University of Edinburgh MasterCard Scholarship supports outstanding young Africans and provides full funding for one-year on-campus postgraduate taught Master’s degrees or online postgraduate diplomas. The MasterCard Scholarship is aimed at applicants who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
The scholarship is delivered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, supporting African citizens, residents, and refugees to study on campus in Scotland or via selected online postgraduate diploma programmes.
MasterCard Scholarship Benefits
- 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.
MasterCard Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- 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).
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 for MasterCard Scholarship
- 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).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the MasterCard Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection, and how to apply based on the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information.
Who is eligible to apply for the MasterCard Scholarship?
Applicants must be citizens, residents, or refugees in an African country, hold at least a UK Second Class (Upper) bachelor’s degree or equivalent, be aged 35 or under for the 2027/28 intake, and demonstrate leadership, service, and engagement with climate-related issues. Master’s applicants must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
What programmes does the scholarship fund?
The scholarship funds one-year on-campus postgraduate taught Master’s degrees and selected online postgraduate diplomas at the University of Edinburgh, with a focus on areas such as climate justice, environmental sustainability, development, and related MSc programmes listed by the university.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
The MasterCard Scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides support for accommodation, travel, a living stipend, and study materials. Additional benefits include participation in a Climate Leadership Programme, the Climate Enterprise School, disability support where needed, and transition support for settling into studies.
What are the application deadlines I should note?
Key dates listed include mandatory virtual information sessions (15–24 September 2026), invitation to apply (13 October 2026), Applicant Declaration Form due by 19 October 2026, and the Scholarship Main Application closing on 19 November 2026 (5pm UK time). Final outcomes are expected February–March 2027.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include the degree certificate and official transcript, the Applicant Declaration Form, the Scholarship Main Application, evidence of leadership/service, and proof of residency, citizenship, or refugee status in an African country. Degree certificate and transcript must be uploaded by 19 November 2026.
How are scholars selected for the MasterCard Scholarship?
Selection is based on academic merit, demonstrable leadership track record, commitment to climate justice, consideration of barriers faced in education, and the overall quality of the application and potential impact on the applicant’s home country, as described by the University of Edinburgh programme.
Where will scholarship recipients study?
Recipients will study at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland for on‑campus Master’s programmes, or participate in selected online postgraduate diploma programmes offered through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the university.
How long does the scholarship last?
For on‑campus Master’s degrees the scholarship lasts one year. For online postgraduate diplomas the scholarship covers the duration of the specific diploma programme, as indicated by the University of Edinburgh’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Are there any age restrictions for applicants?
Yes. For the 2027/28 intake applicants must be aged 35 or under (born on or after 1 January 1992). This age requirement is specified in the University of Edinburgh’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility criteria.
What support beyond funding does the programme provide?
Beyond funding, the programme offers a Climate Leadership Programme, participation in the Climate Enterprise School for sustainable entrepreneurship training, disability support based on need, and transition support to help scholars settle into their studies at the University of Edinburgh.
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