Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust Scholarship
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme combines a fully-funded Oxford Master's with a parallel year-long leadership curriculum at the Blavatnik School of Government. It targets emerging leaders from transition and developing economies — Sri Lanka is on the eligible country list — who can show clear leadership impact in their home region. Around 30 scholars are selected each year. Awardees commit to returning to their home country or region after Oxford to contribute to public life, civil society, business, or policy.
University of Oxford
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Tuition
100% University + College fees
Stipend
Oxford-aligned living grant (~£18k/yr)
Duration
1-2 Year Master's
Awards
~30 / year
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Country National
Applicants must be nationals of and resident in an eligible transition / developing economy. Sri Lanka has been on the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann list every recent cycle.
Oxford Master's Offer
You must be applying for or admitted to a 1- or 2-year Master's (MSc, MPhil, MBA, MPP, BCL/MJur etc.) at Oxford. Doctoral programmes are not eligible for this award.
Leadership Track Record
Demonstrated leadership in your professional, civic, or community life. Activities that show service beyond yourself — not just academic excellence — are weighted heavily by the selection panel.
Return-Home Commitment
Commit to return to your home country or region after Oxford to apply your training. The Trust tracks alumni outcomes and explicitly looks for candidates planning real-world impact.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to an eligible Oxford Master's
Submit your Oxford graduate application by the relevant January deadline. The Master's department screens you on academics first.
Tick the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann box
On the Oxford application's funding section, select Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust and complete the additional questions about leadership, motivation, and home-country impact.
Trust shortlisting & interview
The Trust shortlists candidates after the department's academic ranking and interviews them (typically online for Sri Lankan applicants) in March-April.
Final offer + leadership programme
Successful candidates receive a joint Oxford admission and Weidenfeld scholarship offer, plus enrolment in the leadership programme at the Blavatnik School running alongside their degree.
Why Weidenfeld-Hoffmann?
Founded in 2007 by Lord George Weidenfeld, the Trust pairs Oxford's academic depth with a structured leadership curriculum at the Blavatnik School of Government. Scholars build lifelong networks across emerging economies.
~30
New Scholars / Year
100+
Countries in Alumni Network
Since 2007
Programme Running
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