Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships 2027

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme 2027–2028 is an international graduate scholarship initiative offered by the University of Oxford in partnership with the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.

The programme supports outstanding university graduates and professionals, particularly those from developing and emerging economies, who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to making a positive difference in society.

It provides the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at Oxford while participating in a structured programme of leadership training, mentoring and professional networking.

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme was established in 2015 through philanthropic support.

Its mission is to prepare scholars to become responsible and effective leaders who can address social, economic, political and environmental challenges in their communities and regions.

Academic Opportunities

The scholarships support selected full-time graduate courses at the University of Oxford.

Eligible programmes include:

• MBA – Master of Business Administration
• MPP – Master of Public Policy
• MSc Advanced Computer Science
• MSc Economics for Development
• MSc Energy Systems
• MSc Environmental Change and Policy
• MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery
• MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy
• MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
• MSc Migration Studies
• MSc Nature, Society and Environmental Governance
• MSc Social Data Science
• MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
• MSc Water Science, Policy and Management
• BCL – Bachelor of Civil Law
• MJur – Magister Juris

Additional approved courses are listed on Oxford's official scholarship page.

Leadership Development Programme

A distinctive feature of the scholarship is its compulsory Leadership Programme, organised by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust.

Scholars participate in approximately 200 hours of training, discussions and cultural activities.

These activities include:

• Ethical leadership discussions.
• Philosophical and public policy debates.
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship development.
• Communication and presentation training.
• Strategic thinking and teamwork.
• Professional mentoring.
• Networking with experienced leaders and other scholars.

The programme aims to equip participants with skills that can be applied to real-world challenges after completing their studies.

Scholar Community

Recipients join an international community of Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholars and alumni.

The network includes professionals working in public policy, business, education, sustainability, international development and other fields.

The scholarship is intended for applicants who can demonstrate how their chosen degree and leadership training will contribute to meaningful improvements in their country of origin, region or wider international community.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Apply to begin a new full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford in 2027–2028.
• Choose a course included in the official Weidenfeld-Hoffmann eligible-course list.
• Be ordinarily resident in one of the countries listed by Oxford as eligible.
• Obtain an admission offer for the chosen eligible graduate programme.
• Demonstrate a clear connection between their chosen course and long-term professional objectives.
• Explain how their future work could contribute to improving public life in their country of origin or at a regional or international level.
• Intend to return to their country of ordinary residence following completion of the course.
• Demonstrate motivation and potential for responsible leadership.
• Be able to participate in the compulsory Leadership Programme.
• Submit the required Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement by the relevant course deadline.

Selected scholars receive the following benefits:

• Full Tuition Coverage: 100% of course fees for the approved graduate programme.
• Living-Cost Grant: At least £21,805 towards living expenses.
• Scholarship Duration: Funding for the full period of fee liability for the agreed course.
• Leadership Training: Participation in the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme.
• Ethical Leadership Development: Structured discussions about leadership, responsibility and social change.
• Professional Mentoring: Access to mentoring and guidance from experienced professionals.
• Communication Training: Opportunities to strengthen public speaking and professional communication skills.
• Enterprise Development: Participation in entrepreneurship and problem-solving activities.
• Networking Opportunities: Engagement with international scholars, academics and professionals.
• Long-Term Scholar Community: Access to the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann alumni and professional network.
• Academic Environment: The opportunity to study at Oxford and access relevant university facilities and resources.

Applicants must prepare the documents required for their chosen Oxford graduate course and the additional scholarship statement.

Scholarship-Specific Document

• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement 2027–2028: The official scholarship statement form, completed and uploaded with the graduate application.

Graduate Admission Documents

Depending on the chosen programme, applicants may need:

• Academic Transcripts: Official academic records from previous university study.
• Degree Certificates: Evidence of completed qualifications where requested.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Academic and professional experience, if required by the course.
• Statement of Purpose: An explanation of academic interests, motivation and professional goals.
• Academic or Professional References: References meeting the programme's admission requirements.
• English-Language Evidence: An accepted test result or approved exemption or waiver where applicable.
• Written Work or Research Proposal: Only where the selected course requires such material.
• Additional Course Documents: Any portfolio, work sample or professional evidence specified by the department.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement

Applicants should use Oxford's official 2027–2028 statement template.

The statement is assessed alongside the applicant's graduate admission information and, where applicable, their scholarship interview.

Candidates should demonstrate their leadership potential, motivation, commitment to public service and the relationship between their proposed studies and future impact.

The scholarship selection committee considers:

• Academic Excellence: Previous university results, qualifications and academic potential.
• Motivation and Purpose: Evidence of genuine commitment to community or national development.
• Leadership Potential: Ability to demonstrate initiative, commitment, responsibility and strategic thinking.
• Social Impact: Evidence of contributions to positive social, economic or political change.
• Career Goals: Clear professional objectives and a realistic plan for future impact.
• Course Relevance: A strong connection between the proposed Oxford degree and long-term ambitions.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate ideas and work effectively with others.
• Teamwork and Enterprise: Evidence of collaboration, creativity and problem-solving.
• Programme Commitment: Willingness and ability to complete the compulsory leadership activities.
• Scholarship Interview: Performance during the interview, where shortlisted.

• Oxford education: Pursue an eligible graduate degree at a leading UK research university.
• Leadership development: Build practical, ethical and strategic leadership skills.
• International networking: Connect with scholars and experienced professionals from different regions.
• Professional mentorship: Benefit from guidance relevant to future career development.
• Social impact: Develop knowledge and skills to address challenges affecting communities.
• Interdisciplinary learning: Exchange ideas with participants from different academic and professional backgrounds.
• Long-term professional connections: Join the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholar and alumni network.