Oxford University MSc African Studies Scholarships 2026/2027: Fully & Partially Funded Opportunities for African and International Students

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Application Deadline: November 14, 2025

The University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, is now accepting applications for the MSc African Studies Scholarships 2026/2027. This competitive and multidisciplinary program offers a transformative academic experience, inviting exceptional African and international students to explore Africa’s history, politics, societies, and development challenges.

This one-year master’s program provides students with a deeper understanding of the African continent while equipping them with the analytical and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change globally. Multiple fully funded and partially funded scholarships are available, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can access this world-class education.

Overview of the MSc African Studies Program

The MSc in African Studies at Oxford is a one-year taught master’s program designed for highly motivated students who want to develop a comprehensive understanding of Africa from a global perspective. The program combines history, politics, anthropology, and development studies to provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation.

Graduates of the program go on to successful careers in academia, policy, international development, media, and business, contributing to Africa’s progress and global engagement.

Scholarships Available for 2026/2027

Several scholarships are available for students pursuing the MSc in African Studies, ranging from full to partial funding. These include:

1. Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships

This scholarship covers full tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. It prioritizes women, people with disabilities, and students from displaced or refugee backgrounds.
Special sub-awards include:

  • AfOx Duncan Scholarship in Sustainable Development – for students from SADC countries.
  • AfOx Corpus Christi African Studies Scholarship – for African women scholars.
  • Oppenheimer Fund Scholarships – for graduates of South African universities.
    Applicants are automatically considered—no separate application is required.
    Deadline: November 14, 2025.

2. FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship

Fully funded for South African graduates, this scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for one student each year.
Eligible applicants must:

  • Be ordinarily resident in South Africa.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership potential and community involvement.
  • Not have previously studied abroad.
    Application process:
    Students must apply to both Oxford University and the FirstRand Postgraduate International Study portal (opening November 2025).
    Deadlines: Oxford MSc – November 14, 2025 / January 27, 2026.

3. Black Academic Futures Scholarships

This fully funded scholarship supports UK Black and Mixed Black students pursuing the MSc African Studies program. It covers full tuition and living costs and is awarded automatically based on eligibility.

4. AfOx-Linked Scholarships at St Antony’s College

These scholarships are tailored for students from OECD-assisted African countries and Kenyan graduates of Kenyan universities.

  • St Antony’s DAC AfOx Scholarship – for students from OECD-assisted African nations.
  • Oxford & Cambridge Society of Kenya AfOx Scholarship – for Kenyan graduates.
    Applicants are automatically considered during admission.

Additional Regional Scholarships

Oxford also offers several region-specific awards, including:

  • Beit Trust Scholarships – for students from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • Commonwealth Scholarships (via Canon Collins Trust) – for Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
  • Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund – for students from Sudan and South Sudan.
  • Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation – for Egyptian students.
  • Oxford-Oak Zimbabwe Graduate Scholarship – for Zimbabwean applicants.

Benefits of the MSc African Studies Scholarships

Recipients of these prestigious awards enjoy numerous benefits, including:

  • Full tuition coverage for the one-year program.
  • Living stipends aligned with UKRI standards.
  • Travel and visa support for international scholars.
  • Mentorship and leadership training through the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx).
  • Membership in Oxford’s global alumni network, opening doors to career and research opportunities worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Outstanding academic performance.
  • Proven leadership potential and commitment to driving positive change.
  • A clear link between their proposed study and African development.
  • Financial need (for certain awards).

The scholarships are open to applicants from across Africa and other regions of the world.

Application Process

  1. Apply for admission to the MSc African Studies program through the official University of Oxford portal.
  2. Indicate interest in scholarship consideration when completing the online application.
  3. For the FirstRand Oxford Scholarship, submit a separate application through the FirstRand Postgraduate International Study portal (opening November 2025).
  4. Eligible applicants will automatically be considered for Mastercard Foundation, AfOx, and Black Academic Futures Scholarships.

Application Deadlines:

  • First Round: November 14, 2025
  • Second Round: January 27, 2026

The Oxford MSc African Studies Scholarships 2026/2027 offer a life-changing opportunity for talented African and international students to study at one of the world’s most respected universities. Beyond funding, these scholarships open doors to research collaborations, leadership development, and a global network of changemakers dedicated to advancing Africa’s future.

For detailed information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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