The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme is now accepting applications for 2027–28. It’s a fully funded award for a one-year master’s at the University of Oxford, combined with about 200 hours of leadership training. It’s aimed at graduates and early-career professionals, mainly from low- and middle-income countries, including many in Africa, who want to return home and drive change.
You apply through your Oxford course application, by your course’s deadline in December 2026 or January 2027.
At a Glance
| Funders | Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust and the University of Oxford |
| Level | One-year master’s courses only (not DPhil) |
| Funding | 100% of course fees, a living-cost stipend (£21,805 in 2026–27) and the full cost of the Leadership Programme |
| Who can apply | Graduates and professionals mainly from low- and middle-income countries |
| Age limit | None |
| Deadline | Your Oxford course deadline: December 2026 or January 2027, depending on the course |
Benefits
- Full course fees paid for your one-year master’s
- A living-cost stipend: £21,805 in 2026–27. Scholarship listings report the 2027–28 figure as at least the same.
- A fully funded place on the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme: about 200 hours of professional training, discussions and cultural activities, including ethical leadership, communication training and a business challenge
- Membership of a partner Oxford college and a global network of WHT scholars and alumni
Note: the Leadership Programme is compulsory. Scholars must arrive in Oxford in mid-September, before term starts, and stay until early July.
Eligibility
- You’re from an eligible country. The programme supports graduates and early-career professionals from mainly low- and middle-income countries. Check the full list of eligible countries and courses on Oxford’s scholarship page (link below).
- You’re applying for an eligible one-year master’s course at Oxford. DPhil applications aren’t supported.
- You must be offered a place on your course by Oxford before you can be considered for the scholarship.
- You meet Oxford’s English language requirements.
- You intend to return to your home country or region and use what you’ve learned there.
- Work experience isn’t required, although most scholars are early-career professionals with five or more years of experience.
- Applicants with deferred offers for 2027–28 and current Oxford students can’t apply, according to scholarship listings.
What the Selection Panel Looks For
- Genuine commitment to your country or community, with evidence of the social, economic or political impact you’ve already made
- Leadership potential: communication, strategic thinking, teamwork, initiative and creativity
- A clear link between your chosen course and your career goals
- The ability to manage the extra commitments of the Leadership Programme alongside your studies
How to Apply
- Check that your course and country are on Oxford’s eligible list.
- Apply for your chosen master’s through the University of Oxford graduate application form.
- In the scholarships section of the form, select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.
- Submit the WHT application form at the same time, through the Oxford website. Don’t send it to the Trust directly.
- Submit everything by your course’s deadline in December or January. Many courses’ final deadline is reported as 6 January 2027, but some close earlier, so check your course page.
What happens next: shortlisted candidates have virtual interviews between March and June 2027, and successful applicants hear from Oxford in May.
Official Oxford page: eligible countries, courses and how to apply · Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust application guide
Tips for African Applicants
- Show impact, not just ambition. Describe specific projects you’ve led and the people they helped.
- Connect your course to home. Explain the problem in your country you’ll tackle with what you learn at Oxford.
- Apply early. Your course application must be complete for the scholarship to be considered, and some courses close in December.
- Plan for family. Under current UK rules, most master’s students on this scholarship can’t bring family members as dependants.
