If you want to explore the complex political, historical, societal, and economic landscapes of Africa at one of the world’s premier academic institutions, the Oxford MSc in African Studies Scholarships for 2027-2028 offer an incredible doorway. This intensive nine-month Master’s program provides a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation, preparing you for high-level international careers or further doctoral research. Through dedicated funding streams such as the ORISHA Scholarship, the FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship, and the Africa Oxford (AfOx) Initiative, eligible scholars can undertake their postgraduate studies with full tuition coverage and substantial living support in the UK.

What Does the MSc in African Studies Offer You?

The full-time MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford introduces you to important debates about Africa and provides a foundation for further academic research. You can pursue the degree as a stand-alone qualification or use it to prepare for doctoral study. For eligible applicants, the Oxford University MSc African Studies Scholarships 2027 can make your study more financially accessible by covering tuition fees and providing support for living expenses.

ORISHA Scholarship

One ORISHA scholarship is available for the MSc in African Studies. It covers tuition fees and provides a maintenance stipend of at least £21,805 per year at the stated UKRI-aligned rate. Selection considers academic excellence, suitability for the programme, research potential and the applicant’s likely contribution to Africa-focused scholarship. Eligible offer holders are automatically considered.

FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for South African graduate applicants to the MSc in African Studies. One fully funded award is available each year, covering tuition fees and providing a maintenance stipend aligned with the UKRI rate. Applicants must ordinarily reside in South Africa, demonstrate potential for leadership and influence, and not have previously studied outside South Africa for degree purposes. You must apply separately for Oxford admission and the FirstRand Scholarship for Postgraduate International Study.

Africa Oxford (AfOx) Initiative Graduate Scholarships

These scholarships support outstanding African graduates applying for full-time master’s study at Oxford. The scholarships specifically listed for the MSc in African Studies cover full tuition fees and provide a maintenance stipend aligned with the UKRI rate. There is no separate application for these AfOx awards; eligible applicants may be considered automatically and could be invited to a virtual interview.

Application Documents and Language Benchmark

Getting University of Oxford MSc African Studies Scholarships 2027 requires demonstrating strong academic achievement and a focused research vision. Applicants must meet Oxford’s higher-level English language proficiency benchmark prior to enrollment. Your application file needs to include three reference letters (with at least two from academic referees), official university transcripts, a 500-to-1,000-word statement of purpose explaining your academic focus, and one piece of written academic work not exceeding 2,000 words. Selection committees look closely at your writing quality, analytical capabilities, and dedicated commitment to African studies.

Application Steps for Oxford MSc African Studies Scholarships 2027-2028

To apply for the 2027-2028 academic intake, you must submit your complete graduate admission application through the official University of Oxford portal by 13 November 2026 at 12:00 noon UK time. Eligible applicants for the ORISHA and AfOx awards are considered automatically upon submitting their main Oxford course application. However, candidates seeking the FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship must submit a separate funding application directly to FirstRand in addition to their Oxford admission file. Given the requirement for an academic essay and personal statement, assembling your portfolio early is critical.

Key Details at a Glance

Details	Information
University	University of Oxford, UK
Programme	MSc in African Studies
Intake	2027–2028
Duration	9 months
Expected start date	4 October 2027
Scholarships	ORISHA, FirstRand, AfOx
Funding	Tuition fees plus maintenance stipend for eligible awards
Stipend	At least £21,805 at the currently stated rate; 2027–2028 amount to be confirmed
Application deadline	13 November 2026, 12:00 noon UK time
Official source	Oxford course page

The November deadline is approaching, and Oxford requires a substantial statement of purpose and a written academic essay. Give yourself enough time to prepare a compelling application that demonstrates your academic strengths and commitment to African studies.

Start your application through Oxford’s official website, review the available scholarships and confirm whether you need a separate funding application. Oxford MSc Scholarships 2027-28 for African Studies are competitive, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Follow OpportunitiesPath for more fully funded master’s scholarships, international fellowships and postgraduate opportunities.