Apply for the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027-2028 - a fully funded Oxford MBA award for African nationals, offered by the University of Oxford, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) in partnership with Saïd Business School.
Up to three scholarships are available for the 2027 - 28 Oxford MBA. Awards cover full course fees and a living-cost grant of at least £21,805, plus training, networking, and support before, during, and after your time at Oxford. There is no separate scholarship form - submit your MBA application by 6 January 2027 (Stage 4).
Quick Facts - Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027-2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships |
| Host | University of Oxford - Saïd Business School |
| Partners | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme and Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) |
| Degree | Oxford MBA (2027 - 28 intake) |
| Awards | Up to three |
| Funding | Full course fees + living grant of at least £21,805 |
| MBA course fee (2027 - 28) | £94,120 (covered in full for scholars) |
| Who | African nationals ordinarily resident in Africa; first Master’s only |
| Scholarship deadline | 6 January 2027 (MBA Stage 4) |
| Separate scholarship form? | No - MBA application only |
| Official apply | Oxford Saïd MBA application portal |
What Is the AfOx Graduate Scholarship?
Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation run an ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme and AfOx to support Africans who have had to overcome hardship. In partnership with Saïd Business School, the AfOx Graduate Scholarships fund a small cohort of MBA students who are committed to Africa’s development.
Scholars receive academic funding plus tailor-made training, networking, and pastoral support so they can thrive at Oxford and contribute after they return.
Why Apply?
- Fully funded Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School
- Full course fees covered (2027 - 28 published fee: £94,120)
- Living-cost grant of at least £21,805
- Training, networking, and support before, during, and after Oxford
- Join the AfOx and Mastercard Foundation scholar communities
- No separate scholarship application - one MBA form
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full Oxford MBA course fees
- A grant for living costs of at least £21,805
- Tailor-made training programmes
- Networking opportunities
- Support for students before, during, and following their time at Oxford
Eligibility
- African citizen, ordinarily resident in an African country
- Have not already completed a Master’s degree
- Can demonstrate a commitment to Africa’s development
- Meet Oxford MBA admissions requirements (academic record, GMAT/GRE, English, experience)
- Submit a complete MBA application by 6 January 2027
The partnership is designed to support Africans who have had to overcome hardship. Confirm the latest criteria on the official Saïd Business School and AfOx pages before you apply.
Oxford MBA Application Stages (2027 - 28)
University scholarships, including AfOx, require you to apply by the January (Stage 4) deadline. Later stages are not considered for this award.
- Stage 1: Wednesday 2 September 2026
- Stage 2: Monday 5 October 2026
- Stage 3: Wednesday 4 November 2026
- Stage 4 (AfOx deadline): Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Stage 5: Monday 15 March 2027 (too late for this scholarship)
Required Documents (Oxford MBA)
- Completed online MBA application and £75 application fee
- Full academic transcripts
- One-page CV (Oxford Saïd template recommended)
- GMAT or GRE score report
- English language test (if required)
- Two professional or academic references
- Supporting statement
- Online assessment
How to Apply
- Read the official scholarship page: AfOx Graduate Scholarships - Saïd Business School.
- Review MBA requirements: How to apply for the Oxford MBA.
- Create an account and submit via the Oxford Saïd application portal.
- Submit a complete application by 6 January 2027 - no separate AfOx form is needed.
- If you are shortlisted for interview, the University will contact you.
Official Links
Apply - Oxford Saïd MBA application portal
AfOx Graduate Scholarships - Saïd Business School
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program - Africa Oxford Initiative
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FAQs - Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships 2027-2028
Is it fully funded?
Yes - the scholarship covers full MBA course fees and a living-cost grant of at least £21,805, plus training and scholar support.
Who can apply?
African nationals who are ordinarily resident in Africa, have not already taken a Master’s degree, and can show a commitment to Africa’s development. You must also meet Oxford MBA admissions requirements.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. Submit your Oxford MBA application by 6 January 2027. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by the University.
How many awards are there?
Up to three AfOx Graduate Scholarships for the 2027 - 28 MBA.
Can I apply in Stage 5 (March 2027)?
You can still apply to the MBA, but you will miss this scholarship. AfOx consideration requires the Stage 4 deadline of 6 January 2027.
