United Kingdom · Fully funded
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 for Young Africans
Updated 25 October 2026
Open
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers fully funded master's scholarships to talented young Africans who have overcome barriers to education and are committed to giving back to their communities. Scholars study on campus in Edinburgh, Scotland, or online, and all take part in a climate leadership programme.
Important: how to apply for 2027/28
For the 2027/28 cycle, attending a virtual information session was compulsory. The sessions took place from 15 to 24 September 2026 and were not recorded. Only eligible applicants who attended a session receive an invitation and an application link.
- If you attended a session: complete the Applicant Declaration Form by 26 October 2026, 5pm UK time, and submit your main application by 19 November 2026, 5pm UK time.
- If you missed the sessions: you cannot apply this cycle, but you can prepare now for the 2028/29 cycle. Watch for information session registration around August–September 2027.
Scholarship options
On-campus master's scholarship
For a one-year taught master's degree in Edinburgh:
- Full approved tuition fees
- Return flights to the UK
- Accommodation
- Living stipend
- Study materials
- Climate Leadership Programme and Climate Enterprise School
- Disability support and career transition support
Online postgraduate scholarship
For an online postgraduate diploma or master's degree, studied from home:
- Full approved tuition fees
- Academic stipend for a laptop and internet access
- An in-person gathering with other Scholars
- Climate Leadership Programme and Climate Enterprise School
- A dedicated online coordinator
- Disability support and career transition support
Who can apply
- A citizen or resident of an African country, or a refugee living in Africa
- 35 or under in the year the programme starts (for 2027/28, born on or after 1 January 1992)
- Have faced significant barriers to education or early career, such as financial, social, personal or health challenges
- A track record of leadership and service in your community
- Experience or strong ambition in tackling the climate crisis
- An undergraduate degree certificate and official transcript (online diploma applicants may still be finishing their degree)
- For master's applicants: no previous postgraduate degree, and you must not be enrolled at another university during the scholarship
2027/28 timeline
| Stage |
Date |
| Mandatory virtual information sessions |
15–24 September 2026 (closed) |
| Invitations sent to eligible attendees |
13 October 2026 |
| Applicant Declaration Form deadline |
26 October 2026, 5pm UK time |
| Main application deadline |
19 November 2026, 5pm UK time |
| Admission decisions |
Early February 2027 |
| Interviews |
February to March 2027 |
| Final outcomes |
End of March 2027 |
| Programmes start |
September 2027 |
How to prepare for the next cycle
- Check your eligibility on the official scholarship pages.
- Register early for an information session when registration opens (expected around August–September 2027).
- Attend a full session. It is the only route to an invitation.
- Prepare your documents early: degree certificate, transcripts, CV and English test results.
- Build your story. Write down the barriers you've overcome, your leadership and community service, and your plans to tackle climate challenges in Africa.
Tips
- Show clear examples of leadership and how you have given back to your community.
- Connect your chosen programme to a climate or development challenge in your country.
- Be honest and specific about the barriers you have faced and how you overcame them.
- Applying is free. Never pay anyone who promises a Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
For questions, contact the programme team at [email protected].