The University of Edinburgh MasterCard Scholarships are for outstanding young Africans who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence, have surmounted educational obstacles, and are dedicated to continuing their education on campus.
Application Deadlines
- 19 November 2026 (5pm UK time) → Scholarship Main Application closes
Tell Me About The Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh supports exceptional young leaders from Africa who have overcome barriers to education. It provides full funding for one‑year postgraduate taught Master’s degrees (on‑campus) or online postgraduate diplomas, with a strong focus on climate justice, leadership, and community impact.
Which Fields are Eligible
On‑campus MSc programmes include:
- Africa & International Development
- Food Security
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Data, Inequality & Society
- Operational Research
- Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Change Finance & Investment
- Planetary Health
- Environment & Development
Online postgraduate diplomas are also available in selected fields.
Type
- Postgraduate Scholarship | Master’s (on‑campus) & Online Diplomas | Africa‑focused
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Hold at least a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Be residents, citizens, or refugees in an African country.
- Be aged 35 or under (born on or after 1 January 1992 for 2027/28 intake).
- Have graduated from undergraduate study and upload degree certificate + transcript by 19 November 2026.
- Demonstrate leadership and service in their community.
- Show experience or ambition in addressing the climate crisis.
- Not have previously completed a postgraduate degree (for Master’s applicants).
How Are Scholars Selected
- Based on academic merit, leadership track record, and commitment to climate justice.
- Consideration of barriers faced in education (social, financial, personal, health‑related).
- Quality of application and potential impact on applicant’s home country.
Which Countries are Eligible
- African countries only (citizens, residents, or refugees).
Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken
- University of Edinburgh, Scotland (on‑campus) or online postgraduate diploma programmes.
How Many Scholars
- Cohort size varies annually; highly competitive.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship
- Full tuition fees.
- Accommodation, travel, living stipend, and study materials.
- Climate Leadership Programme.
- Participation in the Climate Enterprise School (sustainable entrepreneurship training).
- Disability support (needs‑based).
- Transition support for settling into studies.
How Long Will the Scholarship Last
- One year (on‑campus Master’s).
- Duration of online postgraduate diploma programme.
Required Documents
- Degree certificate and official transcript.
- Applicant Declaration Form.
- Scholarship Main Application.
- Evidence of leadership/service.
- Proof of residency/citizenship/refugee status in Africa.
How to Apply
- Check eligibility for postgraduate entry requirements.
- Explore degree programmes (on‑campus or online).
- Attend a mandatory virtual information session (15–24 September 2026).
- Receive invitation to apply (13 October 2026).
- Complete Applicant Declaration Form by 19 October 2026.
- Submit Scholarship Main Application by 19 November 2026.
- Await assessment, interviews, and final outcome (February–March 2027).
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
