Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Opens 2027/2028

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has opened applications for its 2027/2028 postgraduate scholarships at the University of Edinburgh. According to the source, the program provides comprehensive financial and developmental support for young Africans, with Edinburgh's iteration emphasizing climate leadership and offering both on-campus and online study options.

Prospective applicants must act quickly. The first critical step is attending mandatory online information sessions scheduled between September 15 and 24, 2026. Missing this stage disqualifies candidates from the main application process, which has a final deadline in November.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must be citizens or refugees of an African country and be resident in Africa. They must be 35 years old or younger when the program begins, meaning they must have been born on or after January 1, 1992. Candidates should not already hold a postgraduate degree and must meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen master's program at Edinburgh, typically equivalent to a UK upper-second-class bachelor's degree.

The program seeks individuals who have faced significant barriers to education or in their early careers. It also values demonstrated leadership and community service. The University of Edinburgh specifically encourages applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Program Structure and Benefits

The University of Edinburgh offers two distinct scholarship routes for the 2027/2028 academic year. The on-campus scholarship supports a one-year, full-time master's degree. The online scholarship provides for distance learning. Both pathways include participation in the university's Climate Leadership Programme.

Financial support is extensive. For on-campus scholars, it covers approved tuition, accommodation, travel, study materials, and a living-cost stipend. Online scholars receive full approved tuition fees and an academic stipend intended to support access to a laptop and reliable internet. They also get an opportunity to attend an in-person gathering.

Available Courses of Study

The scholarship supports a wide range of postgraduate programs aligned with development and sustainability themes. Eligible courses vary between the on-campus and online study modes.

What Makes This Program Different?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program distinguishes itself from traditional scholarships in several key ways. The source states it is "more than tuition funding," often providing holistic support for living costs, travel, and academic materials alongside mentoring and leadership development. Leadership and community impact are weighted alongside academic achievement during selection.

The program deliberately considers applicants who have overcome financial, social, or personal barriers. Scholars join an active community with networking and professional development opportunities, rather than just receiving a financial award. A core principle is translating education into tangible change. The University of Edinburgh's registry services notes that selection considers academic merit, major leadership, community service, alignment with climate justice, potential impact in the applicant's home country, and the barriers they have overcome.

Application Advice

A strong application tells a coherent story. The source advises candidates to demonstrate leadership, service, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose through concrete examples of impact. Applicants should be prepared to answer why they have chosen a specific program and university, and what they plan to do with the opportunity. Generic ambitions are less persuasive than specific plans.

Edinburgh explicitly advises against recycling the same application for multiple universities. The application process includes short essays exploring the candidate's personal story, experience, and future ambitions. Preparation should begin early, with academic documents ready and a thorough review of all eligibility criteria. The Mastercard Foundation program is not a single application; it is a network of partnerships where each university, including Oxford, Toronto, and British Columbia, manages its own process and deadlines.