Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) - The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme

What the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship gives you

You will receive a full scholarship for a one-year master's at the University of Oxford. This will cover 100% of your tuition fees, plus a living allowance of approximately 24,000 EUR (at least 20,780 GBP) for the duration of your studies, which is usually 9 to 12 months. You will also take part in the Leadership Programme, a 200-hour training course that runs alongside your studies. It covers ethical leadership, business and entrepreneurial skills, communication, and discussions on what good leadership and a just society look like – under the guidance of academics and experts. Furthermore, you will become part of a global network of scholarship holders. The scholarship is administered by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust in collaboration with the University of Oxford, which awards around 35 places each year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are applying for a new full-time degree programme for university graduates in Oxford, most of which are one-year Master’s programmes.
• Subjects: Your degree programme must be one of the approximately 40 eligible degree programmes, for example in the fields of environmental change, water sciences, public policy, economics, law, global health and social sciences. Please check whether your specific degree programme is on the list.
• Where you come from: You are a citizen of one of the more than 150 countries, most of which are low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. A number of European countries are also included.
• Plan to go home: You intend to return to your home country after completing your studies at Oxford. Please explain how your studies and your career will enrich public life there or in your region.
• Financial need: Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to afford Oxford.
• Not eligible: You are already enrolled at the University of Oxford or have deferred your place.

How to apply

Apply via the standard application form for postgraduate programmes at Oxford, tick the ‘Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship’ option and attach the separate scholarship declaration. Submit your application by the deadline for your course, either on 10 October or 24 October. Late applications or those placed on the waiting list will not be considered. Only applicants who are offered a place at Oxford will proceed to the next stage. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in around April; decisions will be made by the end of May.

How realistic are your chances?

This is one of the largest and best-known scholarships at Oxford, which is why it attracts highly qualified applicants from more than 150 countries and competition is fierce. Your chances depend on two factors: firstly, you must secure a place at Oxford, and secondly, you must present a clear, credible plan for how you intend to use your degree in your home country. If you meet the requirements for one of the listed degree programmes and for your country, and can present this convincingly, you have a genuine chance of success.