Fully-Funded Graduate Opportunity: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme at Oxford
The prestigious Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme offers outstanding graduates and early-career professionals the chance to pursue a master’s degree at University of Oxford, supported by full tuition, living-cost funding and a leadership development programme.
What’s on offer
This scholarship covers 100% of course fees, a living-cost grant (of at least £20,780) and full inclusion in a dedicated Leadership Programme, which features mentoring, networking and skills development. sbs.ox.ac.uk+2ox.ac.uk+2 The award runs for the full duration of the fee liability of the chosen graduate course. whtrust.org+1
Who should apply
The programme is aimed at exceptional university graduates and professionals from developing and emerging economies (or those who would not otherwise be able to fund their studies). Applicants must be offered a place on a new full-time graduate course at Oxford, be ordinarily resident in an eligible country, and intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after course completion. ox.ac.uk+1 Additionally, candidates must demonstrate how their subject of study aligns with long-term career objectives and how they foresee contributing to public life in their home country or region. ox.ac.uk+1
Eligible courses & countries
A wide range of full-time master’s courses at Oxford are eligible — examples include MBA, MSc Financial Economics, MSc Global Governance & Diplomacy, MSc Water Science, Policy & Management, MSc Law & Finance, among many others. ox.ac.uk+2Ukscholarships+2
The list of eligible countries is extensive and spans many nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond. ox.ac.uk
How to apply & selection process
Application to the scholarship is made alongside your graduate course application to Oxford. Applicants must tick the scholarship option in the funding section of the application form and upload a dedicated “Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship Statement”. sbs.ox.ac.uk+1
The selection process typically involves:
- Submission of full applications both for the course and the scholarship by the relevant deadline (often January)
- Shortlisting of candidates
- Interviews (often virtual) for shortlisted applicants between March and June
- Final decisions by late May/June. whtrust.org+1
Leadership Programme
What sets this opportunity apart is the Leadership Programme component. This runs alongside your degree and is designed to build your professional toolkit — including communication, negotiation, entrepreneurial mindset, a moral philosophy seminar series, and creating a global peer network of future leaders. whtrust.org+1
Why it matters
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships are the largest philanthropic graduate scholarship scheme at Oxford, managed in partnership with the Weidenfeld‑Hoffmann Trust. Since its founding it has supported hundreds of scholars from dozens of countries. development.ox.ac.uk+1 For ambitious individuals who aspire to high-impact careers in public life, development, policy, sustainability or global leadership, this programme offers not just financial aid but a transformative network and platform.
Key deadlines & next steps
While deadlines vary by course, many fall in January for courses starting the following academic year. For example, the MBA/FME route lists a deadline of 7 January 2026. sbs.ox.ac.uk+1 Prospective applicants should
- Identify an eligible Oxford graduate course.
- Confirm you meet eligibility criteria (residence, country list, career intent).
- Complete the required scholarship statement and indicate choice on application form.
- Ensure all supporting documents and references are submitted by the course deadline.
- Prepare for interview if shortlisted.
Final word
If you are an emerging professional from a developing or transitional economy, committed to making a meaningful contribution in your field or country, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships & Leadership Programme could be a career-defining opportunity. We encourage you to review the official page and begin planning your application.
