Mastercard Foundation to train 400 African scholars at Oxford
By Chisom Nwatu
Four hundred young African scholars will have the opportunity to pursue taught master’s degrees at the University of Oxford courtesy of a partnership between Mastercard Foundation and the University of Oxford.
The study will be in programmes linked to pandemic preparedness and recovery.
The scholarship is part of the Foundation’s AfOx Graduate Scholars Programme, which aims to assist African students to gain access to opportunities at Oxford and thrive both during and after their time there.
The four AfOx themes — Healthy People, Integrated Societies, Green Futures, and Innovation for Prosperity — all pertinent to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, will be the programme’s focal points.
The scholarship funds a rigorous one-year taught master’s degree at Oxford, and each scholar will receive top-tier training in areas such as food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, entrepreneurship, among others.
The scholarship is open to all African students who have received a conditional offer or already enrolled in graduate programmes at Oxford University. This includes female students, those with accessibility issues, displaced persons and refugees. Also, students from refugee and displaced backgrounds will receive the necessary considerations regarding residence.
An economy round-trip flight, visa and immigration health surcharge costs, a move allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies are all provided as logistical support.
In terms of structure, the first year of the programme consists of a demanding academic Master’s programme at Oxford and a Leadership and Impact Programme to assist scholars in developing collaborative leadership skills.
During the programme’s second year, scholars will be supported and encouraged to design and deliver projects centred on African organizations, which may include founding start-ups and working in multinational development agencies, governments, NGOs, or research institutes.
After finalizing their master’s programme, scholars will be supported to pursue four to six-month internships with prominent Africa-based organizations as part of their Ubuntu Period of Service.
The scholars will work on projects in Africa while receiving mentoring from top African academics and practitioners, allowing them to create paths for establishing influential careers in Africa.
The scholars will receive a tailored leadership and impact programme, delivered in association with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise, as well as specialized academic and social support throughout their studies. Also, beyond their academic pursuits, scholars will gain access to Fellows, mentorship through the AfOx Alumni Network, and career support.
To apply, interested scholars are advised to go through the graduate admissions portal by the deadline for their chosen course of study and indicate that they wish to apply for AfOx funding. They are also advised to read the application guide in detail before applying.
The Oxford University Masters application fee of £75 is waived upon request for many low-income countries. Applicants are urged to the application fee waiver section for this and send an email toafox@ndm.ox.ac.uk for more questions on this.
Eligible candidates who receive a conditional offer from their course will then be invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Programme. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually before decisions are made, while the timelines will be communicated at the interview stage.