Blavatnik School of Government - Kounelakis, Zegarac-Pollock Awards

Benefit

You will receive financial support to cover the costs of the one-year ‘Master of Public Policy’ (MPP) programme at the University of Oxford. The exact amount is not disclosed. This is one of several named scholarships that help cover the tuition fees, which for 2026–27 amount to 54,000 GBP per year for the programme alone. The funding comes from two private donors: an investment entrepreneur and a family foundation committed to good governance. They support students who already demonstrate leadership qualities and a genuine commitment to public service.

Eligibility

• Your course: You have been offered a place on the Master’s programme in ‘Public Policy’ at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
• Your field: The MPP programme is suitable for students who are aiming for a career in government, the civil service or the field of social change.
• Nationality: Anyone can apply, regardless of which country they’re from.
• Your record: You have excellent grades and can demonstrate tangible achievements as a manager or as a driving force for change.
• Your goals: You would like to use your career to work for the common good, whether at home or on an international level.

How to apply

There is no separate form for this funding. First, you need to be admitted to the MPP programme. You must then complete the scholarship application form within one week of receiving your admission notification. Your application will be assessed as part of the university’s general funding process.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is presented exclusively to students who have already been admitted to a single, highly selective Master’s programme at Oxford. Whilst this keeps the pool of applicants small, it ensures they are of a high calibre. Getting an offer of admission to the MPP programme is the difficult part. Once you have been admitted and have submitted the questionnaire, you are automatically in the running. The sponsors place great importance on demonstrable leadership experience in the public sector, so applicants who can provide evidence of this stand out.