The University of Oxford Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026
Do you dream of studying at one of the best universities in the world? Do you want to become a great leader and help make Africa a better place? If your answer is yes, then this opportunity is for you.
The University of Oxford, together with the Mastercard Foundation, is giving bright and passionate African students a chance to study at Oxford for free. Yes, 100% free! You don’t have to pay anything. This special scholarship will cover everything you need—from school fees to food, books, a laptop, flights, and even a place to live.
Let’s explain everything in a simple way so you can understand how it works and how you can apply.
🏛️ What is the Oxford Mastercard Scholarship?
The Oxford Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a program that gives fully funded scholarships to smart, young African students who want to study for their postgraduate degree (like a master’s degree) at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx (Africa Oxford Initiative). It helps students who may not have enough money to go to school abroad but are passionate about learning and want to make a difference in Africa.
With this scholarship, your dream of studying at Oxford can come true!
🎯 Who Can Apply?
Not everyone can apply. You must meet some conditions. Here’s a simple list of who can apply:
✅ You Must Be:
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An African national – This means you must be a citizen of any African country.
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Living in Africa – You must be staying in Africa when you apply.
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Offered a place at Oxford – You must have applied and received a conditional offer to study in the Oxford MBA program (Master of Business Administration).
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Passionate about Africa’s growth – You should want to help Africa develop, grow, and become stronger.
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From a disadvantaged group – This includes:
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Women and girls
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Refugees
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People with disabilities
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People from poor communities
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If all of these apply to you, then you are welcome to apply for this amazing scholarship.
💼 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Oxford Mastercard Scholarship is fully funded. This means you won’t pay for anything. Everything is taken care of for you, including:
🎓 Academic Costs
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Full tuition fees – The money you would normally pay for your course at Oxford will be paid for you.
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Learning materials – You will receive all the books and materials you need.
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Laptop – You will get a laptop to help you with your studies.
🏠 Living and Travel
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Accommodation – A comfortable place to stay in the UK.
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Meals – Your daily meals will be paid for.
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Living stipend – You’ll receive at least £20,780 to help cover your everyday needs.
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Return flight – A round-trip airfare to and from the UK.
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Visa fees – The cost of your UK student visa will be covered.
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Health insurance – You will be covered in case you get sick.
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Settling-in allowance – Some extra money to help you adjust when you arrive in the UK.
💡 Extra Support
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Ubuntu Period of Service – After graduation, you’ll take part in a 4–6 month work placement in Africa to give back to your community.
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Mentorship – You’ll be guided by experienced people who will help you grow.
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Leadership training – You’ll learn how to become a leader.
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Networking – You’ll meet other smart students, professionals, and alumni from around the world.
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Thrive Fund – Extra emergency financial help if you ever need it during your studies.
🕓 Deadline to Apply
You have time to prepare your application, but don’t wait too long. The deadline is:
🗓️ January 7, 2026
All parts of your application must be completed by this date, so please make sure you start early.
🌍 Why This Scholarship is So Important
Many smart and talented young people in Africa never get the chance to study at top universities because of money problems. The Mastercard Foundation believes that education should not be limited to only the rich.
By offering this scholarship, the Foundation wants to:
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Help Africa’s future leaders get world-class education
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Support women, refugees, and people with disabilities
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Encourage students to come back and build their communities
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Make the world fairer for everyone
This is more than just a scholarship—it’s a life-changing opportunity.
🧭 How to Apply
Here’s how you can apply step-by-step:
Step 1: Apply to the Oxford MBA Program
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Visit the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School website.
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Fill in the application form for the Oxford MBA program.
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You must submit all your documents and wait to receive a conditional offer (this means they will accept you if you meet some conditions).
Step 2: Express Your Interest in the Scholarship
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While filling the Oxford MBA application, indicate that you are interested in the AfOx Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
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This helps the university know that you are applying for financial support too.
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
You may be asked to upload documents like:
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Your academic certificates (WAEC, university results, etc.)
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A short personal statement (essay) about your background, dreams, and how you want to help Africa
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Proof that you live in Africa
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A recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
Make sure everything is complete and submitted before January 7, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
💬 Tips to Help You Succeed
Here are some simple tips to help you get selected:
✅ Start early – Don’t wait till the last minute. Prepare your documents now.
✅ Be honest – Tell your real story. The scholarship is looking for people with passion and purpose, not perfection.
✅ Show leadership – Share how you’ve helped others in school or your community.
✅ Talk about your goals – Explain how this opportunity will help you return and make a difference in Africa.
✅ Stay focused – Follow all instructions on the application page carefully.
🛑 Warning: Don’t Pay Anyone!
This scholarship is 100% free. No one should ask you to pay for:
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Application forms
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Processing fees
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Agent services
If anyone asks you for money in the name of this scholarship, do not pay. It is a scam. The Mastercard Foundation and Oxford will never ask for any payment from applicants.
Always apply directly through the official Oxford or AfOx websites.
📌 Summary
| 📍 | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Scholarship Name | University of Oxford Mastercard Foundation Scholarship |
| 🌍 For | African students living in Africa |
| 🎯 Level | Postgraduate (Oxford MBA Program) |
| 💰 Type | Fully Funded (100% free) |
| 📅 Deadline | January 7, 2026 |
| 🇬🇧 Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| 📝 Apply at | Oxford MBA Application Portal |
🌟 Final Words
Education is one of the most powerful tools in the world. If you are a smart, hardworking, and passionate African student who wants to grow and help others, the Oxford Mastercard Scholarship is the perfect chance for you.
It doesn’t matter if you are from a small village or a big city. What matters is your desire to learn, lead, and give back to your community.
So don’t wait. Start your application today. Your future is waiting!
👉 Visit the official website to apply: Oxford MBA Website
Let’s change Africa together—one educated leader at a time. 💪
Samuel Afolayan (Sirmilo)
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