Fully Funded University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28
Job Description
Applications Open for the Fully Funded University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28
The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is inviting applications for its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2027/28 academic year.
The programme provides fully funded postgraduate study opportunities for talented young Africans who have demonstrated leadership, commitment to their communities, and an interest in addressing the climate crisis. Scholarships are available for eligible on-campus and online postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh.
About the University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a leading public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1583, the University is one of the UK’s oldest universities and attracts students and researchers from around the world.
Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the University supports talented young Africans to access postgraduate education and develop the knowledge, skills and networks needed to contribute to their communities and wider society.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Institution: University of Edinburgh
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Academic Year: 2027/28
- Study Location: Edinburgh, Scotland / Online
- Study Options: On-campus and online
- Eligible Region: Africa
- Funding: Fully funded
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial and developmental support. Depending on the programme and mode of study, support includes:
- Full tuition and study costs
- Living-cost support
- Support for studying in the UK
- Academic and professional development support
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community
- Other programme-related support for successful scholars
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen and resident of an African country, or otherwise meet the programme’s applicable African residency requirements
- Be 35 years old or younger for the 2027/28 academic year
- Have faced significant barriers to education or career opportunities
- Demonstrate leadership and a record of community service
- Demonstrate an interest in, or commitment to, addressing the climate crisis
- Meet the academic requirements for their chosen University of Edinburgh programme
- Have completed their undergraduate studies and be able to provide the required academic documentation
- Not have previously completed a postgraduate degree if applying for a Master’s scholarship
Women, people with disabilities, and applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Important Application Requirement
Prospective applicants cannot proceed directly to the scholarship application for the 2027/28 cycle.
Applicants must first attend a mandatory virtual information session between 15 and 24 September 2026. The sessions provide information about the programme, eligibility requirements and application process.
Eligible attendees will subsequently be invited to submit an application for the scholarship. Attendance at an information session does not automatically guarantee an invitation to apply.
Key Dates
- Virtual Information Sessions: 15–24 September 2026
- Invitations to Eligible Applicants: 13 October 2026
- Applicant Declaration Deadline: 19 October 2026
- Scholarship Application Deadline: 19 November 2026
- Interviews: February–March 2027
- Final Scholarship Decisions: By the end of March 2027
- Programme Start: September 2027
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first review the eligibility requirements and available programmes before registering for one of the mandatory virtual information sessions.
After attending an information session, applicants who satisfy the preliminary eligibility requirements may be invited to proceed with the formal scholarship application.
Application Deadline: 19 November 2026