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Meta description: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is open for the 2027/28 academic year, offering fully funded on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships for African students. Attendance at a mandatory information session (15–24 September 2026) is required before applying.
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A Fully Funded Postgraduate Opportunity for African Students
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is now open for the 2027/28 academic year, offering eligible African students the chance to pursue selected postgraduate programs either on campus in Edinburgh or fully online at no personal cost. The scholarship is aimed at talented young leaders from across Africa who have overcome significant barriers to education and are committed to driving positive change on the continent, with a particular focus on climate leadership and sustainable development.
This year’s cycle introduces a major change to the application process: candidates can no longer apply directly. Instead, they must first attend a mandatory virtual information session before receiving an invitation to apply.
What the Scholarship Covers
For on-campus Scholars:
- Full tuition and approved study costs
- Accommodation and travel support
- A living-cost stipend
- Study materials
- Academic and leadership development support
- Support related to studying and settling in the UK
For online Scholars:
- Full tuition coverage
- Additional support for technology and programme participation
Scholars with disabilities also receive additional, needs-based financial and structural support.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen and resident of an African country (refugee status in an African country also qualifies)
- Be 35 years old or younger generally meaning born on or after 1 January 1992 for this cycle
- Have faced significant barriers to education or career opportunities (social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related)
- Demonstrate leadership and community service
- Show genuine interest and ambition in addressing the climate crisis
- Meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen Edinburgh programme generally the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher
- Not already hold a postgraduate degree (for Master’s applicants), and not be enrolled or applying to enroll at another university while on the scholarship
Women, people with disabilities, and applicants from refugee or displaced backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply though belonging to these groups is not a requirement.
Important: You Cannot Apply Directly
For the 2027/28 cycle, the application process has changed significantly. Prospective applicants must:
- Attend a mandatory virtual information session (15–24 September 2026) registration alone is not enough; you must actually attend, and sessions will not be recorded
- Complete a short eligibility questionnaire during registration
- Wait to be invited to apply if the questionnaire confirms preliminary eligibility
Some session slots particularly for on-campus Master’s programmes are already filling up quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended.
Applicants should not apply separately to their University of Edinburgh degree programme at this stage. The scholarship application comes first; only candidates who are awarded a scholarship will later be invited to apply for admission through the University’s standard process.
Key Dates to Remember
| Stage | Date |
| Mandatory virtual information sessions | 15 – 24 September 2026 |
| Eligible attendees notified of invitation to apply | 13 October 2026 |
| Applicant Declaration Form deadline | 19 October 2026, 5:00 PM UK time |
| Main scholarship application deadline | 19 November 2026, 5:00 PM UK time |
| Applications assessed by University committees | Late November 2026 – January 2027 |
| Interview outcomes announced | End of March 2027 |
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected research universities. Through this partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, it offers one of the most comprehensive postgraduate funding packages available to African students — covering not just tuition, but living costs, travel, and long-term leadership development. With its strong emphasis on climate action and sustainable transitions, the programme is especially well suited to applicants working in environment, development, governance, education, public health, or related sustainability-linked fields.
