Are you an African student dreaming of studying at the prestigious University of Oxford in the UK? The Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships 2025 could be your golden ticket to realizing that dream.
These fully funded scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for talented African students to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees at Oxford, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
The Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships were established in 2020 through a generous donation from Nigerian philanthropist and businessman Dr. Ernest Orjiako. His vision was to provide world-class education to Africa’s brightest minds and future leaders.
Since then, the scholarships have enabled dozens of exceptional African students to study at Oxford across various disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships 2025, applicants must:
- Be a national of an African country
- Have an excellent academic record
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact in Africa
- Apply for and secure admission to an eligible undergraduate or graduate degree program at the University of Oxford
- Meet Oxford’s English language requirements
Eligible degree programs span a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to:
- Social Sciences (e.g. Economics, Politics, International Development)
- Humanities (e.g. History, Philosophy, Literature)
- Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Engineering
Both full-time and part-time programs are eligible. For graduate applicants, both taught and research degrees are included.
Selection Criteria
Oxford-Orjiako Scholars are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership abilities, and commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.
The selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement, as evidenced by grades, test scores, and academic references
- Strong leadership skills and experience, such as through extracurricular activities, community service, or entrepreneurship
- A clear vision for how they plan to use their Oxford education to make a positive difference in their field and for Africa’s future
- Excellent communication skills
- Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for their chosen field of study
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews with the selection committee.
The committee typically includes Oxford faculty members and representatives from the scholarship fund.
Benefits
The Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships provide full funding for the duration of the scholar’s degree program.
Benefits include:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- A generous annual living stipend to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses
- Travel grants to cover flights between the scholar’s home country and the UK at the start and end of the degree program
- Funding for study-related travel, such as attending conferences
- Access to exclusive networking and leadership development opportunities
Scholars also benefit from Oxford’s world-class academic resources, libraries, and research facilities.
They have the opportunity to learn from and work with leading experts in their fields.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for your chosen degree program at Oxford
You must first apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate or graduate degree program at Oxford.
Carefully check the application requirements and deadlines for your course, which may vary.
You can find detailed instructions on Oxford’s admissions website.
Step 2: Apply for the scholarship
Once you have applied for your degree program, you can apply for the Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship.
The scholarship application typically opens in the fall for admission the following year.
You will need to complete an online application form, which includes:
- Personal and academic information
- A personal statement explaining your motivation for studying at Oxford, your academic and career goals, and how you plan to contribute to Africa’s development
- An up-to-date CV/resume
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Contact details for 2-3 academic referees
Step 3: Await the outcome
After the scholarship deadline, applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
Interviews are typically held in the spring, either in-person in Oxford or via Skype for international applicants.
Scholarship winners are usually notified by late spring. The award is conditional on securing admission to your degree program at Oxford.
Scholar Testimonials
Past Oxford-Orjiako Scholars have described the transformative impact of the scholarship on their lives and future careers:
“The Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship has been a life-changing opportunity.
It has allowed me to study at one of the world’s best universities, surrounded by brilliant minds from all over the globe. I am gaining knowledge and skills that will enable me to make a real difference in my field and my country.”
– Amina Hassan, Kenya, MSc African Studies”
I am deeply grateful to the Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship for making my dream of studying at Oxford a reality.
The academic experience has been rigorous and stimulating, and I have grown so much as a person. I am inspired to use my education to drive positive change in Africa.”
– Kofi Owusu, Ghana, BA Economics and Management
FAQs
Is the scholarship open to all African countries?
Yes, nationals from all African countries are eligible to apply.
Can I apply for the scholarship before applying for admission to Oxford?
No, you must first apply for admission to your chosen degree program. You can then apply for the scholarship once you have submitted your Oxford application.What is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by degree program, but the scholarship application is typically due in early spring for admission the following fall.
Check the official scholarship website for current deadlines.
How many scholarships are awarded per year?
The number of scholarships varies from year to year depending on funding availability, but it is typically around 5-10 fully funded awards.
Can I apply for other Oxford scholarships as well?
Yes, you are encouraged to apply for other scholarships you may be eligible for to maximize your funding opportunities. Just be sure to check the specific rules of each funding source.
Conclusion
The Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships provide an unparalleled opportunity for talented African students to access world-class education at the University of Oxford.
With full funding, scholars can focus entirely on their studies and personal development without financial concerns.
Beyond the immense academic benefits, Oxford-Orjiako Scholars become part of a tight-knit community of Africa’s brightest young leaders.
Scholars gain not only knowledge and qualifications, but also a network of inspiring peers and mentors.
If you are an ambitious African student with a passion for using your talents to benefit your community and continent, the Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships could be your path to achieving your dreams.
Thorough preparation, a compelling application, and a clear vision for your future impact will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
As Dr. Ernest Orjiako stated, “Education is the key to unlocking Africa’s vast potential.”
The Oxford-Orjiako Scholarships are helping to place that key in the hands of Africa’s future changemakers.
If you are ready to join their ranks, click here to start your application journey to Oxford today!
