The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships to eligible young Africans who have demonstrated academic potential, leadership and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
The scholarship supports selected on-campus master’s programmes as well as eligible online postgraduate programmes for the 2027/28 academic year.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars can receive comprehensive financial, academic and personal support. Depending on the programme, support can include:
– Tuition fees
– Accommodation and living support
– Academic materials
– Mentoring and leadership development
– Academic and social support
– Other approved scholarship-related expenses
The Mastercard Foundation describes its scholarships as providing financial, academic and psychosocial support to selected scholars.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the 2027/28 University of Edinburgh programme generally must:
– Be a citizen and resident of an African country or hold refugee status in an African country.
– Meet the academic requirements for the chosen programme, generally equivalent to a UK Second Class Upper (2:1) degree or higher.
– Have experienced significant barriers to education or early-career development.
– Demonstrate leadership and community service.
– Show experience or strong ambition to address climate-related challenges.
– Be 35 years old or younger when the programme begins.
– Hold an undergraduate degree and provide the required final transcript and certificate.
– For master’s applicants, not already hold a postgraduate degree.
The programme particularly encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, and refugees or displaced persons.
Application Process for 2027
The application process has changed for the 2027/28 intake.
Applicants must first attend a mandatory virtual information session taking place between 15 and 24 September 2026. Attendance does not guarantee an invitation to apply, but eligible attendees will receive invitations to the next stage.
Important dates include:
– 15–24 September 2026: Mandatory information sessions
– 13 October 2026: Eligible applicants invited to apply
– 19 October 2026: Applicant Declaration deadline
– 19 November 2026: Main scholarship application deadline
– Early to mid-February 2027: Expected scholarship outcome
If successful, applicants will then be invited to apply for their chosen University of Edinburgh degree programme through the normal admissions process.
Required Documents
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
– Undergraduate degree certificate
– Official final academic transcript
– Personal and educational information
– Evidence relevant to eligibility
– Information about leadership and community involvement
– Details of climate-impact experience or ambitions
– Other documents required during the application process
Conclusion
(Apply Now) The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is a fully funded postgraduate opportunity designed to support talented young Africans who have faced barriers to education and demonstrate leadership, community service and a commitment to addressing climate challenges.
Eligible applicants should attend the required information session and prepare their documents early, as the main scholarship application closes on 19 November 2026 at 5pm UK time.