The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2026 enables talented young people from Africa—especially those from economically marginalised or hard-to-reach communities—to pursue a one‑year full‑time Master’s degree. It aims to grow their leadership potential, support contributions to climate resilience and sustainable futures in Africa, and remove financial barriers to study at Cambridge.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Living / maintenance stipend / allowance.
- Provision of a laptop.
- Visa application fees, International Health Surcharge.
- Travel costs (to and from home, sometimes including flights)
- Induction program, leadership training, and post‑course engagement / placements in Africa.
Scholarship Requirements for University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
Applicants typically must:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be resident in an African country unless temporarily abroad for work or study, or be displaced / refugee.
- Apply for a one‑year full‑time Master’s program at Cambridge.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for the chosen Master’s course.
- Provide a supplementary personal statement showing commitment to climate resilience and sustainable futures for Africa.
There are also course‑exceptions: some Master’s courses are not eligible under this program (for example, MBA, Master of Corporate Law, Master of Finance etc.).
How to Apply for University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship
- Identify the Master’s course you wish to apply for via the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Study Course Directory.
- Apply for admission to the University via the Applicant Portal, selecting your chosen course.
- When filling the application, indicate that you wish to apply for funding under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. There will be a part in the application to make this request.
- Submit the supplementary personal statement required by the Scholars Program: explain how you plan to contribute to climate resilience, sustainability, and your leadership vision etc.
- Apply for or obtain an application fee waiver (eligible if you meet the entry requirements). Some countries are automatically eligible.
- Observe the funding deadline for your chosen course (either early December or early January depending on course) and ensure all application materials are submitted by then.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get a full scholarship to Cambridge?
If you meet the eligibility criteria for University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship and wish to apply for undergraduate funding from the Cambridge Trust, please follow the guidelines below.
Step 1: Find your course and College. …
Step 2: Find your scholarships. …
Step 3: Submit your UCAS application. …
Step 4: Apply for Cambridge Trust funding. …
Step 5: The awards process.
Who is eligible for a MasterCard scholarship?
Eligibility for University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship: To be eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Makerere University’s main campus, an applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Ugandan nationals, refugees, students with disabilities, internally displaced youth, or international students;
Does Cambridge University do scholarships?
You could receive up to £3,500 a year of free financial support – with higher amounts for students who meet certain criteria. You do not need to repay the money. Bursary students may also qualify for further non-repayable awards and scholarships. Care leavers, for example could receive £8,350 a year.
How competitive is the MasterCard Foundation scholarship?
The University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship Program is highly competitive. Gaining admission to a partner institution does not guarantee selection for the Program.
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