Oxford University Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Full Scholarship and Leadership Programme(Fully-funded)

Key Details Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships 2027/2028

• Host Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
• Scholarship Provider: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust and University of Oxford
• Scholarship Name: Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
• Study Level: Graduate / Master’s Degree
• Study Destination: United Kingdom
• Eligible Countries: Applicants from eligible countries worldwide, mainly developing and emerging economies
• Eligible Courses: Selected full-time graduate courses at the University of Oxford
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Tuition Fees: 100% of course fees covered
• Living Allowance: At least £21,805 per year
• Additional Benefits: Leadership training, professional development, networking and a global support network
• Leadership Programme: Approximately 200 hours of personal and professional skills development
• Duration: Full duration of the eligible course and Leadership Programme
• Application Deadline: December 2026 or January 2027, depending on the selected course
• Application Method: Online through the University of Oxford graduate application portal

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme 2027/2028 offers fully funded graduate scholarships to outstanding international students from eligible countries to pursue postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship covers 100% of course fees, provides a generous annual living-cost grant of at least £21,805, and offers access to the prestigious Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme. The programme is designed to develop emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving public life and contributing to the social, economic and political development of their countries and communities.

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships are available to applicants applying for eligible full-time graduate courses at the University of Oxford. Successful scholars also participate in an intensive leadership development programme involving philosophical discussions, business and entrepreneurship training, communication skills development and networking opportunities.

Applications are made alongside your graduate course application through the University of Oxford.

About the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme was established in 2015 thanks to generous donations from multiple donors to mark the 95th birthday of Lord Weidenfeld. In June 2017, Trustee and Chairman André Hoffmann made an additional donation of £9m to the Trust which, thanks to matched funding of £6m from Oxford University, doubled the size of the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.

This scholarship is part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships, which were established through a ground-breaking matched funding initiative to create fully-funded scholarships for graduate students of the highest calibre from across the world. The University contributes 40% of the funds for these scholarships, together with 60% from generous donations provided by supporters of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, including Fondation Hoffmann.

The Leadership Programme is a unique part of these scholarships, and over the course of a year scholars take part in philosophical discussions, learn business skills and receive communication training within a supportive community. More information on this can be found on the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust website.

The scholarship will cover 100% of course fees, a grant for living costs (of at least £21,805), and a contribution of £2000 towards pre-arrival costs such as Visas and travel. Awards are made to cover the full duration of your course and the Leadership Programme.

Why Leadership? The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme

The Leadership Programme is the unique feature of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships. All participants undertake a leadership programme which is designed to develop their impact and effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges facing their countries.

The programme involves 200 hours of personal skills development, business and entrepreneurship, building a foundation for ethical leadership, networking and – in the process – forming a community of support to sustain a lasting global network.

The WHT is not like traditional scholarships which focus on meeting your financial needs. The programme is well thought out and provides a well-rounded experience including academic, social, and practical life skills. The cohort was a close family unit, and my Oxford experience would not have been the same without it. I plan on paying it forward by working on implementing policies in developing countries that will help the most disadvantaged in those communities.

— Wilsona Jalloh, Sierra Leone, Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, Robin Hambro, St Edmund Hall

Throughout the year, scholars engage in intensive discussions on political and moral philosophy during which they explore what constitutes leadership and a ‘just society’. Guided by leading academics and experts, they are encouraged to reflect on fundamental questions about how individuals engage in civic and public life, including the tensions that can exist between principles such as representation and democracy, equality and justice, and personal liberty and collective security.

From addressing problems to exploring solutions, the programme sets out to empower emerging leaders to develop the tools they will need to navigate the complexities of the world beyond their time at Oxford.

Throughout their time at Oxford, Scholars also receive support from the Weidenfeld Scholarships Team who are on hand to support and provide advice on a range of issues, academic and pastoral.

Check Your Eligibility for the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships

Use the eligibility information and flow chart provided by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust to check whether you meet the scholarship requirements.

Eligible Courses and Countries

A list of eligible courses and countries is available on the University of Oxford website:

List of eligible courses and countries

Please note:

Following a rule change on 17 July 2023, if your course starts on or after 1 January 2024, family members will only be able to join you as student dependants if you have a government financial award for study or your course is a DPhil or a Masters by research. This means for all WHT scholars starting in 2024 or later, family members can’t apply as your dependants unless you are government funded or have recently finished a previous course for which they had student dependant visas.

Read more: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa/before/family

How to apply

Apply now

New Scholarship for Afghan Women Leaders

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust is delighted to announce a new scholarship to be awarded annually to an Afghan woman of first- or second-generation descent, to enable the recipient with the offer of a place to study at the University of Oxford to undertake a master’s degree combined with a programme of leadership training.

The scholarship is made possible by the generous donation of US$2.5 million to the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, made by Ms Shabana Basij-Rasikh, which will endow the scholarship in perpetuity.

Fact Sheet

What is being announced?

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust is announcing a gift of US$2.5 million by Ms Shabana Basij-Rasikh to endow a scholarship within the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, enabling the recipient to undertake a master’s degree at the University of Oxford, together with an extensive programme of leadership training delivered by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.

What will the gift be used for?

The purpose of the gift is to endow a Scholarship to be awarded annually to an Afghan woman of first- or second-generation descent subject to the eligibility conditions governing entry to the University and selection for the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships.

What does the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust do?

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust enables outstanding university graduates and professionals, mainly from developing and emerging economies, and who would not otherwise be able to support themselves to study at Oxford, to pursue fully-funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford and to participate in a specially created Leadership Programme that is designed to develop their impact and effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges facing their countries.

In addition to master’s study, the programme involves an extensive programme of personal and professional skills development, including business and entrepreneurship, building a foundation for ethical leadership and fostering a global network.

What kind of people are supported by these scholarships?

The Trust is looking to support people who can demonstrate that they have a genuine commitment to helping their country or community to develop. Typically, applicants can show evidence of their commitment to effecting beneficial social, economic or political change at a local, regional or international level.

The Trust aims to support people who intend to take new skills acquired at Oxford to benefit their countries or regions after their year in Oxford.

What does the scholarship provide?

The scholarship provides 100% of the course fees for an eligible master’s degree together with an annual stipend of at least £21,805 to cover food and accommodation costs, and a pre-travel grant of £2,000 which can be used to offset expenses incurred prior to travel such as visa, health insurance, travel costs etc.

In addition, philanthropic donations to the Trust cover the cost of the Leadership Programme.

Who has been supported by the Trust previously?

In the almost 18 years of its operation, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust has supported 500 scholars from over 100 countries. 83% of the alumni are now leading change in their communities, countries, and regions of origin including multilaterally. 17% are leading in their fields elsewhere.

Why did Ms Basij-Rasikh choose to endow a scholarship in this programme?

Ms Basij-Rasikh is herself an alumna of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme. She studied for a Master in Public Policy at Oxford University, supported by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust in 2019/20.

She has chosen to endow a scholarship within this programme to support an Afghan woman of first- or second-generation descent to honour the resilience and bravery of Afghan women, and to give them the tools to succeed.

How can I apply for the scholarship?

To be considered for this particular scholarship within the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships programme:

• You must be applying to start a new full-time graduate course at Oxford.
• You must be able to demonstrate a connection between your subject of study and your longer-term career objectives, explaining how you see your professional work contributing to the improvement of public life in your country of origin or at a wider regional or international level.
• You must be offered a place to study on an eligible course at the University of Oxford (see the eligible course list here).
• You must be an Afghan woman of first- or second-generation descent.

You will be assessed using your graduate application form, your Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement and (if relevant) your interview with the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann selection panel.

Applications for graduate study at Oxford for entry in September 2027 are open now. The closing dates for applications for graduate study are published on the relevant course page on the University of Oxford website.

Full details of how to apply are available on the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme | Oxford University and Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.

Is there not a UK Government ‘visa brake’ currently in place which would prevent an Afghan student from receiving a student visa for the UK?

The visa brake currently applies to Student visa applications made outside the UK from applicants who are nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.

The UK Government has stated that the visa brake is not permanent and will be reviewed regularly. The visa brake is based only on the main nationality you give on your application form. If you already have a valid visa for the UK you are still able to apply for an in-country visa extension or another visa route in-country if you are eligible.

I currently live outside Afghanistan but am of first- or second-generation Afghan descent. Will I be eligible to apply for a scholarship?

If you are resident in one of the specified countries (see eligible countries here) or have specified that you are displaced and are an Afghan national you will be eligible to apply.

What is the history of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann programme?

The WHT Leadership and Scholarships Programme was established as a 95th birthday tribute to the publisher and philanthropist Lord Weidenfeld, who did much to promote strategic dialogue.

In his honour, multiple generous donations, including a philanthropic gift of £15 million from Swiss philanthropist André Hoffmann, matched by £12 million from the University of Oxford, has created an endowment which funds around 30 young leaders annually to undertake graduate study at Oxford. It is one of the largest philanthropic scholarship programmes supported by the University of Oxford.

Current Scholarships

In addition to the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust also has partnerships with Chevening (funded by the UK Foreign Office). The scholarships also benefit from partnerships with multiple colleges where the college contributes a portion of the funding for the Leadership Programme. Successful candidates are transferred to a partner college when taking up the scholarship. Applicants may be considered for more than one scholarship programme.

How to Apply for the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships

See the University of Oxford website for full details on eligibility and the application process. Application for the scholarship is made alongside your graduate course application via the University of Oxford.

Please visit the University of Oxford website for full details on eligibility and the application process.

If you are applying to the new Scholarship for Afghan Women Leaders, please read the instructions here and apply through the university website.

Apply now

I like to think that I am just a girl from Nairobi, who dared to take a shot at what was at that time my wildest dream and somehow, thanks to all the hands that have held me and the people who dared to believe in me, I found myself at Oxford. I am a changed person, better if I may say so, because of the dreamers, believers, creators, and future leaders that I have met at Oxford, in WHT, Worcester College and the School of Geography. Because of this experience, I know myself much better, and the world is bigger than it was before.

— Faith Atieno Odero, Kenya, MSc Water Science, Policy & Management
Louis Dreyfus, Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, Worcester

Annual Application Cycle

September

Applications are open for postgraduate entry to the University of Oxford and for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships.

Applications should be submitted online through the University of Oxford’s website.

November to January

Applications must be submitted by the January deadline to the University of Oxford for the course to be considered for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholarships.

Deadlines vary according to the course – please check your course webpage for details here.

All applications are assessed by the University of Oxford and decisions are made by each department. Only candidates offered a place at the University of Oxford are eligible to be considered for a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.

March to June

Candidates for the Scholarships and Leadership Programme are contacted by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust and virtual interviews for shortlisted candidates take place.

Assessment is based on the selection criteria here.

The interview Selection Panel is made up of University academics from partner Colleges and Departments, and WHT staff/advisors and alums. In May, successful applicants are informed by the University of Oxford. Please note Chevening Scholarships are often not awarded until June.

September/October

Shortly before the start of the academic year, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars come together as a cohort in Oxford for an intensive few days as an Introduction to the Leadership Programme.

This is a compulsory part of the Scholarship award and accommodation/expenses should be covered by the stipend (living allowance).

Selection Criteria for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships

Motivation and Purpose

You will need to fill out the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme application form.

We are looking for people who can demonstrate that they have a genuine commitment to helping their country or community to develop and we want to learn about this from your written application.

You should provide evidence to show your commitment to effecting social, economic or political change at the local, regional or international level and tell us about the impact you have already achieved.

We want to understand how the WHT Leadership Programme will help you to achieve greater impact and we are looking for people who intend to take new skills acquired at Oxford to benefit their countries or regions after their year in Oxford.

You will also need to explain the relevance of the proposed course of study to your future professional objectives – what your career goals are and how the course will support you to achieve this. You should also be able to demonstrate excellence in your professional path and impact in your achievements to-date.

Leadership Potential

You should be able to describe your leadership skills with particular relevance to communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate an aptitude for strategic thinking, enterprise and teamwork alongside leadership qualities such as initiative, commitment, responsibility, originality, creativity and risk-taking.

My post-graduate education at the University of Oxford has allowed me to enrich my knowledge in public policy and the evaluation of social programmes. With this formal training, alongside my working experience, I feel ready to take the next steps in my career and pursue positions that allow me to continue improving the quality of education of children in low and middle-income countries.

— Maria Barron Rodriguez, Peru, MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation
Louis Dreyfus, Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, Green Templeton

Commitment to the Programme

Scholars must commit to all core requirements of the Leadership Programme.

Participation is a compulsory requirement of the Scholarships and Leadership Programme Award and is written into the University of Oxford Scholarship offer letter which successful applicants receive in August.

The Leadership Programme includes key events which require scholars to be in Oxford prior to the start of the academic year in September and leave Oxford during July after the official end of Trinity Term.

The Programme is intensive and applicants will need to demonstrate that they are able to manage these additional commitments to their academic studies.

Advice for Applicants

Satisfaction of Assessment Criteria

Applicants should clearly explain their motivations, leadership potential, and academic excellence in their applications. Evidence of past experience, successes, and future professional direction is encouraged.

For examples of Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars’ interests, potential, and achievements, please visit our scholar profiles page.

What One Piece of Advice Would You Give Those Applying to Oxford and the WHT Scholarship?

Hear from our scholars!

Just do it – I know you are doubting yourself and thinking it’s not worth it and that you maybe need to add something else to your CV but – just do it there is no harm in trying – and try and be yourself and think about what you are adding to this institution.

— Lina Yassin, Sudan, MSc Environmental Change & Management
Abraham-Rausing, Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann, St Edmund Hall

During the Interview

Clear motivation: Shortlisted candidates should demonstrate strong motivation for their choice of course and its relevance to their future professional objectives.

Social commitment: Candidates should be able to evidence a strong social commitment to the development of their country, community or region.

Proven leadership: Shortlisted candidates should demonstrate their leadership skills and qualities with specific evidence, explaining the significance and impact of their actions.

Scholarship understanding: Shortlisted candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust’s commitment and activities.

Technical matters: Interviews are conducted online. Reliable internet, a working camera on the computer, and a quiet and uninterrupted environment with good light ensure that the interview goes smoothly. We recommend you check all AV equipment and practise before the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme?

The Scholarships and Leadership Programme supports graduates and early career professionals from mainly low and middle income countries.

Check to see which countries and courses are eligible on the University of Oxford website.

How do I apply for the Scholarships and Leadership Programme?

You must select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme in the University of Oxford Scholarships section of the University’s graduate application form by the relevant January (or earlier) deadline for your course.

You must submit your Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust application form at the same time via the University of Oxford website.

• Official Scholarship Information: Visit the University of Oxford website
• Apply Now: Submit your application

Which courses are covered by the Scholarships?

The Scholarships fund a limited number of 1-year master-level courses. The Scholarships do not support applications for Doctorates (DPhil).

A full list of eligible courses can be found here.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust supports those individuals who intend to return to their home country or region and to work to make a difference in their chosen field.

Which universities can I apply for?

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust provides Scholarships to the University of Oxford only. Applicants must be offered a place on an eligible course by the University of Oxford before being considered for a Scholarship.

What are the English language requirements?

All courses are taught in English and you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Full details of the English language requirements of the University of Oxford can be found here.

Please note applicants must have passed their required English language test to be accepted onto the Programme.

What is the Leadership Programme?

The Leadership Programme is a complementary element of the WHT Scholarships providing c 200 hours of professional training, discussions and cultural activities throughout the academic year to prepare Scholars – intellectually, professionally and practically – to take on leading positions in their chosen careers.

More details about the Leadership Programme can be found here.

What will be covered by my Scholarship?

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann scholarship is fully funded and covers 100% of course fees, a grant for living costs or ‘stipend’ (of £21,805 in 2026-27) and the full cost of your individual Leadership Programme place.

Other scholarship partners (like Chevening) may offer a different support package with separate conditions.

NB Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course (9-12 months) and for the length of the Leadership Programme (from a date in mid-September to early July).

I have been accepted as a WHT Scholar. Where can I find more information about my Scholarship?

Your scholarship award letter contains detailed information about your scholarship, and contact details for colleagues in Student Fees and Funding who can advise on queries.

Is there an age limit on the applicants?

No, we don’t have an age limit. Typical WHT scholars are early career professionals with five or more years employment experience.

How do I apply for the WHT-Chevening Scholarship?

To apply for a WHT-Chevening scholarship, you need to apply for and be admitted by both scholarships. The application and selection processes for the WHT and Chevening are separate.

Only when you are admitted by both scholarships can you receive a WHT-Chevening scholarship.

Do I have to have previous professional experience to apply for the Scholarship?

No, you don’t have to have job experience to apply. However, the majority of the WHT scholars are early career professionals with five or more years employment experience.

Please note:

Following a rule change on 17 July 2023, if your course starts on or after 1 January 2024, family members will only be able to join you as student dependants if you have a government financial award for study or your course is a Masters by research.

This means for all WHT scholars starting in 2024 or later, family members can’t apply as your dependants unless you are government funded or have recently finished a previous course for which they had student dependant visas.

Read more: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/visa/before/family.

Apply for the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships 2027/2028

Interested applicants should visit the official University of Oxford website to check the eligible courses, eligible countries, application requirements and relevant deadlines.

Apply Now – Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships

For further information about the scholarship and the Leadership Programme, visit the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust website.