The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh is a fully funded initiative to support talented young Africans who have faced significant barriers in their education, and to train them as future leaders in sustainability and climate-justice. It offers both on-campus Master’s scholarships and online Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma scholarships.
The program emphasises climate leadership, entrepreneurial skill, community impact and the development of an African scholar community.
Location (country/city)
- Country: United Kingdom
- City: Edinburgh, Scotland (University of Edinburgh)
- Note: For online routes, scholars may reside in their home country in Africa while studying online; for on-campus routes they will relocate to Edinburgh.
Funding
- The scholarship covers full tuition fees for eligible Master’s programme (on-campus) or online Master’s/Diploma programmes.
- It also provides an academic stipend (e.g., for laptop, access to internet) for online scholars, and supports participation in a “Climate Leadership Programme” (workshops, placements, mentorship) for all scholars.
- Housing, living cost support would apply for on-campus scholars (though specific amount not detailed in summary sources).
Eligibility Criteria
Key eligibility criteria for the 2026-27 cycle:
- Applicants must be citizens, residents or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa) and must have faced significant barriers to their education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and fulfill the University of Edinburgh’s entry requirements for a relevant Master’s or diploma programme.
- Age limit: Applicants must be 35 or under at the year the programme commences. For 2026/27 intake: born on or after 1 Jan 1991.
- Applicants should not have already completed a postgraduate degree if applying for certain routes (especially on-campus Master’s); for online/diploma routes different criteria apply.
- Demonstrated leadership potential, community service record, and a commitment to impact in their home country, especially aligned with climate justice theme.
Application Date
- Applications for the 2026/27 cycle open 14 October 2025 at 10:00 UK BST.
- First stage of application (Declaration & Eligibility Assessment) must be completed by 14 November 2025, 5 pm UK time.
Application Deadline
- Full application deadline for the 2026/27 cycle: 21 November 2025 at 17:00 GMT.
- After submission, review and interview steps follow, with offers expected March 2026 for academic year beginning September 2026.
Duration of Program or Opportunity
- On-campus Master’s: typically one year full-time (most eligible programmes) commencing September 2026.
- Online Master’s: part-time over up to three years (scholars stay in home country while studying).
- Postgraduate Diploma route: part-time over two years for working professionals in Africa.
Application Process
- Register and complete Declaration & Eligibility Assessment via the SM Apply portal when applications open (14 Oct 2025).
- Full application submission by 21 Nov 2025: upload required documents (academic transcripts, degree certificate, passport/ID, personal statement, evidence of barriers, leadership experience, etc).
- University committees review applications (late Nov 2025–Jan 2026) and shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview (Feb–March 2026).
- Offers issued around March 2026; successful candidates then apply for admission to chosen degree programme at University of Edinburgh and manage visa/immigration (if on-campus).
- Start of academic programme: September 2026 for on-campus scholars. Online scholars begin programme once admitted but timeframe spans up to 3 years.
Application Website
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