Who this is for: This scholarship is only for South Africans. If you’re from another African country, see the related opportunities at the end, including other fully funded Oxford scholarships.
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) is offering the FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship for 2027/2028. It fully funds one outstanding South African each year to study the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, with a place at Wadham College.
Applications are open now and close on Thursday, 25 February 2027.
At a Glance
| Funder | FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with Wadham College, Oxford |
| Programme | Master of Public Policy (MPP), Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford |
| Award | Full funding plus residency at Wadham College |
| Places | 1 a year |
| Who can apply | South Africans only |
| Applications | 16 October 2026 – 25 February 2027 |
About the Scholarship
FirstRand has a five-year partnership with Wadham College, and 2027/2028 is its fourth year. The scholarship is for a future leader who wants to deepen their understanding of public policy challenges and become a more effective changemaker in South Africa.
Benefits
- Full funding for the one-year Master of Public Policy at Oxford
- Residency at Wadham College
- Study at one of the world’s leading schools of government
- Membership of FirstRand’s network of postgraduate scholars
Eligibility
- You must be South African.
- You need to meet Oxford’s admission requirements for the MPP. Check the Blavatnik School’s MPP page for degree, experience and English language rules.
- Candidates are judged on academic excellence, leadership ability, community involvement and their potential to be a “destiny changer”.
- FirstRand wants applicants who will contribute to South Africa on their return.
How to Apply
- Apply to the Master of Public Policy through the Blavatnik School of Government’s official admissions process.
- Apply for the scholarship online through the FirstRand bursaries portal, which is the only way to apply.
- Submit everything by 25 February 2027.
- FirstRand runs the interviews and selection, at the same time as its international postgraduate scholarship programme.
Official FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik Scholarship page · How to apply for the Oxford MPP
Questions about the MPP: [email protected]
Tips
- Check Oxford’s MPP deadlines. The Oxford course deadline may be earlier than FirstRand’s 25 February date.
- Show public impact. Give concrete examples of leadership in government, civil society or your community.
- Explain your plan for South Africa. Say clearly how the MPP will help you serve the country when you return.
