The University of British Columbia (UBC), in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, is currently welcoming applications for the 2026 Master’s degree intake from students across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This prestigious program provides access to higher education for academically talented but economically disadvantaged young Africans, offering them the resources to transform their lives and communities.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Tuition | Accommodation | Living Stipend | Travel Costs | Laptop | Study Expenses | Post-Graduation Support
- Application Opens: August 30, 2025
- Deadline: September 12, 2025
Scholarship Details
The University of British Columbia is one of the pioneering Canadian universities to partner with the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, a $500 million global education initiative that supports talented yet economically marginalized students. Over a ten-year period, UBC will host 163 MasterCard Foundation Scholars, including undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The 2026 UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship specifically invites applications for Master’s programs under the Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and the Faculty of Science. Selected candidates will benefit from world-class education, leadership training, and holistic support while being prepared to return to their home countries to contribute meaningfully to development and growth.
Eligible Programs
- Faculty of Forestry
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
- Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
- Faculty of Science
- Master of Data Science
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 UBC MasterCard Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree
- Not already possess a graduate or PhD degree
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (born in 1988 or later)
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Have lived a significant part of their life in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Demonstrate financial need and present economically disadvantaged circumstances
- Show evidence of academic excellence under challenging conditions
- Exhibit leadership qualities and a strong commitment to community service
- Intend to return to Africa to apply acquired skills and training
- Require a Canadian study permit to pursue studies at UBC
- Apply for one of the eligible Master’s programs at the UBC Vancouver campus
Note: Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible. Funds from this scholarship cannot be applied to programs at other universities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars will receive:
- Full coverage of tuition and study-related costs
- Travel allowance including flights
- A living stipend to cover food and daily expenses
- Accommodation and housing support
- A working laptop and required study materials
- Comprehensive academic, financial, social, and career support throughout their program
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form
- Personal Statements (answers to specific questions, within the word limits)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts (legible copies; with English translation if applicable)
- Checklist, signed declaration, and completed application package
Personal Statement Questions include:
- Your story: what defines you and what values matter most to you (200–300 words)
- Community involvement: describe a recent meaningful engagement and your role (200–300 words)
- Motivation: why UBC? how your program aligns with career and personal goals (200–300 words)
- Resilience: describe a challenge you overcame and what you learned (200–300 words)
- Financial condition: explain your current financial situation (200–300 words)
How to Apply
To apply for this scholarship,
- Submit an Expression of Interest by September 12, 2025
- Eligible candidates will be invited to submit a full scholarship application by October 15, 2025
- Apply directly to your chosen UBC Faculty by November 26, 2025 (late applications will not be considered)
- Once your scholarship application is complete, successful applicants will receive instructions to submit an online UBC admission application
- Applicants from the world’s 50 least developed countries may be eligible for a fee waiver
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