Closing Date: 2 December 2026
Master of Public Policy at Oxford 2027: Mastercard Foundation AfOx Fully Funded Scholarship
Applications are open for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme under the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) for the 2027–2028 academic year. This opportunity supports talented African students who want to develop their leadership abilities, strengthen public policy skills and contribute to Africa’s development.
Hosted by Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the MPP is an intensive, one-year master’s degree designed for current and future leaders committed to public service. The programme explores how governments and other institutions develop policies, respond to complex challenges and improve people’s lives.
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Fully Funded Scholarship provides full financial support for eligible scholars, including course fees and a grant towards living costs. Additional programme support includes travel and visa-related assistance, leadership development and access to a network of African scholars and professionals.
Applicants must first apply for the MPP through Oxford’s graduate admissions system. The application deadline for the 2027–2028 intake is 2 December 2026 at 12:00 noon UK time.
Master of Public Policy at Oxford: Key Details
- Host university: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- School: Blavatnik School of Government
- Degree: Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Scholarship programme: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme and Africa Oxford Initiative
- Academic year: 2027–2028
- Duration: 12 months
- Study format: Full-time, in person
- Eligible applicants: African citizens ordinarily resident in an African country, subject to scholarship criteria
- Funding: Course fees and living-cost grant, with additional programme support
- Course start date: September 2027
- Application deadline: 2 December 2026, 12:00 noon UK time
About the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Oxford is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Oxford Initiative. It aims to expand access to postgraduate education for talented African students, particularly those who have faced barriers to educational opportunities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme under the Africa Oxford Initiative supports scholars who are locally rooted, globally minded and committed to using their education to address challenges affecting African communities.
The scholarship is not simply financial assistance. Scholars also receive leadership development, academic and social support, mentorship and opportunities to build lasting professional relationships. After their studies, they join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni community and the wider AfOx network.
The programme particularly encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced people, and applicants with disabilities or accessibility needs.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship is designed to cover the major costs associated with postgraduate study at Oxford.
1. Full course fees
The scholarship covers tuition fees for the approved full-time, one-year master’s programme for the duration of the student’s fee liability.
2. Living-cost support
Successful scholars receive a grant towards living expenses at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate. This support helps with accommodation, food, transport and other essential expenses while studying in the United Kingdom.
3. Travel and visa assistance
The broader AfOx scholarship programme provides logistical support that includes an economy-class return flight, eligible visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, and a settling-in allowance. Scholars also have access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies, subject to programme conditions.
4. Leadership development and networking
Scholars participate in a Leadership and Impact Programme designed to strengthen collaborative leadership and help participants develop solutions to complex social, economic and environmental challenges.
They also gain access to mentorship, peer support and the AfOx alumni network.
Important: The scholarship is competitive. Applicants must secure admission to the eligible Oxford course and meet the separate scholarship criteria. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship for the MPP, applicants must generally meet the following conditions:
- African citizenship: Be a citizen of an African country.
- Residence: Ordinarily reside in an African country. Specific residence considerations apply to refugees and displaced applicants.
- Academic admission: Apply for and obtain an offer for the full-time, one-year MPP at Oxford.
- Previous qualifications: Not have previously completed a graduate degree.
- Leadership and service: Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.
- Commitment to Africa: Show how their past work or future plans will contribute to addressing Africa’s major challenges.
- AfOx values: Demonstrate alignment with collegiality, empathy, commitment, transparency and inclusivity.
Oxford’s MPP also requires a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours, or an equivalent international qualification. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, analytical ability, commitment to public service and evidence of leadership or impact. Professional experience is valued but is not compulsory.
How to Apply for the Oxford MPP Scholarship
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Oxford MPP course page.
- Review the course requirements, supporting documents and English-language requirements.
- Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement and three references as required by the MPP application.
- Submit your graduate application through Oxford’s admissions portal before 2 December 2026 at 12:00 noon UK time.
- Complete any additional scholarship application requested by Oxford if you are identified as an eligible offer holder.
Eligible offer holders are contacted by Oxford’s Student Fees and Funding team and invited to complete the scholarship application process. Applicants should not assume that applying for the course automatically guarantees funding.
Why Study Public Policy at Oxford?
The MPP equips students with practical and analytical skills for addressing complex policy challenges. Its curriculum includes economics for public policy, the politics of policymaking, law and public policy, evidence-based decision-making, applied policy modules and a policy report placement.
For African professionals interested in governance, public service, economic development, energy policy, climate action or institutional reform, the degree can provide tools to design, assess and implement policies that respond to local and regional needs.
The scholarship offers a valuable route for eligible African applicants who have the academic ability and commitment to public service but require financial support to pursue graduate education abroad.
Official Application Links
- MPP course and application: University of Oxford – Master of Public Policy
- Scholarship information: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Oxford – AfOx
Applicants should review both the Oxford MPP admission requirements and the Mastercard Foundation AfOx scholarship eligibility criteria before submitting their applications.
