FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity for South African Students

Overview

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with Wadham College at the University of Oxford, offers a postgraduate scholarship for South African students to pursue a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The programme provides support for one successful candidate annually as part of a five-year partnership.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to outstanding South African students who possess strong academic backgrounds, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities and country. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, leadership ability through professional or extracurricular achievements, meaningful community involvement, and a commitment to contributing to South Africa upon completion of their studies.

What you get

The scholarship provides full funding for the Master of Public Policy degree at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, along with accommodation at Wadham College. Recipients gain access to a globally recognized academic environment, international perspectives on governance and policy development, and opportunities to build professional networks.

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official Blavatnik School of Government application portal. Applicants should ensure they meet the university admission requirements and provide the necessary supporting documentation. Inquiries can be sent to the admissions office email at admissions@bsg.ox.ac.uk, and FirstRand will conduct interviews and scholarship selection concurrently with its international postgraduate scholarship programme.

Key dates

Applications open on Friday, 16 October 2026, and close on Thursday, 25 February 2027.