Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme was established in 2015 thanks to generous donations from multiple donors to mark the 95th birthday of Lord Weidenfeld. In June 2017, Trustee and Chairman André Hoffmann made an additional donation of £9m to the Trust which, thanks to matched funding of £6m from Oxford University, doubled the size of the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme.

This scholarship is part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships, which were established through a ground-breaking matched funding initiative to create fully-funded scholarships for graduate students of the highest calibre from across the world. The University contributes 40% of the funds for these scholarships, together with 60% from generous donations provided by supporters of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, including Fondation Hoffmann. 

The scholarship will cover 100% of course fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £21,805). Awards are made to cover the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.

To be considered for the scholarship you must meet all of the criteria below. These will be assessed during the selection process, including using your graduate application form, your Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement and (if relevant) your interview.

• You must be applying to start a new full-time graduate course at Oxford.
• You should be intending to return to your country of ordinary residence once your course is completed.
• You must be able to demonstrate a connection between your subject of study and your longer-term career objectives, explaining how you see your professional work contributing to the improvement of public life in your country of origin or at a wider regional or international level.
• This scholarship is not open to applications from candidates who hold deferred offers to start in 2027-28.
• Students currently at Oxford are not eligible to apply unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars.

Eligible courses

• BCL Bachelor of Civil Law
• MBA Master of Business Administration
• MJur Magister Juris
• MPP Master of Public Policy
• MSc Advanced Computer Science
• MSc African Studies
• MSt Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
• MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery
• MSc Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience
• MSc Comparative Social Policy
• MSc Contemporary Chinese Studies
• MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice
• MSt Diplomatic Studies
• MSc Economics for Development
• MSc Education (Comparative and International Education)
• MSc Education (Digital and Social Change)
• MSc Education (Higher Education)
• MSc Energy Systems
• MSc Environmental Change and Policy
• MSc Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation
• MSc Financial Economics
• MSc Global Governance and Diplomacy
• MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology
• MSc Health Service Improvement and Evaluation
• MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine
• MSt Islamic Studies and History
• MSt Jewish Studies
• MSc Latin American Studies
• MSc Law and Finance
• MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
• MSc Migration Studies
• MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies
• MSc Modern South Asian Studies
• MSc Nature, Society and Environmental Governance
• MSc Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
• MSc Russian and East European Studies
• MSc Social Data Science
• MSc Social Science of the Internet
• MSc Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment
• MSc Water Science, Policy and Management

The application is completed entirely online through the University of Oxford's graduate application portal. It is a highly competitive process with integrated stages for both admission and scholarship consideration.

1. Choose Your Course: Select up to three eligible graduate courses at the University of Oxford.

2. Review Requirements: Check the specific entry and document requirements for your chosen course.

3. Submit Online Application: Complete the University of Oxford's graduate application form.

4. Indicate Scholarship Interest: In the "Funding" section, select "Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme" to be considered.

5. Await Admission Decision: The academic department will assess your application and make an offer of a place if successful.

6. Scholarship Shortlisting: Only candidates who receive an offer of a place are considered for the scholarship shortlist.

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme Interview

If you are shortlisted after receiving a university offer, you will be contacted by the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust for a virtual interview. This is a key part of the selection process to assess your leadership potential and alignment with the programme's values.

• The interview Selection Panel is composed of University academics from partner colleges and departments, alongside Trust staff, advisors, and alumni.
• Assessment is based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to contributing to your home community.
• The interview is a chance to elaborate on your vision and how you plan to use your Oxford education for public good.

Your application requires several documents, submitted as part of your graduate application to the University of Oxford.

• University application form: Completed online for your chosen course.
• Official transcripts: From all your university-level education.
• CV/Resume: Detailing your academic and professional background.
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Explaining your motivation and goals.
• References: Typically three academic references, as required by your course.
• Proof of English proficiency: If applicable, as per University requirements.

FAQs about Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme

Who is eligible for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship?

You must be applying to start a new full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford. You need an outstanding undergraduate academic record and must demonstrate a commitment to returning to your home country to contribute to public service.

What does the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship cover?

It is a fully-funded scholarship that covers 100% of your University and college fees and provides a generous living stipend for the duration of your course.

How do I apply for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship?

You must first apply for your chosen graduate course at the University of Oxford. Within the application, in the funding section, you must select "Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme" to be considered.

Do I need to secure admission to Oxford before the scholarship?

Yes. Only candidates who receive an offer of a place from a University of Oxford academic department are eligible to be considered for the scholarship shortlist.