Donate to the Alumni Scholarship
Together, our alumni can ensure that exceptional future public leaders are never prevented from studying at Oxford because of financial circumstances.
Every year, talented future public leaders are unable to take up their place because they cannot afford to attend. Together, our alumni community can change that.
Whether you give £10, £100 or more, every gift combines to fund a life-changing scholarship.
Meet our 2025 Alumni Scholar
Since 2022, hundreds of alumni have come together to ensure exceptional future public leaders can study at Oxford, regardless of their financial circumstances. Hear how the Alumni MPP Scholarship made it possible for our 2025 Scholar, Alienor, to join the Blavatnik School community, and how the support of alumni continues to shape the next generation of public leaders.
“There are some things in life that would never be possible without the support of others. For me, studying at Oxford was one of them.I was first admitted in 2022, but due to a lack of funding, I had to turn down my offer. I applied again in 2023 and, this time, thanks to the MPP Alumni Scholarship, I was able to fulfil my long-held dream of pursuing a Master of Public Policy. Studying at BSG was exactly what I needed to deepen my understanding of the leadership and political direction that countries truly require today. This experience was particularly enriching because I learned alongside classmates representing more than 50 nationalities. Through that extraordinary diversity of experiences and perspectives, I was challenged every day to question how governments can genuinely address the most pressing problems facing their people, regardless of the constraints.
Since graduating, I have not only continued to reflect on these questions but have also been able to put what I learned into practice wherever it is needed most.”Denisse Salazar Pazmino (MPP 2023), first Alumni Scholar
Launch of the Scholarship
The Alumni MPP Scholarship was launched in 2022 by Dean Ngaire Woods to help support yet more exceptional future public leaders to join our community. It is an opportunity for us all to join together in support of the mission we all share.
You know the powerful mix of experiences and perspectives that the School offers. And you have experienced first-hand the global influence of our community and the positive impact they are having on the world.
As the School marks over ten years of teaching, this is our opportunity to come together so another future leader can join our community.
Frequently asked questions
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How can I give?
You can give online through the giving portal, by bank transfer, or by cheque. If you would like to discuss other forms of giving or what options there may be to make a gift tax-efficiently from beyond the UK or US please do get in touch.
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I know someone else who might be able to support this scholarship – can I share this opportunity with them?
Yes, please do! This scholarship is focused on the School community and getting as many people as possible involved, so please do share the link with others. If you think you might know of an individual, foundation, or another organisation that might be able to provide significant support to this or another scholarship please do get in touch with the Development team.
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How will the scholarship be awarded?
The Alumni MPP Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding candidate who has been assessed against three key criteria:
- Academic excellence
- Track record in public service
- Experience in leadership and impact
The scholarship will also be awarded based on genuine financial need. After an offer to study on the MPP has been made students will complete a questionnaire to identify their need for support. This will include looking at their income, how much they would require to join us, and offer candidates the opportunity to highlight disadvantages they have encountered.
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How much is a full scholarship?
In 2024–25 a full scholarship will be around £69,000. If more than one full scholarship is raised then the School will make one full award and any remaining funds will be used to support other exceptional candidates.
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When will the scholarship be awarded?
The scholarship will be awarded for the 2024–25 academic year.
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How can I contact the Development team at the Blavatnik?
For further details about the Alumni MPP Scholarship, please contact Eleanor Mottram, Development Manager, at development@bsg.ox.ac.uk.
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Why is the School launching this appeal?
At the founding of the School, our Dean Ngaire Woods set the goal that no applicant should forego a place at the School for lack of finance. We have made great strides towards that goal but – to our great regret – each year there are great candidates who cannot take up their place, and others who endure great hardship while they are on course due to their financial constraints.
Your gift would help another brilliant candidate to take up their place at the School and would send the strongest possible signal to potential donors that the School community is doing everything in our power to make it possible for all those we select to join the programme.
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Does my gift make a difference, even if its small?
Yes. The Alumni MPP Scholarship is made possible by alumni giving together. Gifts of every size combine to help outstanding future public leaders join our community.
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What is Gift Aid and can I include it?
Gift aid is a government programme that allows charities to claim back tax on donations. With Gift Aid, we receive an additional 25 pence from HMRC for every pound received through a donation. For example, your donation of £10 automatically becomes £12.50.
To have your donation go further, tick the checkbox on the form to use Gift Aid.
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How will the scholarship be awarded?
Alumni Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates who have been assessed against academic excellent, their track record in public service and their experience in leadership and impact.
The scholarship will be awarded based on genuine financial need.
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How much is a full scholarship?
In 2026-27 a full scholarship will be around £76,000. Every donation, no matter the amount will contribute towards this.
Please contact Rachel Gaw (Head of Alumni and Supporter Relations) if you have any questions.