FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship 2026 – Applications Open

Application Deadline: February 19, 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the prestigious 2026 FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship. This transformative opportunity is made possible through a five-year partnership between the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) and Wadham College at the University of Oxford.

The partnership’s core purpose is to enable one exceptional South African postgraduate student each year to undertake a Master of Public Policy degree at Oxford’s world-renowned Blavatnik School of Government. This scholarship is specifically designed for individuals who aim to deepen their understanding of complex public policy challenges, with the ultimate goal of becoming more effective leaders and changemakers committed to South Africa’s future.

Scholarship Benefits
The partnership provides comprehensive, full funding for the selected scholar, covering:

• Full Tuition & Fees: Complete coverage for the one-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree at the Blavatnik School of Government.
• Residency: Accommodation at the historic Wadham College, University of Oxford.
• Additional Support: The scholarship is anticipated to cover other associated costs such as a living stipend, travel, and course materials, providing a fully-funded academic and residential experience at Oxford.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Nationality: Must be a South African citizen.
• Academic Goal: Must intend to pursue the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Selection Criteria 

Candidates will be rigorously assessed based on:

• Academic Excellence: Outstanding undergraduate and any postgraduate academic record.
• Leadership Ability: Demonstrated leadership potential and experience.
• Community Involvement: A proven commitment to community service and social impact.
• Changemaker Potential: A clear vision for how the degree will equip them to become a “destiny changer” and contribute meaningfully to South Africa upon their return.

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online only.
• The selection process, including interviews, will be conducted by FirstRand and will run concurrently with its broader International Postgraduate Scholarship programme.

Who Should Apply
This scholarship is designed for South Africa’s most promising future leaders. The ideal candidate is an academically outstanding individual with a demonstrable record of leadership and community service. They must possess a clear, compelling vision for applying their advanced education in public policy to address South Africa’s key challenges and drive positive change upon their return.

How to Apply & For More Information
For complete details on the application procedure, eligibility, and to access the online application portal, prospective applicants must visit the official scholarship webpage.

Click here to apply