The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme, established in 2015 with generous donations to mark Lord Weidenfeld’s 95th birthday, is part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships designed to fully fund outstanding graduate students worldwide. A major boost came in 2017 with a £9m donation from Trustee André Hoffmann, matched by £6m from Oxford University, doubling the scholarship’s size. Funded 40% by the University and 60% by donors including Fondation Hoffmann, the scholarship covers full course fees and at least £19,237 for living costs. Unique to this programme is a year-long leadership component that offers philosophical discussions, business training, and communication training within a supportive community. More details are on the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust website.
Basic Information
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious fully-funded scholarships for international students seeking to make an impact in their communities. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to create a winning application and launch your studies at one of the world’s top universities.
- Scholarship Name: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
- Host University: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Level of Study: Master’s and MPhil programs
- Application Deadline: The deadline aligns with your chosen course—typically December 2024 or January 2025.
- Funding Type: Fully funded (100% of course fees, plus living allowance).
University/Institution Details
- Institution: University of Oxford
- Location: Oxford, England, UK
- Institution Reputation: The University of Oxford ranks consistently among the top universities worldwide for its academic excellence, rich history, and vibrant international community.
Study Areas
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships support a wide range of fields but focus heavily on subjects with potential for global societal impact. Eligible programs include:
- BCL Bachelor of Civil Law
- MBA Master of Business Administration
- MJur Magister Juris
- MPP Master of Public Policy
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc African Studies
- MSt Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery
- MSc Comparative Social Policy
- MSc Contemporary Chinese Studies
- MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice
- MSt Diplomatic Studies
- MSc Economics for Development
- MSc Education (Comparative and International Education)
- MSc Education (Digital and Social Change)
- MSc Education (Higher Education)
- MSc Energy Systems
- MSc Environmental Change and Management
- MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation
- MSc Financial Economics
- MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy
- MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
- MSc Health Service Improvement and Evaluation
- MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine
- MSt Islamic Studies and History
- MSt Jewish Studies
- MSt Japanese Studies
- MSt Korean Studies
- MSc Latin American Studies
- MSc Law and Finance
- MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
- MSc Migration Studies
- MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies
- MSc Modern South Asian Studies
- MSc Nature, Society and Environmental Governance
- MSc Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
- MSc Russian and East European Studies
- MSt Slavonic Studies
- MSc Social Data Science
- MSc Social Science of the Internet
- MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
- MSc Water Science, Policy and Management
- MSt Women’s Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Note: The full list is extensive—check the official University of Oxford website for the updated list of eligible courses for 2025.
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme Benefits
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers 100% of Oxford university and college fees.
- Living Allowance: At least £20,780 per year (subject to annual review).
- The Oxford Hoffman scholarship award will be valid for the duration of fee liability for the agreed-upon course.
- Leadership Training: Access to a world-class leadership development program, mentoring, and community engagement opportunities.
- Membership in a Unique Network: Join a cohort of global changemakers and benefit from alumni connections and personal development workshops.
What Is NOT Covered?
- Visa application fees
- Travel to and from Oxford (unless specified)
- Personal expenses not included under ‘living allowance’
- Dependents’ costs (family members are not financially covered)
Eligibility Criteria for Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme
To be eligible for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships, you must:
- Apply for a new graduate program at the University of Oxford
- Be an ordinary resident of an eligible country (mainly Africa, Asia, and Latin America)
- Students presently enrolled at Oxford University are not eligible to apply for this Weidenfeld Oxford University scholarship.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership potential
- Commit to returning to your home country after completing studies
- Show a clear connection between your chosen course and long-term career plans benefiting your home country
Current Oxford students are not eligible. Applicants with deferred entry are also not considered.
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Required Documents
- University of Oxford Graduate Application Form
- Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement (responses to specific prompts about your personal motivation, career goals, and intended impact—max 200 words each)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of nationality and residence
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- English language proficiency test results (as required by Oxford)
- References (as specified by course requirements)
You may also need to declare other scholarship applications you have submitted.
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Your Course
- Research eligible master’s/MPhil programs at Oxford.
- Verify the course-specific deadline (December or January).
2. Prepare Required Documents
- Download the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement template from Oxford’s official site.
- Draft and revise your answers, focusing on leadership and community impact.
3. Apply to Oxford Online
- Submit your graduate application via the Oxford University application portal.
- In the ‘Funding’ section, select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.
4. Upload Additional Documents
- Attach the completed Scholarships Statement and all other required documents before you submit your application.
5. Submit Before the Deadline
6. Await Shortlisting and Interview
7. Final Decisions
- Successful candidates are notified by May.
- Prepare for arrival at Oxford and the Leadership Programme onboarding in September/October.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Give yourself enough time to research and draft strong scholarship statement responses.
- Be Authentic: Clearly explain your motivation and connection to your home country’s challenges.
- Emphasize Leadership: Describe specific leadership experiences and future goals.
- Show Community Focus: Articulate how your career and studies will benefit your community after graduation.
- Highlight Achievements: Academic excellence and impactful extracurriculars matter.
- Proofread: Ensure application materials are error-free and clearly written.
- Seek Feedback: Ask mentors or past scholars to review your essays.
- Prepare for the Interview: Practice answering questions about your background, motivations, and goals.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
Living expenses in Oxford vary, but you can expect to spend between $1,400 and $2,300 per month (excluding tuition), depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. Here’s a breakdown:
| Item | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $750 – $1,650 |
| Food & Groceries | $300 – $450 |
| Transportation | $100 – $150 |
| Health Insurance | $60 – $100 |
| Personal Expenses | $200 – $350 |
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholarship’s living allowance is calculated to cover essential student needs.
Why Choose the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Fully Funded Excellence: No tuition or accommodation worries—focus solely on your studies and leadership journey.
- Leadership Program Access: Unmatched mentorship, skills development, and career support.
- Global Prestige: Being an Oxford scholar boosts your profile and opens doors worldwide.
- Network of Changemakers: Lifelong friendships and collaborations with up-and-coming leaders from across the world.
- Commitment to Impact: The program actively encourages you to improve your home country and the broader global community.
Additional reasons include supportive alumni, career opportunities post-graduation, and engagement with innovative research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I am currently studying at Oxford?
No. Only applicants for a new graduate program are eligible.
Q2: Can applicants from any country apply?
No. The scholarship is designated for residents of select countries—primarily developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Check the current list on the Oxford website.
Q3: Is there a separate application form for the scholarship?
No. Indicate your interest on the Oxford graduate course application and upload the Scholarship Statement.
Q4: Are dependents’ or family costs included?
No, only your expenses are covered, not those for family members.
Q5: How will I be selected?
Selection is based on academic merit, leadership potential, commitment to social change, and performance in a virtual interview.
Q6: What can I do to stand out?
Demonstrate real-world leadership, community focus, and a clear vision for positive impact in your country.
Official Link:
This scholarship not only offers access to one of the world’s finest academic institutions, but empowers you to build lifelong leadership skills that create sustainable, global impact. Start preparing today to become the next Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar and transform your dreams into action.