The esteemed MSc in African Studies programme at the University of Oxford is inviting exceptional African and international students to apply for its fascinating array of completely and partially supported scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. This internationally renowned master’s programme offers students an unmatched educational experience at one of the oldest universities in the world while examining Africa’s vibrant history, politics, societies, and development concerns.
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When is the Application Deadline:
- Friday, 14 November 2025 (first round)
- Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (second round)
Tell Me About the Award:
The University of Oxford invites outstanding African and international students to apply for the MSc in African Studies Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year. This world-class, multidisciplinary program explores Africa’s politics, history, societies, and development issues, offering students deep academic engagement and leadership preparation.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Multiple fully funded and partially funded scholarships are available, including those under the Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships, FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship, Black Academic Futures Scholarships, and AfOx-linked awards through Oxford colleges.
Which Fields are Eligible?
MSc in African Studies — a one-year taught master’s program at the University of Oxford.
Type:
Fully Funded or Partially Funded (depending on the specific scholarship)
Who Can Apply?
- African and international students with excellent academic records.
- Applicants demonstrating leadership potential, community impact, and commitment to African development.
- Specific eligibility applies for each scholarship (see below).
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is merit-based and considers:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential and commitment to positive change
- Relevance of proposed study to African development or global engagement
- Financial need (for some scholarships)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Open to students across Africa and the world.
- Some awards target specific groups such as African, South African, and UK Black or Mixed Black students.
Where Will the Award be Taken?
University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
How Many Awards?
Varies by funding program. Multiple awards are offered annually through AfOx, Mastercard Foundation, and college partnerships.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Depending on the scholarship:
- Full tuition fees
- Living cost allowance (at the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend rate)
- Travel and visa support (for some awards)
- Academic mentorship and leadership development through the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx)
- Membership in Oxford’s global alumni and research community
Details of Major Scholarships:
1. Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships
- Covers full course fees and living costs.
- Prioritises female students, people with disabilities, and those from refugee/displaced backgrounds.
- Includes special awards:
- AfOx Duncan Scholarship in Sustainable Development (for SADC region students)
- AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship (for African female scholars)
- Oppenheimer Fund Scholarships (for students who studied at South African universities)
- No separate application required — automatic consideration.
Deadline: Friday, 14 November 2025.
2. FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship
- Fully funded award for South African graduates.
- Covers tuition and living costs for one student annually.
- Applicants must:
- Be ordinarily resident in South Africa
- Show leadership potential and community commitment
- Not have studied abroad for a degree before
- Requires two applications:
- One to Oxford University for MSc admission
- One to FirstRand Postgraduate International Study portal (opens November 2025)
Deadlines:
- Oxford MSc: 14 November 2025 / 27 January 2026
- FirstRand portal: Opens November 2025
3. Black Academic Futures Scholarships
- For UK Black and Mixed Black students.
- Covers full course fees and living costs for the program’s duration.
- Automatic consideration — no separate application required.
4. Scholarships at St Antony’s College (AfOx-linked)
- St Antony’s DAC AfOx Scholarships: For students from OECD-assisted African countries (one-year Master’s programs).
- Oxford & Cambridge Society of Kenya AfOx Scholarship: For Kenyan graduates from Kenyan universities.
- Automatic consideration — no separate application required.
Additional Regional Scholarships:
- Beit Trust Scholarships – for Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Commonwealth Scholarships via Canon Collins Trust – for Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia
- Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund – for Sudan, South Sudan
- Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation – for Egyptian students
- Oxford-Oak Zimbabwe Graduate Scholarship – for Zimbabwean students
What is the Duration of the Award?
Covers the full duration of the MSc African Studies program (1 year).
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to the MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford.
- Indicate your interest in scholarships when completing the university’s online application form.
- For FirstRand Oxford Scholarship, apply separately via the FirstRand Postgraduate International Study portal.
- Eligible applicants will automatically be considered for AfOx, Mastercard Foundation, and Black Academic Futures scholarships.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🔗 Oxford MSc African Studies Scholarships
