The University of Oxford has announced an exciting lineup of fully funded and partially funded scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year, welcoming outstanding African and international students to apply for the prestigious MSc in African Studies program. This globally recognized master’s course explores Africa’s dynamic history, politics, societies, and development issues—offering students an unparalleled academic experience in one of the world’s most historic universities.
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships
At the heart of Oxford’s commitment to African academic excellence lies the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which collaborates with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). This program supports postgraduate students from across Africa by covering full course fees and living costs at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate.
The scholarships particularly prioritize female scholars, individuals with disabilities, and those from refugee or displaced backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to top-tier education. Applicants accepted into the MSc in African Studies may be considered for exclusive AfOx-linked scholarships, including:
- AfOx Duncan Scholarship in Sustainable Development – for students from Southern Africa (SADC region).
- AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship – designed for African female scholars.
- Oppenheimer Fund Scholarships in partnership with AfOx – for students who previously studied at a South African university.
No separate application is required for these AfOx awards—eligible candidates will be automatically considered.
Application Deadline: Friday, 14 November 2025.
FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship
A unique collaboration between FirstRand Foundation, Oxford’s African Studies Centre, and Wadham College, this scholarship exclusively supports South African graduates applying for the MSc in African Studies.
The FirstRand Oxford Scholarship covers full tuition and living costs for one exceptional student each year. Applicants must:
- Be ordinarily resident in South Africa.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community impact.
- Not have previously studied abroad for a degree.
Applicants must apply both to Oxford and separately through FirstRand’s Postgraduate International Study portal, which opens in November 2025.
Application Deadlines for MSc African Studies:
- Friday, 14 November 2025
- Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Black Academic Futures Scholarships
The Black Academic Futures Scholarships support UK Black and Mixed Black students in pursuing graduate studies at Oxford. Each award includes full course fees and a grant for living expenses, lasting for the duration of the program. All eligible MSc applicants will be considered automatically—no separate application needed.
Additional Scholarships for African Students
Oxford’s MSc African Studies applicants may also qualify for several external and regional scholarships, including:
- Beit Trust Scholarships – for nationals of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Commonwealth Scholarships via Canon Collins Trust – open to residents of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
- Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund – supports students from Sudan and South Sudan.
- Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation – for Egyptian nationals pursuing graduate study abroad.
- Oxford-Oak Zimbabwe Graduate Scholarship – for Zimbabwean applicants dedicated to public service in the social sciences.
Why Choose Oxford for African Studies?
The MSc African Studies program at Oxford University is a world-leading, multidisciplinary course designed to develop critical understanding of Africa’s social and political transformations. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, policy, international development, and global leadership—making this scholarship opportunity a gateway to influence and change.
Key Deadlines: The application deadline for the MSc in African Studies is Friday, 14 November 2025, with a second round closing on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Apply: https://www.africanstudies.ox.ac.uk/msc-scholarships.