Mastercard Foundation Fully Funded Scholarship Program to the University of Edinburgh 2027/2028
Job Description
Mastercard Foundation Fully Funded Scholarship Program to the University of Edinburgh 2027/2028
Applications are set to open for the 2027/2028 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, providing postgraduate scholarship opportunities for talented young people from Africa.
The programme offers both on-campus Master’s scholarships in Edinburgh and online postgraduate scholarships, with a strong focus on sustainability, climate action, development and supporting young Africans who can contribute to sustainable transitions across the continent.
For the 2027/2028 recruitment cycle, the application process has changed significantly. Prospective applicants must first register for and attend a mandatory virtual information session before they can be considered for an invitation to submit a scholarship application.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh supports talented young Africans through postgraduate education and broader development opportunities.
For the September 2027 intake, the programme is recruiting scholars for selected sustainability-focused postgraduate programmes delivered either on campus at the University of Edinburgh or through online distance learning.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Young women
- Young people with disabilities
- Young people with refugee or displaced status
About the University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a leading public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1583, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines and attracts students and researchers from around the world.
The University partners with the Mastercard Foundation to deliver the Scholars Program and support the development of skilled, entrepreneurial and socially conscious young leaders from Africa.
Available On-Campus Master’s Programmes
Scholarships are available for the following on-campus programmes:
- Africa & International Development
- Climate Change Finance & Investment
- Data, Inequality & Society
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Environment & Development
- Environmental Sustainability
- Food Security
- Operational Research
- Planetary Health
- Sustainable Energy Systems
Available Online Programmes
Online distance-learning scholarships are available for selected MSc and postgraduate diploma programmes, including:
- Biodiversity, Wildlife & Ecosystem Health
- Climate Change Management
- Data-Driven Breeding & Genetics
- Data Science Technologies
- Digital Education
- Global Food Security & Nutrition
- Global Health & Infectious Diseases
- International Development
- One Health
- Social Justice & Community Action
Some programmes are available only as an MSc, while others offer MSc or Diploma routes. The University notes that the programme list is subject to change.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support for selected scholars. Support varies depending on whether a scholar is studying on campus or online.
The programme is designed to remove financial barriers to postgraduate education while providing scholars with access to learning, networks and development opportunities.
New Application Process for 2027/2028
Applicants should pay particular attention to the new recruitment process. You cannot simply proceed directly to the scholarship application.
The process begins with a mandatory virtual information session.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Applicants should first review the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility requirements to confirm that they qualify.
Step 2: Select an Eligible Programme
Applicants should review the available on-campus and online programmes and decide which programme and study mode best suit their goals.
At this stage, applicants should not submit a separate application for admission to the University of Edinburgh.
Step 3: Register for a Mandatory Information Session
Virtual information sessions will take place between 15 and 24 September 2026.
During registration, applicants will complete a short questionnaire that will be used to assess preliminary eligibility.
Attending a session alone does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Only attendees who also satisfy the scholarship eligibility requirements will be invited to proceed.
Information Sessions for On-Campus Applicants
- 15 September 2026 – 3:00 PM UK time
- 21 September 2026 – 11:00 AM UK time
- 24 September 2026 – 4:00 PM UK time
Information Sessions for Online Applicants
- 17 September 2026 – 4:00 PM UK time
- 22 September 2026 – 11:00 AM UK time
- 24 September 2026 – 3:00 PM UK time
Invitation to Apply
Eligible attendees will be notified on 13 October 2026 whether they have been invited to submit a scholarship application.
Successful applicants at this stage will receive an invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply.
Stage 1: Applicant Declaration Form
Invited candidates must first complete the Applicant Declaration Form, which collects additional information to confirm eligibility.
Deadline: 19 October 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time
The University warns that this stage can close earlier once the application limit is reached, so invited applicants are advised to complete it promptly.
Stage 2: Scholarship Main Application
Applicants who successfully pass the declaration stage will be invited to complete the full scholarship application.
Deadline: 19 November 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time
Applications submitted outside the designated online system or by applicants who have not followed the required recruitment process will not be accepted.
When to Apply for University Admission
Applicants should not initially apply separately for admission to their selected University of Edinburgh programme as part of this scholarship process.
Successful scholarship candidates are expected to receive scholarship offers around March 2027. They will then be invited to apply for admission to their chosen degree programme through the University’s normal admissions process.
Applicants pursuing other scholarships that require an active University application can apply for admission separately.
Study Begins: September 2027