The University of Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship is a prestigious fully-funded MBA scholarship for African students, aimed at fostering future leaders from Africa who are committed to contributing to the continent’s development.
This initiative is a collaboration between the University of Oxford and Dr. Bryant Orjiako, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. It offers comprehensive financial support, including full tuition coverage and a generous living stipend, making it an outstanding opportunity for African professionals to study at one of the world’s top business schools.
Scholarship Overview
The Orjiako Scholarship provides full financial support for African students pursuing an MBA at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. The scholarship includes: Full tuition for the MBA program and A living stipend of £19,237 to cover living expenses throughout the duration of the program.
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Location: University of Oxford
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full Tuition | £19,237 Stipend for Living Costs
- Deadline: January 6, 2025
- IELTS Requirement: Not required
This initiative seeks to empower African students with leadership potential who have demonstrated a strong academic record and a commitment to contributing to Africa’s economic, social, and political growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality: Be a national of any African country.
2. Admission to the Oxford MBA: Applicants must apply and secure admission to the Oxford MBA program for the 2025 academic year.
3. Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background, particularly in previous studies and work experience.
4. Commitment to Africa’s Development: Applicants should exhibit a passion for contributing to the social, economic, or political development of Africa, and this should be reflected in their application.
Application Process
Applying for the Orjiako Scholarship does not require a separate application process. Applicants simply need to apply for the MBA program at the University of Oxford. All eligible candidates are automatically considered for the scholarship based on their submitted MBA application.
Key steps to follow:
1. Apply for the MBA: Candidates must submit an online application for the Oxford MBA program through the University’s official admission portal.
2. Review Process: Once the application is submitted, the University’s scholarship committee reviews the applications and selects candidates based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the applicants’ commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.
The scholarship selection committee will assess candidates’:
- Professional achievements: Have they demonstrated leadership in their field or a clear track record of success?
- Long-term vision: How do they plan to use their MBA to effect change in Africa
- Personal qualities: Leadership, resilience, adaptability, and a passion for making an impact.
Deadline
The application deadline for the University of Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship is January 6, 2025. All interested applicants must ensure they have submitted their completed MBA application by this date to be considered for the scholarship.
Benefits of the Scholarship
1. Financial Freedom: With full tuition coverage and a substantial living stipend, the Orjiako Scholarship allows students to fully focus on their studies without the financial burden of covering tuition or living costs.
2. Global Networking: Being a part of the Oxford MBA program offers students access to a global network of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It provides a platform for African students to build relationships and gain insights from peers and professors who are world leaders in business and management.
3. Skill Development: Oxford’s MBA program is designed to cultivate leadership, strategic thinking, and management skills, which are crucial for professionals aiming to lead organizations or launch enterprises in Africa.
4. Recognition and Prestige: Receiving the Orjiako Scholarship and completing an MBA at Oxford will add significant weight to a student’s credentials, enhancing their career opportunities in Africa and globally.
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FAQs
Who is eligible for the University of Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship?
This scholarship is open to nationals of African countries who are applying to the MBA program at the Saïd Business School for the 2025 academic year. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to Africa’s development.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
There is no separate application for the scholarship. Applicants simply need to apply for the MBA program at Oxford. All African applicants are automatically considered for the Orjiako Scholarship during the admissions process.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Orjiako Scholarship is fully funded. It covers the full tuition fees for the Oxford MBA program and provides a living stipend of £19,237 to cover living costs for the duration of the program.
What is the deadline for the scholarship application?
The deadline to apply for the Oxford MBA, and thus to be considered for the Orjiako Scholarship, is January 6, 2025. All applications must be submitted by this date.
What is the selection process like?
Once you submit your MBA application, the University of Oxford reviews all eligible African candidates for the Orjiako Scholarship. The selection committee evaluates applications based on academic excellence, professional achievements, commitment to Africa’s development, and leadership potential.
What are the chances of receiving the scholarship?
As with any highly competitive scholarship, the chances depend on the strength of the applicant pool each year. However, candidates with outstanding academic records, leadership experience, and a clear vision for contributing to Africa’s growth have a strong chance of being considered.
What is the living stipend for the scholarship?
The living stipend for the Orjiako Scholarship is £19,237, which should cover living expenses for the academic year while the student is studying at Oxford.
What kind of candidates are most likely to be selected?
The selection committee looks for candidates with strong leadership qualities, an excellent academic background, and a demonstrated commitment to driving change in Africa. Candidates should also be clear on how they intend to use the skills gained during their MBA to positively impact their home countries or the continent.
Can I defer the scholarship?
Scholarships are generally tied to a specific academic year. If you are unable to attend during the awarded year, you would likely need to reapply. However, it’s best to consult with the Saïd Business School directly for deferral policies.
Can the scholarship be combined with other funding?
In most cases, fully funded scholarships like the Orjiako Scholarship cover all necessary costs, so additional funding might not be needed. However, applicants should check the terms of the scholarship and discuss any other funding they receive with the admissions office.
Conclusion
The University of Oxford-Orjiako Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for African students to gain world-class business education at Oxford’s Saïd Business School. By fostering the next generation of African leaders, this scholarship aims to contribute to the economic and social development of the continent. Interested candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and apply by the January 6, 2025 deadline.