Table of Contents
Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Oxford University Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarships 2026 for international students
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding graduate students and professionals from developing and emerging economies.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
This guide compiles all the essential information to help you understand the scholarship, its benefits, requirements, and the step-by-step application process for the 2026-2027 academic year. For a general guide on how to apply for scholarships successfully, see this resource.
Scholarship Overview
The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme was established to cultivate future leaders by offering fully-funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford. It is funded by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust and matching funds from the University of Oxford, reflecting a shared commitment to developing global talent. The scholarship is aimed at individuals who intend to use their acquired skills and knowledge to contribute to the improvement of public life in their country of origin.
Scholarship Benefits
The Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarship is one of the most generous in the world, providing comprehensive financial and developmental support. For students exploring other funding avenues or international opportunities, an ultimate guide to student loans for international students may also be helpful.
- 100% of Course Fees: The scholarship covers all course and college fees for the full duration of your program.
- Living Grant: A generous grant for living costs is provided, which is at least £20,780 per year.
- Leadership Programme: This is a core component of the scholarship and a mandatory requirement for all scholars. It is designed to develop a range of skills and includes:
- Moral Philosophy Seminars: Structured discussions to develop philosophical and ethical reasoning. These seminars are not meant to turn you into a philosopher, but rather to help you think more deeply about what matters most and to challenge your own assumptions about a “good society.”
- Enterprise Challenge: A practical, collaborative exercise to hone entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills. Scholars work in teams to develop a business idea that addresses a social or environmental challenge. The program includes expert-led workshops on ideation, business plans, pitching, and more, all designed to equip you with an entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied to any field.
- Professional Skills Training: Workshops focused on public speaking, networking, and career development.
- Mentorship: Long-term mentoring with professionals in your field.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with fellow scholars, alumni, and global leaders through events like the annual “Battle of Ideas” festival and field trips.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- New Graduate Course: You must be applying to start a new, full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford. The scholarship is not open to current Oxford students unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars.
- Country of Residence: You must be an ordinarily resident of a developing or emerging economy. While there is no definitive public list, the scholarship broadly covers countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Examples of eligible countries include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa, and Ghana. For example, you can also consider the best universities in Australia for international students while exploring your options. Your intention is to return to your country of ordinary residence upon completion of your studies.
- Leadership Potential: You must demonstrate a commitment to public service and social impact. Your application should clearly show how your chosen subject of study connects with your long-term career goals and how your professional work will contribute to public life in your home country or at a wider regional or international level.
Eligible Courses
The scholarship is awarded to students accepted into a wide range of graduate programs across Oxford’s academic divisions, including but not limited to:
- 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 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 Management
- 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
- MSt Islamic Studies and History
- MSt Jewish Studies
- MSt Japanese Studies
- MSt Korean 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
- MSt Slavonic Studies
- MSc Social Data Science
- MSc Social Science of the Internet
- MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
- MSc Water Science, Policy and Management
- MSt Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies
The Application Process (Step by Step)
The application for the Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarship is integrated with your application for a place at Oxford University. For advice on how to win a fully-funded undergraduate scholarship, check out this resource. Follow these steps carefully:
- Apply to Oxford: Submit an application for an eligible graduate degree program through the University’s online graduate application form.
- Select the Scholarship: In the “University of Oxford Scholarships” section of the application form, you must select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme to be considered.
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure you submit all required supporting documents, including transcripts (see how to explain a low GPA), references (see how to ask for a recommendation letter), a curriculum vitae (CV), a motivation letter, and a copy of your passport.
- Complete the Statement: A crucial part of your application is the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement. This is a separate form that must be completed and uploaded with your graduate application. It asks specific questions about your motivation for joining the leadership program, your career path, your ability to mobilize groups, and the challenges you hope to resolve in your country. For tips on how to write an essay that wins, see this article.
Sample Questions
- Why do you want to participate in the Weidenfeld Hoffman Trust Leadership Programme? What value do you see in our Moral Philosophy Programme and Enterprise Challenge?
- In your experience, which is the more important quality for a leader: vision or empathy?
- What is your proudest achievement to date as a leader and why? (For more on the qualities of scholarship winners, see this article).
- What is the challenge facing your country that you want to help resolve?
- Outline how you anticipate your career progressing for the next five years after completing your studies in Oxford. When you’re ready, here’s a guide on applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
- Meet the Deadline: Your application for graduate study and all scholarship documents must be submitted by the relevant December or January deadline for your chosen course. Check the specific course page on the University of Oxford’s website for the exact date.
- Interview: If you are shortlisted, you will be required to participate in an online interview, typically held in April. Final decisions are expected to be made by the end of May.
Application Deadline: April 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for this scholarship? The scholarship is primarily for outstanding students and professionals from developing and emerging economies who are applying to a new, full-time graduate program at the University of Oxford.
Does the scholarship cover undergraduate studies? No, this scholarship is specifically for graduate-level studies (Master’s and MPhil programs).
Do I need a separate application for the scholarship? No, the scholarship application is integrated into the University of Oxford’s main graduate application form. You simply need to select the scholarship and submit the required Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement.
Are current Oxford students eligible? Current Oxford students are not eligible to apply unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars.
What is the value of the scholarship? The scholarship is fully-funded, covering 100% of course and college fees and providing a generous living grant of at least £20,780 per year.
What is the Leadership Programme? The Leadership Programme is a mandatory component of the scholarship that focuses on professional and ethical development through seminars, an Enterprise Challenge, mentorship, and networking.
What kind of leadership qualities are they looking for? Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to public service and social impact. The scholarship seeks individuals who are passionate about using their skills to improve public life in their home country.
When is the application deadline? The application must be submitted by the relevant December or January deadline for your chosen graduate course.
What is the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement? This is a crucial document that requires you to answer specific short-answer questions about your motivations, career goals, and leadership experience.
How will I know if I’m shortlisted for an interview? Shortlisted candidates are typically invited to an online interview in April. Final decisions are usually made by the end of May.
