Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme 2027–2028 at Oxford University (Fully Funded)

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1. Introduction

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme 2027–2028 offers fully funded graduate study opportunities at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

The programme supports outstanding graduates and early-career professionals from eligible countries, particularly those who want to use their education and professional experience to contribute to public life and development in their home countries or regions.

Successful applicants receive full coverage of their Oxford course fees and a grant towards living expenses. They also participate in a leadership development programme that provides professional training, mentoring, networking and opportunities to engage with scholars from different backgrounds.

The scholarship is open to applicants from several African countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania.

However, applicants should understand that this is not simply an academic scholarship. The selection process places considerable importance on leadership potential, public service and a clear plan for making a positive contribution after graduation.

Applications for 2027–2028 must be submitted by the relevant deadline for the chosen Oxford course. Some courses have deadlines in December 2026, while others have January 2027 deadlines.

2. Scholarship Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
Academic Year	2027–2028
Host Institution	University of Oxford
Study Destination	United Kingdom
Study Level	Graduate/Postgraduate
Eligible Countries	Selected countries worldwide, including Cameroon and other African countries
Eligible Courses	Selected full-time Oxford graduate courses
Funding Type	Fully funded
Tuition Coverage	100% of course fees
Living Allowance	At least £21,805 per year
Additional Benefits	Leadership training, mentoring and networking
Application Deadline	Varies by course; some courses have a 6 January 2027 deadline
Official Website	University of Oxford – Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships

3. What the Scholarship Covers

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship provides financial support and leadership development throughout the scholar’s Oxford experience.

3.1. Full Tuition Fees

The scholarship covers 100% of the course fees for the agreed programme.

This means successful applicants do not have to pay the tuition fees associated with their approved course.

The award covers the full duration of the scholar’s fee liability for that course.

3.2. Living Cost Grant

Successful applicants receive a living-cost grant of at least £21,805 per year.

This allowance helps scholars meet their living expenses while studying in Oxford.

Applicants should remember that this is a living-cost grant, not an additional tuition payment. They should also review Oxford’s guidance on living expenses when preparing their financial plans.

3.3. Leadership Development Programme

One important feature of this scholarship is its leadership development programme.

Scholars participate in activities designed to develop their professional, intellectual and leadership abilities.

These activities include:

Philosophical discussions and debates.
Business and professional skills training.
Communication training.
Leadership development activities.
Networking with scholars and professionals.
Long-term mentoring and professional development.

The programme is designed to prepare scholars to take on leadership responsibilities in their chosen fields.

4. Eligible Courses

The scholarship is available for selected full-time graduate programmes at the University of Oxford.

The eligible courses for the 2027–2028 application cycle include:

BCL Bachelor of Civil Law
MBA Master of Business Administration
MJur Magister Juris
MPP Master of Public Policy
MSc Advanced Computer Science
MSc African Studies
MSt Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery
MSc Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience
MSc Comparative Social Policy
MSc Contemporary Chinese Studies
MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice
MSt Diplomatic Studies
MSc Economics for Development
MSc Education (Comparative and International Education)
MSc Education (Digital and Social Change)
MSc Education (Higher Education)
MSc Energy Systems
MSc Environmental Change and Policy
MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation
MSc Financial Economics
MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy
MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
MSc Health Service Improvement and Evaluation
MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine
MSt Islamic Studies and History
MSt Jewish Studies
MSc Latin American Studies
MSc Law and Finance
MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
MSc Migration Studies
MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies
MSc Modern South Asian Studies
MSc Nature, Society and Environmental Governance
MSc Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
MSc Russian and East European Studies
MSc Social Data Science
MSc Social Science of the Internet
MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
MSc Water Science, Policy and Management

Important: Not every graduate programme at Oxford qualifies for this scholarship. Before applying, check that your intended course appears on the official eligible-course list.

You can find the full list on the University of Oxford scholarship page.

5. Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to applicants who meet the ordinary-residence and other eligibility requirements in the countries listed by Oxford.

Eligible African countries include:

Cameroon
Ghana
Nigeria
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Botswana
Ethiopia
Rwanda
Senegal
Zambia
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
Egypt
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
Chad
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Gabon
Gambia
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Niger
São Tomé and Príncipe
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Togo
Tunisia

This is not the complete list of eligible countries. Applicants from other regions of the world may also qualify.

Note for African applicants: Being a citizen of an eligible country does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Oxford also considers your country of ordinary residence. The University provides a specific provision for applicants who identify as refugees or displaced persons, subject to its nationality criteria.

Always consult the official country list before submitting an application.

6. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements.

6.1. Apply for an Eligible Oxford Graduate Course

You must apply to start a new, eligible, full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford for the 2027–2028 academic year.

You must also meet the academic and admission requirements of your chosen programme.

6.2. Be Ordinarily Resident in an Eligible Country

Applicants must be ordinarily resident in one of the countries listed as eligible for the scholarship.

Oxford uses the ordinary-residence information provided in the graduate application form to assess this requirement.

6.3. Demonstrate a Commitment to Returning Home

You should intend to return to your country of ordinary residence after completing your course.

The scholarship seeks individuals who will use their education and professional experience to contribute to their home countries or wider regions.

6.4. Demonstrate Leadership Potential

Applicants should demonstrate their ability and commitment to make a positive contribution to public life.

Your application should explain how your academic interests, professional experience and long-term career objectives connect with the development of your country or region.

For example, an applicant from Cameroon interested in public health could explain how an Oxford degree would help them improve healthcare delivery, strengthen health systems or develop policies that address local health challenges.

6.5. Demonstrate Financial Need

The programme is designed to support outstanding graduates and professionals who would not otherwise be able to fund their studies at Oxford.

Your application should therefore reflect your circumstances and explain why this financial support is important to your ability to pursue the programme.

6.6. Meet Oxford’s Admission Requirements

You must satisfy the admission requirements for your selected course.

These may include academic qualifications, English-language proficiency, relevant professional experience and other programme-specific requirements.

6.7. Applicants Who Are Not Eligible

The following applicants are not eligible under the general scholarship conditions:

Applicants holding deferred offers to start in 2027–2028.
Students already studying at Oxford, unless they are existing Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars.
Applicants who do not meet the ordinary-residence and country eligibility requirements.
Applicants to courses that are not included in the eligible-course list.

7. Application Deadline

There is no single deadline that applies to every eligible course.

Oxford requires applicants to submit their graduate applications by the relevant December 2026 or January 2027 deadline for their chosen programme.

For example, the Oxford MBA lists 6 January 2027 as its deadline for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship application.

Other courses may have earlier deadlines in December 2026 or different January deadlines.

Applicants should therefore:

Identify their preferred eligible course.
Visit the official course page.
Confirm the application deadline for 2027–2028.
Submit the graduate application and scholarship statement before that deadline.

Do not wait until 6 January 2027 if your chosen course has an earlier deadline.

You can check the relevant deadlines through the Oxford graduate course directory.

8. Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents required for admission to their selected Oxford course and the additional scholarship statement.

Depending on the programme, the graduate application may require:

Academic transcripts.
Degree certificates.
Curriculum vitae (CV).
Statement of purpose or personal statement.
Letters of recommendation.
English-language proficiency evidence, where required.
Other course-specific supporting documents.

In addition, applicants must complete the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement for the 2027–2028 application cycle.

The scholarship statement is an important part of the selection process. It gives applicants an opportunity to explain their leadership ambitions, professional objectives and plans to contribute to public life.

Download the current scholarship statement and follow the instructions on the official Oxford scholarship page.

9. How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the University of Oxford’s graduate application system.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select an Eligible Course

Visit the Oxford graduate course directory and identify a programme that matches your academic background and career objectives.

Confirm that the course is eligible for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship.

Step 2: Review the Admission Requirements

Read the course requirements carefully.

Check the academic qualifications, English-language requirements, supporting documents and application deadline.

Do not assume that meeting the scholarship requirements automatically means you qualify for admission to the course.

Step 3: Prepare Your Graduate Application

Create an account on Oxford’s graduate application system.

Complete the application form and upload the documents required for your selected programme.

Step 4: Select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship

In the scholarship section of the graduate application form, select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.

This step is essential. Applicants must indicate that they wish to be considered for the scholarship.

Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Statement

Download and complete the 2027–2028 Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement.

Use this statement to explain your leadership ambitions, professional plans and the contribution you intend to make to public life in your country or region.

Your answers should be specific and supported by examples from your education, employment, community involvement or other relevant experiences.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Upload the completed scholarship statement together with your graduate application.

Submit everything before the deadline applicable to your chosen course.

Late applications and applications that do not meet the relevant course deadline may not be considered for the scholarship.

Step 7: Prepare for the Interview

Shortlisted applicants are expected to participate in an interview, which is likely to take place online in April 2027.

Oxford expects scholarship decisions to be communicated by the end of May 2027.

For the latest instructions, visit the official scholarship application page.

10. Practical Guidance for African Applicants

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship is particularly relevant to applicants who have a clear vision of how their education can contribute to development in their home countries.

However, competition is likely to be strong. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is only the first step.

Here are some practical ways to strengthen your application.

10.1. Connect Your Course to a Real Development Challenge

Do not choose a course simply because Oxford offers it or because the scholarship covers its fees.

Identify a problem in your country or region and explain how your chosen programme will equip you to address it.

For example:

A public health professional could explain how advanced training will help improve disease prevention and healthcare delivery.
An environmental specialist could demonstrate how their studies will contribute to biodiversity protection or climate adaptation.
A public policy applicant could explain how they intend to improve public institutions and service delivery.
An applicant interested in water management could connect their studies to access to safe water and sustainable resource management.

The strongest applications establish a convincing connection between the course, the applicant’s experience and a realistic long-term objective.

10.2. Demonstrate Leadership Through Evidence

Leadership does not always mean holding a senior management position.

You can demonstrate leadership through professional achievements, community projects, research initiatives, volunteering, entrepreneurship or efforts to solve problems in your workplace.

Explain what you did, the challenge you addressed and the results you achieved.

Where possible, include measurable outcomes.

10.3. Develop a Clear Plan for Returning Home

The scholarship expects applicants to intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their studies.

Explain where you hope to work, the challenges you want to address and how your Oxford education will help you make a contribution.

Avoid vague statements such as wanting to help your country develop. Describe the specific contribution you want to make.

10.4. Write a Strong Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should clearly explain:

Your academic and professional background.
Why you have chosen the course.
The problem or development challenge you want to address.
Your relevant leadership experience.
Your career objectives after graduation.
How your studies will help you contribute to your country or region.

You can also read our guide on How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose for Graduate Scholarships.

10.5. Start Early

Oxford’s graduate applications require careful preparation.

Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements and other supporting documents may take time to obtain.

Start preparing early, especially if your course has a December 2026 deadline.

Do not wait until January to begin gathering your documents.

11. Success Stories: Previous Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Recipients

The achievements of previous scholars provide a useful picture of the programme’s leadership and development objectives.

The following examples include African alumni who studied at Oxford through the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann programme and subsequently pursued careers in healthcare, entrepreneurship, public policy, research and social impact.

11.1. Atherton Mutombwera – Zimbabwe

Course: MBA, University of Oxford
Area: Healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship

Atherton Mutombwera is a Zimbabwean healthcare entrepreneur who completed an MBA at Oxford as a Louis Dreyfus-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann-Saïd Scholar.

Before Oxford, he studied pharmacy and nanoscience. He later founded Hutano Diagnostics Ltd., a healthcare technology company focused on developing diagnostic and disease-surveillance solutions for emerging and dangerous pathogens.

His work has included the development of technology for diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as Ebola.

In 2023, Hutano Diagnostics was acquired by EDX Medical Group PLC, marking a significant development in the company’s journey.

Mutombwera’s story demonstrates how postgraduate education and entrepreneurship can contribute to healthcare innovation in Africa.

Read his official Weidenfeld-Hoffmann alumni profile.

11.2. Idris Bello – Nigeria

Course: MSc Global Health Science, University of Oxford
Area: Technology, entrepreneurship and investment

Idris Ayodeji Bello is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur and investor whose work focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa.

After studying at Oxford as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar, he became involved in initiatives supporting African technology businesses.

He co-founded Wennovation Hub, an innovation centre that supports entrepreneurs working in areas such as healthcare, education and e-commerce.

He also became a founding partner of LoftyInc Capital, an investment firm supporting technology companies across the continent.

His work has contributed to the development of Africa’s startup ecosystem and the growth of businesses addressing important social and economic challenges.

Read his Weidenfeld-Hoffmann alumni spotlight.

11.3. Cedric Maforimbo – Zimbabwe

Course: MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Management, University of Oxford
Area: Environmental conservation and rural development

Cedric Maforimbo studied biodiversity, conservation and management at Oxford as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar.

During his time at Oxford, he developed a project known as Weeds to Pesticide.

The initiative explored ways to turn problematic weeds into useful products, creating opportunities for poverty reduction while supporting environmental conservation.

In 2019, he was selected to present the project at the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Goals Tent as part of a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann delegation.

He later joined the Louis Dreyfus Foundation, where his work included diagnostic studies involving smallholder farmers in Zambia and South Africa, with particular attention to women and youth empowerment.

His experience illustrates how research and enterprise can be used to address environmental and rural development challenges.

Read his story in the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust’s Africa alumni update.

11.4. Samafilan Ainan – Tanzania

Course: MSc Global Health Science, University of Oxford
Area: Healthcare and humanitarian medicine

Samafilan Ainan is a Tanzanian medical professional who studied Global Health Science at Oxford.

After completing his studies, he worked in humanitarian healthcare during challenging periods.

His professional experience included working in Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and later supporting healthcare work connected to the Syrian conflict in Turkey.

He subsequently completed paediatric residency training and became a specialist paediatrician in Tanzania.

His journey demonstrates the importance of advanced healthcare training and the application of professional knowledge in both humanitarian and national healthcare settings.

Read his profile in the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust’s Africa alumni update.

11.5. Onthatile Serehete – Botswana

Course: MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford
Area: HIV care and clinical research

Onthatile Serehete studied International Health and Tropical Medicine at Oxford.

After graduating in 2017, she returned to clinical medicine and worked in a rural hospital in South Africa, where she focused on HIV/AIDS care.

During this period, she established an adolescent support group within an HIV clinic to help young patients improve their treatment adherence.

She later worked as a clinical research physician in Pretoria, participating in HIV vaccine trials and other clinical studies.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust’s 2019 alumni feature reported that she had been involved in ten clinical trials with more than 300 participants.

Her story highlights the importance of applying specialist medical knowledge to healthcare challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

Read her profile in the official WHT Africa alumni update.

11.6. Joseph Ssentongo – Uganda

Course: Master of Public Policy (MPP), University of Oxford
Area: Public policy and social impact investment

Joseph Ssentongo is a Ugandan alumnus who studied public policy at Oxford as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar.

After graduating, he joined the Global Innovation Fund, an organisation that invests in innovations designed to improve the lives of people in developing countries.

His work involved assessing investments and their potential social impact in areas such as rural livelihoods, urban poverty and healthcare.

The Trust’s 2019 alumni update identified him as a Senior Director in the organisation’s investment team in London.

His career illustrates how public policy education can support work that connects investment decisions with measurable development outcomes.

Read his profile in the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust’s Africa alumni update.

What can applicants learn from these alumni?

These examples show that the scholarship supports more than academic achievement. Its alumni have applied their education to healthcare, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, public policy and other development priorities.

For prospective applicants, the important lesson is to demonstrate how your chosen course fits into a meaningful professional plan.

Your application should show not only why you want to study at Oxford, but also how you intend to use the opportunity to contribute to your country or region.

Note: Some career details above come from alumni profiles published in 2019. They describe the achievements reported at that time and should not be interpreted as confirmation of each person’s current position.

12. Official Sources and Further Information

Applicants should use official university and scholarship sources when preparing their applications.

Resource	Link
Oxford Scholarship Information	Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust	Official Trust Website
Scholarship Application Guidance	Application Information
Frequently Asked Questions	WHT Scholarship FAQs
Previous Scholars	WHT Scholar Profiles
Alumni Stories	WHT Alumni Spotlights
Oxford Graduate Courses	Course Directory

Last verified: 8 November 2026.

Final reminder: The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships 2027–2028 offer full tuition coverage, a living-cost grant of at least £21,805 and a leadership development programme. However, applicants must apply for an eligible Oxford course, meet the scholarship conditions and submit their applications by the deadline for their chosen course. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Oxford website before applying.