The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is inviting applications from exceptional young people across Sub-Saharan Africa who have demonstrated academic potential, leadership, community service, and a commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
The scholarship supports talented young people who have experienced significant barriers to education and are committed to using their education to create meaningful change in their communities and countries.
The one-year, on-campus postgraduate scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including approved tuition fees, accommodation, travel, a living-cost stipend, and study materials such as a laptop.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Reward: Fully Funded Scholarship | Tuition Fees | Accommodation | Travel | Living Cost Stipend | Study Materials | Laptop
- IELTS: Not Required
- Study Mode: On-Campus
- Duration: 1 Year
- Age Limit: 35 or Under
- Deadline: November 19, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to develop a community of talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The programme places a strong emphasis on tackling the climate crisis and supporting young people who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their communities and countries.
Selected Scholars will receive access to postgraduate study alongside leadership development, professional networks, and support designed to help them become agents of positive change.
The programme particularly encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027, applicants must:
- Meet the academic requirements for admission to an eligible postgraduate degree programme at the University of Edinburgh.
- Generally hold the equivalent of a UK Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or higher.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree and be able to provide a degree certificate and official final transcript by the application deadline.
- Be a citizen and resident of, or hold refugee status in, a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Have experienced significant barriers to education, including social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related challenges.
- Demonstrate a history of leadership and service within their community.
- Demonstrate experience or strong ambition to contribute meaningfully to addressing the climate crisis.
- Be 35 years old or younger as of September 1, 2027.
- Not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
- Not be enrolled at, or applying to enrol at, another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
- Be prepared to study on campus at the University of Edinburgh.
Applicants can review country-specific postgraduate admission requirements through the official University of Edinburgh website:
Postgraduate entry requirements for Africa
Scholarship Benefits
Successful Scholars will receive:
- Full approved tuition fees for the eligible programme.
- Accommodation support.
- Travel and airline ticket support.
- A living-cost stipend to support day-to-day expenses.
- Study materials, including a laptop.
- Access to a climate leadership programme designed to help Scholars develop the skills and networks needed to create change.
- Additional support for Scholars with disabilities based on an individual assessment of needs.
- Opportunities to build professional and leadership networks within an international community.
- The opportunity to study at the University of Edinburgh while developing skills to contribute to sustainable development and climate action.
How to Apply
To apply for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027:
- Review the eligibility requirements and identify a relevant postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh.
- Applicants must attend a mandatory information session between September 15 and 24, 2026 to learn about the eligibility criteria and application process.
- Eligible attendees will subsequently be informed whether they are invited to apply.
- Invited applicants must complete the Applicant Declaration Form by October 19, 2026.
- Candidates will then be required to complete the Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application Form by November 19, 2026.
- Ensure that your undergraduate degree certificate and official final transcript are available for submission by the required deadline.
- Successful and unsuccessful candidates are expected to receive notification regarding their admission decision to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by early February 2027.
Mandatory Information Session
Prospective applicants must attend the mandatory information session before proceeding with the scholarship application.
Register for the Mandatory Information Session
To begin the application process and access further information, visit the official University of Edinburgh website
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