About this opportunity
The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford has opened applications for the 2027/28 cohort of its Master of Public Policy, a full-time taught master’s degree for people building careers in public service and policy across the world.
The course welcomes applicants from every academic discipline and professional background, and most successful candidates bring at least two years of professional experience, often more. Alongside the taught year, students complete a Summer Project that places them with a government, an international body or a public institution so they can apply what they are learning in a real setting.
Funding is the strongest signal for African applicants. The School administers many awards, and the Aig-Imoukhuede MPP Scholarship is reserved for candidates who are ordinarily resident in Nigeria, currently employed in the Nigerian public service and committed to continuing in public service in Nigeria. That award covers the full course fee, listed at £54,650 for overseas students, plus a set amount toward living costs. A broad group of other University and School scholarships is open to applicants from Africa more widely.
Applications run through the University’s central Graduate Admissions system and the closing date for the 2027/28 intake is 2 December 2026, with no cut-off time published, so submitting well before that date is wise. A successful candidate is then asked for a £8,200 deposit against fees by 31 May 2027, which the School can waive where confirmed external funding already covers the full course cost.
What you receive
- A one year full-time taught master’s degree in public policy at the Blavatnik School of Government
- A Summer Project placement with a government, international body or public institution
- The Aig-Imoukhuede MPP Scholarship covers the full course fee and a set amount toward living costs for eligible Nigerian public servants
- Access to a broad range of University of Oxford and School scholarships for students from Africa and other regions
- A diverse global cohort of future public leaders and practitioners
Who can apply
- Open to applicants from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds
- Most candidates hold at least two years of professional experience, and often more
- Applicants must meet the University of Oxford’s general graduate admission requirements
- Evidence of proficiency in the English language is required
- For the Aig-Imoukhuede MPP Scholarship, applicants must be ordinarily resident in Nigeria, currently employed in the Nigerian public service, and committed to continuing in public service in Nigeria
Who should not apply
- The Aig-Imoukhuede MPP Scholarship is limited to Nigerian public servants meeting the stated conditions, while other awards carry their own separate criteria
- A place on the course is not guaranteed by scholarship eligibility, admission and funding are assessed separately
Documents to prepare
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae of no more than two pages
- A reflective policy essay
- A short public service essay of around 200 words
- Transcripts from previous degrees
- Three references
- Evidence of proficiency in the English language where required
How to apply
- Open the Blavatnik School of Government how to apply page and follow the link to the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions portal.
- Start an application for the Master of Public Policy for the 2027/28 academic year.
- Complete the form and upload your personal statement, CV, reflective policy essay, public service essay, transcripts and referee details.
- Provide evidence of English language proficiency if your application calls for it.
- Review the School and University scholarship listings and apply for the awards you qualify for, including the Aig-Imoukhuede MPP Scholarship if you are a Nigerian public servant.
- Submit your application before the closing date of 2 December 2026.
Selection process
- Applications are assessed on academic merit, professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service.
- Scholarship awards are reviewed against the specific criteria of each fund.
- Offers are made after the School and the University’s central admissions review, and candidates are advised to allow time for any follow up requests.
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Applicants of any nationality who meet the course entry criteria may apply, and the Aig-Imoukhuede MPP Scholarship is set aside for Nigerians who are ordinarily resident in Nigeria and working in the Nigerian public service.
When do applications close?
Applications for the 2027/28 intake close on 2 December 2026. No cut-off time is published, so it is wise to apply well before the date.
Does the scholarship cover costs?
The Aig-Imoukhuede award covers the full course fee of £54,650 for overseas students plus a set amount toward living expenses. Other Oxford and School awards vary in what they cover.
Important disclaimer
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