2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Edinburgh

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is inviting applications for its 2027/28 scholarship cycle.

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The programme supports exceptional young people who have demonstrated strong academic and leadership potential, overcome significant barriers to education and are committed to creating meaningful change in their communities and countries.

For the on campus postgraduate scholarship, successful scholars will study a one year, full time postgraduate taught Master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh. They will live and study in Edinburgh while receiving financial and additional support throughout their studies.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Edinburgh at a glance

Benefits of the Scholarship

• Full approved tuition
• Accommodation
• Travel support
• Living cost stipend
• Study materials
• Climate Leadership Programme
• Climate Enterprise School
• Disability support
• Transition support

Eligible Master’s programmes

• Africa and International Development
• Food Security
• Sustainable Energy Systems
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Data, Inequality and Society
• Operational Research
• Environmental Sustainability
• Climate Change Finance and Investment
• Planetary Health
• Environment and Development

Academic requirement

• Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh for one of the relevant degree programmes.
• The general academic requirement is the equivalent of a UK Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree, also known as a 2:1, or higher.
• Applicants should also check the University of Edinburgh’s postgraduate entry requirements for their particular country.

Undergraduate degree

• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies.
• They must have a degree certificate and official final transcript available to upload by 19 November 2026.

Citizenship/Residency

Applicants must be:

• Citizens of an African country
• Residents of an African country
• Or hold refugee status in an African country

Leadership and community service

Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.

Barriers to education

Applicants should have faced significant barriers to education or during their early career. The Barriers include;

• Social
• Financial
• Personal
• Practical
• Health related

Climate action

Applicants must demonstrate experience or at least a clear ambition to make a meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate crisis.

Age requirement

For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants must be 35 or under. Applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1992. Anyone born in 1991 or earlier is not eligible according to the supplied eligibility information.

Additional eligibility for Master’s applicants

• If you are applying for a Master’s programme, you should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
• You should also not be enrolled in, or applying to enrol at, another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.

Who is  Encouraged to Apply?

• Women
• People from refugee and displaced backgrounds
• People with disabilities

How to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Before preparing the application, confirm that you meet the programme requirements.

Step 2: Choose an eligible Master’s programme

The on campus scholarship is available only for the listed programmes. Review the current list and select a programme that matches your academic background and career goals. Remember that the University states that the eligible programme list can change.

Step 3: Attend a mandatory information session

Prospective applicants must attend a mandatory information session between 15 and 24 September 2026. These sessions are intended to help applicants understand the eligibility requirements and application process.

Step 4: Prepare your academic documents

You need to have your undergraduate degree certificate and official final transcript. These documents must be uploaded alongside your application by 19 November 2026.

Step 5: Prepare your scholarship application

Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program open on 13 October 2026. Eligible applicants can then begin the application process.

Step 6: Complete the Applicant Declaration Form

The Applicant Declaration Form must be completed by the deadline. The form closes on: 19 October 2026 at 5pm UK time

Step 7: Wait for the assessment process

University committees will assess submitted applications from late November 2026 through January 2027.

Application timeline for 2027/28

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