The Kofi Annan Scholarship 2026

The Kofi Annan Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at the University of Oxford, offered in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation and Mansfield College, Oxford.

It is named after Kofi Annan, a Nobel Peace Prize–winning diplomat, and is part of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.

📌 Key Facts (Quick Overview)

• 🎓 Level: Master’s (postgraduate)
• 🏫 University: University of Oxford
• 💰 Funding: Fully funded
• 🌍 Target: Students from developing/emerging countries (including Africa)
• 📅 Started: 2020
• 🎯 Focus: Leadership, global development, public policy, environment, etc.

The program selects a small number of scholars each year (around 7), making it highly competitive.

💸 What the Scholarship Covers

The Kofi Annan Scholarship is fully funded, meaning it typically includes:

• ✔️ Full tuition fees
• ✔️ Living expenses (stipend)
• ✔️ Travel costs (in some cases)
• ✔️ Access to leadership training

It is designed to remove financial barriers for top students from low- and middle-income countries.

🎯 Who Can Apply

You are eligible if you:

1. Come from a developing country

• Includes many African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, etc.

2. Have strong academic performance

• Usually a First Class or Upper Second Class degree

3. Show leadership potential

• This is critical — not just grades
• Evidence includes:
  • Community impact
  • Leadership roles
  • Career vision

4. Get admission to Oxford

• You must first apply and be accepted into a relevant Oxford Master’s program

🧠 What Makes It Unique

Unlike many scholarships, this one emphasizes:

🌍 Leadership & Impact

You’re expected to:

• Contribute to your country’s development
• Solve global challenges (health, climate, governance)

🤝 Leadership Programme

Scholars join a structured leadership training program alongside their degree.

🧭 Fields You Can Study

The scholarship supports multiple disciplines, including:

• Public Policy
• Business (MBA)
• Environmental Studies
• Law
• Development Studies

(Depends on Oxford programs linked to the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scheme.)

📝 How to Apply (Simplified Process)

1. Apply for a Master’s course at Oxford
2. Select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship option
3. Submit:
   • Academic transcripts
   • Personal statement
   • Leadership essay
   • References

📅 Deadline: Usually December–January each year

⚠️ Important Clarification

There are multiple programs named after Kofi Annan, so don’t confuse them:

• 🎓 Oxford Scholarship (this one)
• 🏥 Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship (for African health professionals)

🧩 Bottom Line

The Kofi Annan Scholarship is:

• One of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships at Oxford
• Focused on future African and global leaders
• Extremely competitive but highly rewarding