Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme 2027–2028
About this opportunity
Scholarship Provider: University of Oxford and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust
Study Destination: United Kingdom
University: University of Oxford
Study Level: Graduate / Master’s
Funding Type: Fully Funded Scholarship
Tuition Coverage: 100% of course fees
Living Allowance: At least £21,805 per year
Application Process Announcement: Expected by early November 2026
Expected Scholarship Decisions: By the end of May 2027
Official Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/oxford-weidenfeld-and-hoffmann-scholarships-and-leadership-programme
About the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships
The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme is a fully funded graduate scholarship initiative established in 2015 through generous contributions from several donors to commemorate Lord Weidenfeld’s 95th birthday.
In June 2017, André Hoffmann, a trustee and chairman, donated an additional £9 million to the Trust. The University of Oxford contributed a further £6 million through matched funding, substantially expanding the programme.
The scholarship forms part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships initiative, which aims to provide outstanding students from around the world with access to graduate education at Oxford. Funding is provided through a partnership in which the University of Oxford contributes 40% of the scholarship funds, while donors supporting the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust contribute the remaining 60%.
The programme is designed primarily for exceptional graduates and professionals from developing and emerging economies who would otherwise face financial barriers to studying at Oxford.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support for their eligible graduate studies.
The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fees: Covers 100% of course fees.
- Living-cost grant: Provides at least £21,805 to support living expenses.
- Full course-duration funding: Awards cover the full period of the student’s fee liability for the agreed course.
- Leadership development: Scholars participate in a dedicated leadership programme alongside their academic studies.
- Professional development: Participants engage in philosophical discussions, develop business skills, and receive communication training.
- Supportive academic community: Scholars join a community focused on leadership, public service, and positive social change.
The scholarship is intended to enable recipients to concentrate on their studies and leadership development without having to independently fund their tuition and essential living expenses.
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Leadership Programme
An important feature of this scholarship is its leadership programme, which complements the academic experience at Oxford.
Over the course of a year, scholars participate in activities designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities, communication skills, and professional development. These activities include philosophical discussions, business-skills training, and communication workshops.
The programme aims to prepare participants to contribute meaningfully to public life and to address challenges in their home countries and at regional or international levels.
More information about the programme is available at https://www.whtrust.org/.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following conditions to be considered for the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships.
1. Apply for a new full-time graduate course
Candidates must be applying to begin a new, eligible, full-time graduate programme at the University of Oxford.
2. Intend to return to their country of ordinary residence
Applicants should intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their studies.
3. Demonstrate clear career objectives
Applicants must explain how their proposed course relates to their long-term career plans. They must also demonstrate how their professional work could contribute to improving public life in their country of origin or at a wider regional or international level.
4. Meet the scholarship’s residency and country requirements
Candidates must be ordinarily resident in one of the scholarship’s eligible countries. They must also meet the nationality and other eligibility requirements applicable to the programme.
5. Secure admission to an eligible Oxford course
Applicants must receive an offer of admission to an eligible graduate course at the University of Oxford. Meeting the scholarship criteria alone does not guarantee an award.
6. Meet restrictions relating to existing Oxford students and deferred offers
Students who are already studying at Oxford cannot apply unless they are existing Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars.
Applicants holding deferred offers to begin their studies in the 2027–2028 academic year are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Eligibility for Refugees and Displaced Applicants
Applicants who identified themselves as refugees or displaced persons when applying for their Oxford course may be considered eligible if their nationality meets the scholarship’s eligible-country criteria.
Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements carefully to determine whether their circumstances meet the programme’s conditions.
Eligible Courses and Countries
The scholarship is available for selected full-time graduate courses at the University of Oxford and is restricted to applicants who meet the programme’s eligible-country requirements.
Important: Applicants should consult the official University of Oxford scholarship page for the complete list of eligible courses and countries before applying. Not every graduate course or nationality necessarily qualifies.
Official scholarship information: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/oxford-weidenfeld-and-hoffmann-scholarships-and-leadership-programme
Application Process
Applicants should follow these steps to pursue the scholarship.
- Review eligible courses: Identify a qualifying full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford.
- Check eligibility: Confirm that your nationality, country of ordinary residence, academic plans, and career objectives meet the scholarship requirements.
- Apply for graduate admission: Submit the required application for your chosen Oxford course and follow the applicable course deadline.
- Complete the scholarship requirements: Follow the University’s instructions for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement and any other required scholarship materials.
- Prepare for selection: Be ready to explain your academic interests, long-term professional objectives, and potential contribution to public life.
- Monitor official announcements: Check the University’s scholarship page for the publication of application instructions and any relevant deadlines.
Applicants should verify whether additional scholarship-specific steps are required and ensure that all documents are submitted by the applicable deadlines.
Important Dates
- Application process announcement: Expected by early November 2026.
- Scholarship decisions: Expected by the end of May 2027.
- Study period: The scholarship is associated with admission for the 2027–2028 academic year.
The exact application deadline was not specified in the information provided. Applicants should check the official scholarship page for confirmed deadlines and instructions.
The University has indicated that applicants who have not received a decision by the end of May 2027 should assume their application was unsuccessful. Due to the large number of applications, unsuccessful candidates may not receive individual notifications or feedback.
How to Apply
Visit the official University of Oxford scholarship page to review the full eligibility criteria, eligible courses, eligible countries, and application instructions.
Official scholarship page:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/oxford-weidenfeld-and-hoffmann-scholarships-and-leadership-programme
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust:
https://www.whtrust.org/
Application deadline: Check the official website for the confirmed deadline.
Final Note
The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme offers an opportunity for outstanding graduates and professionals to pursue fully funded graduate education at one of the world’s leading universities while developing the skills needed to contribute to public life.
Prospective applicants should begin researching eligible courses, preparing their graduate applications, and developing a strong explanation of how their studies will support their long-term professional goals. Applicants should rely on the official University of Oxford website for the latest eligibility rules, application instructions, and deadlines.
