Dreaming of an Oxford MBA but scared of the bill? The 2027–28 course fee alone is £94,120. The AfOx Graduate Scholarships can take care of that cost. They cover your full course fees and add a living grant of at least £21,805. There is a catch, though. The award is only for MBA applicants, and the deadline is close. This guide walks you through everything you need to know. If you want more fully funded options as a backup, see our roundup of 12 fully funded scholarships and internships for international students.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships |
| University | University of Oxford, Saïd Business School |
| Level | MBA (one year, full time) |
| Intake | 2027–28 |
| Number of awards | Up to three (as listed for 2027–28) |
| Funding | Full course fees plus a living grant of at least £21,805 |
| Deadline | 6 January 2027 |
| Separate scholarship form | None |
| Application fee | £75 |
What Is the AfOx Graduate Scholarship?
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation built a partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). Saïd Business School joins in to fund African MBA talent. The goal is simple: back people who will use an Oxford education to move Africa forward.
This is not a general master’s scholarship. It is for the MBA only.
What You Get
The package goes well beyond tuition:
- Full course fees. Oxford lists the 2027–28 MBA fee at £94,120.
- Living grant. You receive at least £21,805 for the year.
- Combined value. Adding the two figures gives you at least £115,925.
- Tailor-made training. The scholarships include training programmes, networking opportunities and support before, during and after your time at Oxford.
The official page does not mention flights or visa costs for the MBA route. Ask the MBA recruitment team before you budget for them. Our guide to finding affordable universities abroad can also help you plan your wider budget.
Who Can Apply?
You need to tick every box below:
- You are an African citizen.
- You are ordinarily resident in Africa. In plain words, you live there. If you currently live abroad, check the residence rules carefully.
- You have no previous master’s degree.
- You can show commitment to Africa’s development.
- You meet the normal Oxford MBA admission standards.
That last point matters. The 2025–26 MBA class had 332 students from 63 nationalities, with an average age of 28 and about five years of work experience. The class median GMAT was 690 on the old scale. Oxford says 595 or above on the current scale is considered competitive.
Strong grades help. Real impact helps more. Think of the nurse who built a rural clinic network, or the engineer who brought solar power to 20 villages. Admissions teams remember stories like those.
Deadlines You Must Know
Today is 9 November 2026, so you have about 58 days.
- AfOx scholarship deadline: Wednesday 6 January 2027. This is Oxford’s Stage 4 MBA deadline.
- Stage 3 closed on 4 November 2026. You cannot use it.
- Stage 5 closes on 15 March 2027. It is the last MBA stage. However, the scholarship page asks for your application by 6 January, so treat that as your real deadline.
You may see other dates on random websites. Trust the official Oxford pages.
What You Need to Submit
Oxford asks for the following:
- Full academic transcripts
- A one-page CV
- A GMAT or GRE score report (Oxford does not waive this for anyone)
- An English test, if required
- Two professional or academic references
- A supporting statement
- An online assessment
- An application fee of £75
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Read the official scholarship page. Confirm that you meet every eligibility rule.
- Book your GMAT or GRE now. Test slots fill up, and scores take time to arrive.
- Request your transcripts. Universities can be slow, so ask early.
- Line up two referees. Pick people who have watched you lead and deliver.
- Complete the Oxford MBA application. Select the 2027–28 intake.
- Pay the £75 fee and submit before 6 January 2027.
- Wait for contact. No separate application is needed, and eligible candidates are contacted by the university.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Use numbers. Saying “I trained 40 young farmers and raised $20,000” beats “I help communities.”
- Link your goals to Africa. Explain what you will build, fix or lead after Oxford.
- Submit a few days early. Portals slow down near deadlines.
- Choose referees carefully. A detailed letter from a direct supervisor beats a vague one from a famous name.
- Practise for interviews. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to one.
- Ask questions. The Saïd MBA recruitment team can discuss your suitability for the programme.
Applying to more than one programme is smart. Other options worth a look include the University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships, the Imperial College London scholarships and the Martingale Foundation Scholarships. If you are also weighing the UK government route, read our Chevening Scholarship guide. Once an offer arrives, here is what to do after receiving admission to a foreign university, and if your personal essay still feels vague, learn what a statement of purpose is and how to write one.
Official Links
Always rely on the official pages for the latest dates and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out a separate scholarship form?
No. You only submit your Oxford MBA application before the deadline. If you are eligible, the university will contact you. Make sure your application is complete, because nothing else gets you considered.
Can I apply if I already hold a master’s degree?
No. The scholarship targets African applicants without a previous master’s degree. If you already have one, this award is not meant for you, so look into other Oxford funding options on the university’s scholarship search instead.
How many AfOx MBA scholarships are available?
Several 2027–28 listings say up to three awards, while the earlier 2025–26 cycle listed up to seven. Confirm the current number on the official Saïd page or with the MBA recruitment team before you apply.
Does the scholarship cover living costs?
Yes. Besides full course fees, scholars receive a grant for living costs of at least £21,805. They also get training, networking and support before, during and after their time at Oxford.
Do I need a GMAT or GRE score?
Yes. Oxford requires every MBA candidate to submit a GMAT or GRE score, with no waivers. Oxford calls 595 or above on the current GMAT scale competitive, so book your test early.
Final Word
An Oxford MBA is a big goal, and this scholarship removes the biggest barrier. Check your eligibility today, book your test and start drafting your story. Your deadline is 6 January 2027.
About the Author
Damilare Abogunrin
Content Writer | FundedAbroad.com
Damilare Abogunrin writes about international career opportunities, scholarships, internships and visa-related jobs. Through his work at FundedAbroad.com, he helps readers discover opportunities abroad, understand application requirements and find official application channels.
He focuses on making opportunity listings clear, practical and easy to understand, so readers can assess eligibility and prepare stronger applications. He encourages applicants to verify job details and immigration requirements directly with employers and official sources.