Committed to achieve the goal of being a catalyst for public sector transformation, AIG will every year, for five years starting in 2017, fund five scholarships for outstanding West Africans from all backgrounds who are ardent about the public sector, to pursue the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government , University of Oxford. After convocation, AIG Scholars will be expected to go back to their home country and apply their learning experience as change agents in their country’s public sector.

The AIG Scholarships are targeted at graduates between the ages of 25 and 35 with strong intellectual capability, outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills and a passion to contribute to the development of Africa’s public sector.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Scholarship;

• You must be a citizen of Nigeria or Ghana
• You must be between the ages of 25 and 35 years (must not be 36 years old by December 31, 2020)
• You must have a first-class or second-class upper undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0
• You must be preferably top 10% of graduating class (First, Second or Master’s Degree) – evidence to be provided
• You must provide evidence of game-changing leadership and the resultant impact
• You must show skills and interests outside of academics (evidence to be provided)

Please note that:

• Academic distinction and leadership capability are key preferences for selection.
• In the case of candidates with second-class upper qualifications, a Master’s, second degree or relevant professional qualification will be an advantage.
• Only applicants shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process will be contacted and any inquiries regarding individual application status are strictly prohibited.
• Applications sent via post or in person are NOT acceptable.
• Candidates who emerge as finalists in the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) selection process will be expected to apply directly to the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, for admissions. Finalists who are offered admission to the Master of Public Policy will be considered by the School in the final selection of AIG Scholars.

Timeline

October 15, 2020: Application portal closes.

How to apply

Ensure you read through all the information on the website before you begin your application.

If you are interested, you can start your application via AIG Scholarships portal before it closes on Thursday, October 15, 2020.