate AfOx scholarship application. Submit your standard MBA application before the January deadline to be automatically considered.
Step 5: Departmental Interview
Shortlisted scholarship candidates will be contacted by the university selection panel for an interview.
🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Website: Oxford AfOx Graduate Scholarships📅 Application Deadline: January 6, 2027
Disclaimer: Requirements, deadlines, and stipend levels are subject to university updates. Always verify details on the official university portal prior to applying.
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Official University Degree Certificates & Transcripts
- Official GMAT or GRE Score Report
- Official English Language Test Result (TOEFL / IELTS)
- Detailed Academic & Professional Resume (CV)
- Two Professional/Academic Reference Letters
- Oxford MBA Application Essays (including career plan and impact vision)
- International Passport Copy
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- Fully Funded Study at Oxford: World-class Oxford MBA education with 100% covered tuition fees and generous stipend grants.
- No Extra Form Needed: Automatic consideration upon submitting the standard MBA admissions application by the deadline.
- Comprehensive African Support Network: Specialized mentoring, academic writing workshops, and thriving social mixers organized by AfOx.
- Career Impact: Positioning for transformative leadership roles within top corporations, development institutions, and startups in Africa and globally.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application for the Oxford AfOx Scholarship?
No. Eligible candidates who submit their complete MBA application by the January deadline are automatically considered.
Can I apply if I already hold a Master’s degree?
No. Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are ineligible for this specific scholarship stream.
Does the scholarship cover travel costs?
The scholarship includes a substantial grant for living costs (£21,805+) alongside additional settling support and academic funds.
💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Complete your Oxford MBA application well before the January 6, 2027 deadline.
- Frame your essays around how an Oxford MBA directly aligns with your future plans to advance development in Africa.
- Secure strong references early from professional supervisors who can vouch for your leadership potential.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying if you already hold a Master’s degree (this will lead to automatic disqualification for AfOx).
- Submitting test scores after the January MBA application deadline.
- Failing to articulate a clear link between your career trajectory and African economic/social development.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The Oxford AfOx Graduate Scholarship at Saïd Business School provides an unmatched path for ambitious African leaders seeking a world-class MBA without financial barriers. Prospective students should finalize their tests and application materials immediately to ensure submission before the January deadline.