Are you a passionate future leader from a developing or emerging economy looking to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford offers a life-changing opportunity: 100% fully funded graduate scholarships combined with world-class leadership training, mentoring, and global networking.

This programme supports exceptional students who want to make a meaningful impact in their communities, countries, and the world.

About the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

Established in 2015 in honour of Lord Weidenfeld’s 95th birthday, the programme has grown into one of Oxford’s most impactful scholarship initiatives. In 2017, a significant £9 million donation by Trustee André Hoffmann—matched with £6 million from Oxford—doubled the scholarship’s capacity.

This scholarship forms part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships, designed to support high-achieving graduate students from around the globe through a unique matched-funding model:

Oxford University contributes 40%
Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust donors contribute 60%, including Fondation Hoffmann and other partners.

What the Scholarship Covers

Successful scholars receive:

100% of tuition fees
A living cost grant of at least £20,780
Funding for the full duration of the course

Leadership Programme

Beyond academic excellence, the programme includes:

Philosophical discussions
Business and entrepreneurship training
Communication and leadership skills workshops
One-year leadership curriculum
Long-term mentoring and a lifelong global network

Learn more about the leadership element on the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust website.

Partnership Schemes

The programme partners with:

Hualan Education Group
Chevening Scholarship
Oxford Sanctuary Community (Hope Scholarships) for students with displacement backgrounds
Various Oxford colleges that co-fund selected scholars

Successful applicants may be transferred to a partner college upon receiving the award.

Scholarship Decisions Timeline

Final decisions are expected by end of May 2026
Only successful candidates will be contacted
Due to high application volume, feedback for unsuccessful applicants is not provided

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship supports outstanding graduates—mainly from developing and emerging economies—who could not otherwise afford to study at Oxford.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following:

✔️ Apply for a new full-time graduate course at Oxford

✔️ Intend to return to your home country after completing your studies

✔️ Demonstrate a clear link between your course and long-term career goals

✔️ Show how your work will improve public life in your country or region

✔️ Not be holding a deferred offer for 2026–27

✔️ Not be a current Oxford student (unless already a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholar)

✔️ Be ordinarily resident in an eligible country

✔️ Apply to an eligible course

(Links for eligible courses and eligible countries are available on the official Oxford website.)

How to Apply

To be considered for the scholarship, follow these steps carefully:

1. Apply for a Graduate Course

Select the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme under the University of Oxford Scholarships section of the application form.
Submit your course application by the relevant December or January deadline.

2. Upload the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement

Complete the scholarship statement document.
Upload it alongside your graduate application by the deadline.

Application Link

3. Ensure Your Residency Information is Accurate

Oxford will use the details in your Nationality and ordinary residence section to assess eligibility.

4. Receive an Offer of Admission

Only applicants who receive a course offer from the December/January application round will be considered.
Applications carried forward to March or placed on waiting lists are ineligible.

5. Attend the Scholarship Interview (If Shortlisted)

Interviews are expected online in April 2026.

College Placement

Oxford is a collegiate university. Scholars benefit from membership in both:

Their academic department
An Oxford college

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars may be assigned to a partner college that co-funds the award.

Other Related Scholarship Schemes

Hualan Education Group Partnership Awards

Automatically considered when applying for the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Programme.
Managed by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust—not Oxford University.

Chevening-Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships

Apply via the Chevening website
Must list the University of Oxford as your first preference
Recipients follow Chevening terms and conditions in addition to the leadership programme