AFRICA INITIATIVE FOR GOVERNANCE (AIG), TENABLE AT THE BLAVATNIK SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford
full · masters
- ~5 awards per year (est.)Annual scholarships
- Full tuition + living costsFully funded
- 1-year MPPDegree funded
- Ages 25-45Typical applicant range
- ~GBP 45,000+ value (est.)Total package
- University of OxfordWhere you study
At a glance
full
Funding
€65k
Max amount
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Nigeria
Country
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Provider
The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships fund West African graduates to study the one-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Established in 2017, AIG set out to sponsor around 5 West African students each year who show strong academic records, leadership potential and a commitment to strengthening Africa's public sector. The award is fully funded, covering full tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses for the duration of the MPP. It targets applicants typically aged between 25 and 45 from West African states such as Nigeria and Ghana, with an emphasis on those working in or committed to the public sector. Candidates generally hold at least a second-class upper undergraduate degree, and relevant work experience or a further qualification can strengthen an application. Finalists selected through the AIG process must then secure admission to the MPP directly through the Blavatnik School of Government. Scholars are expected to return and contribute to public governance at home. Confirm the exact current-cycle figures, eligibility and deadlines on the official Blavatnik School of Government page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full payment of University and college tuition fees for the one-year Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.
- Living expenses — A living-cost stipend toward accommodation and day-to-day expenses for the duration of the program, typically worth around GBP 18,000 (~£18,000 est.) for the year.
- Accommodation support — Coverage of accommodation costs in Oxford as part of the comprehensive funding package.
- Full programme funding — The combined tuition and living package is worth roughly GBP 45,000 or more (~£45,000+ est.) for the academic year.
- Programme costs — Support toward the costs associated with completing the MPP, allowing scholars to focus on study without other funding.
How to apply
Applicants apply online through the AIG application portal; finalists must then apply for MPP admission at Oxford.
- Check eligibility — Confirm you meet the nationality, age, education and experience criteria for the current AIG cycle before starting.
- Access the online form — Visit the designated AIG application portal and begin the online application for the scholarship.
- Complete the application — Fill in your personal, academic and professional details accurately and upload all required documents per the guidelines.
- Review and submit — Check the accuracy of every entry, then submit the application electronically before the deadline; only online applications are accepted.
- Apply to Oxford if shortlisted — If selected as a finalist, apply directly for admission to the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to nationals of West African states, for example Nigeria and Ghana; some cycles focus on candidates working in the public sector at federal or state level.
AgeApplicants are generally aged between 25 and 45 years old.
EducationHold an undergraduate degree, typically with a minimum of second-class upper division; a master's or relevant professional qualification can be an advantage.
Experience and leadershipDemonstrate leadership potential and, in some cycles, several years of cumulative work experience across private and public sectors.
Commitment to AfricaShow a clear commitment to advancing Africa's public sector and intent to apply learning in the home country.
Finalists selected by AIG must apply for and gain admission to the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford; only shortlisted candidates are contacted, and applications by post or in person are not accepted.
Eligible countries
Nigeria, Ghana, Other West African states (per cycle)
Deadlines
2026/2027 MPP intake~9 January 2027 (est.)
AIG application close~October 2026 (est.)
Selection
AIG selects candidates with an emphasis on academic excellence and leadership potential, looking for graduates committed to transforming Africa's public sector. Shortlisted finalists progress to apply for admission to the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government; final AIG Scholars are confirmed once they are admitted to the MPP. Only shortlisted applicants are contacted, and inquiries about individual application status are discouraged.
Verified sources
- AIG Scholarships - Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxfordbsg.ox.ac.ukofficial
- Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG)africainitiative.comofficial
About the provider
The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes good governance and capacity in Africa's public sector. It partners with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford to fund West African scholars on the Master of Public Policy.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who offers the AIG Scholarship?
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It is offered by the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) and is tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
What degree does it fund?
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It funds the one-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
How many scholarships are awarded?
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AIG aims to sponsor around 5 West African students each year, though numbers can vary by cycle.
Who is eligible to apply?
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West African nationals, for example from Nigeria and Ghana, who show strong academic records, leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector.
What age range is targeted?
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Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45 years old.
What does the scholarship cover?
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It is fully funded, covering full tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses, a package typically worth around GBP 45,000 or more (~£45,000+ est.) for the year.
What qualifications do I need?
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An undergraduate degree, usually with at least a second-class upper classification; a master's or relevant professional qualification can be an advantage.
Is work experience required?
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Some cycles require several years of cumulative public and private-sector work experience and a focus on public-sector roles.
How do I apply?
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Apply online through the designated AIG application portal, completing the form and uploading the required documents before the deadline.
What happens if I am shortlisted?
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Finalists must apply directly for admission to the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government; final awards are confirmed on admission.
Are postal applications accepted?
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No. Only online applications are accepted; applications by post or in person are not considered.
When is the deadline?
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The AIG window typically closes in autumn, ahead of the Oxford MPP admission deadline around 9 January 2027 (est.). Confirm exact dates on the official Blavatnik School of Government page.