Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships 2027/2028: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships at the University of Oxford, UK
The University of Oxford is inviting applications for the 2027/2028 Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, a prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunity for outstanding international students seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship is designed to support talented graduates and professionals, particularly those from developing and emerging economies, who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to public life in their home countries.
Successful applicants will receive full tuition fee coverage, a generous annual living-cost grant of at least £21,805, and access to an exclusive leadership development programme that includes mentoring, networking and professional development opportunities.
The programme offers more than financial assistance. It seeks to develop future leaders who can contribute to positive change in their countries and communities.
About the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
Established in 2015, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme was created through generous contributions from multiple donors to mark the 95th birthday of Lord Weidenfeld.
In 2017, André Hoffmann, Trustee and Chairman of the Trust, made an additional £9 million donation. This was matched by £6 million from the University of Oxford, significantly expanding the programme.
The scholarship forms part of Oxford Graduate Scholarships, an initiative that combines university funding with private donations to support outstanding postgraduate students from around the world.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its leadership development component. Throughout the academic year, scholars participate in philosophical discussions, business skills training and communication development. They also become part of a supportive international network of emerging leaders.
The programme aims to equip scholars with the knowledge, skills and professional networks needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity offering financial and professional development support.
Successful candidates will receive:
- 100% tuition fee coverage: Full payment of university course fees for the duration of the agreed programme.
- Living-cost allowance: A grant of at least £21,805 per year to support living expenses in Oxford.
- Leadership development: Participation in the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme.
- Mentoring: Access to long-term mentoring and professional guidance.
- Networking opportunities: Membership of an international community of scholars, professionals and future leaders.
The scholarship covers the full duration of the recipient’s fee liability for their agreed course.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are intended for outstanding university graduates and professionals, primarily from developing and emerging economies, who would otherwise be unable to finance postgraduate studies at Oxford.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be applying to start a new full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford in the 2027/2028 academic year.
- Intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their studies.
- Demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed course of study and their long-term career objectives.
- Explain how their professional work will contribute to improving public life in their country of origin or at regional or international level.
- Meet the nationality and ordinary residence requirements for one of the eligible countries.
- Successfully secure an offer of admission to an eligible Oxford graduate course.
Applicants should note that students already studying at Oxford are generally not eligible unless they are existing Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars. Candidates holding deferred offers to begin in 2027/2028 are also not eligible.
Refugees and displaced applicants may be considered eligible where their nationality meets the scholarship’s country eligibility requirements.
Eligible Countries and Courses
The programme primarily supports applicants from developing and emerging economies. Eligibility is determined by the official list of countries and eligible graduate courses published by the University of Oxford.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship website to confirm whether their country of ordinary residence and intended course qualify before submitting an application.
It is important to note that admission to Oxford does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Candidates must meet the separate scholarship selection requirements.
How to Apply for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship 2027/2028
Applications are submitted through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions system.
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify an eligible graduate course
Visit the University of Oxford graduate admissions website and identify a full-time graduate programme that qualifies for the scholarship.
Step 2: Apply for admission to Oxford
Complete the University’s graduate application form and submit all required supporting documents by the relevant December or January deadline for your chosen course.
Step 3: Select the scholarship
In the University of Oxford Scholarships section of the graduate application form, select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.
Step 4: Complete the scholarship statement
Download and complete the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement for 2027/2028.
This statement must be uploaded together with your graduate application by the relevant course deadline.
Step 5: Prepare for the selection process
Applicants who are shortlisted may be invited to an interview, which is expected to take place online in April 2027.
The selection process assesses academic ability, leadership potential, commitment to public service and the relationship between the proposed studies and the applicant’s long-term professional objectives.
Important Application Dates
- Application period: For the 2027/2028 academic year.
- Application deadline: Relevant December or January 2026/2027 deadline, depending on the selected course.
- Expected interviews: April 2027.
- Scholarship decisions: By the end of May 2027.
- Study commencement: 2027/2028 academic year.
Applicants must check the specific deadline on their chosen Oxford course page. Applications submitted after the relevant December or January deadline will not be considered for this scholarship.
Tips for a Strong Application
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate how their education and professional ambitions can contribute to society.
Applicants should therefore go beyond presenting strong academic qualifications.
Explain the development challenges facing your country or region and demonstrate how your proposed studies will help address them. Provide clear examples of leadership, community involvement, professional achievements or initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to public service.
Your scholarship statement should establish a convincing connection between your academic interests, career ambitions and potential contribution to society.
It is also important to prepare carefully for the interview, particularly questions about leadership, development priorities and how you intend to apply your Oxford education after graduation.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for talented graduates and professionals who want to combine advanced academic training with meaningful leadership development.
For candidates from developing countries, the programme provides an opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading universities while developing the skills, networks and knowledge needed to contribute to public life.
Candidates interested in the 2027/2028 academic year should begin preparing their applications early, identify eligible courses and carefully review the scholarship statement requirements.
This is an opportunity for future leaders who want to turn academic excellence into meaningful contributions to society.
