Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027 in Canada | Fully Funded
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC offers fully funded Master's opportunities for eligible African citizens and refugees. Applications for the Winter 2027 intake feature an expression of interest deadline of September 6, 2026.
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) supports eligible African citizens and refugees pursuing specified Master’s programs. The initiative focuses on selecting candidates who demonstrate strong academic merit and leadership potential. The scholarship is administered by the university to coordinate candidate selection, invitations, and guidance for subsequent faculty applications.
Benefits
- Full coverage of tuition and mandatory academic fees.
- A regular stipend to cover living costs, room, and board.
- Funding for required textbooks and academic supplies.
- Round-trip economy flights between the home country and Vancouver, along with study permit and immigration cost coverage.
- Comprehensive health coverage throughout the duration of the program.
- UBC faculty application fee waivers or reimbursements for eligible candidates.
- Access to student wellbeing programs, career transition support, and funding opportunities such as the Social Entrepreneurship Fund.
Eligibility
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree and not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or after).
- Must be a citizen or a refugee of an African country.
- Must apply for a Master’s degree in an eligible program and meet minimum academic and English proficiency requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must follow a multi-step application procedure:
- Review eligible Master’s programs of interest at UBC.
- Submit an expression of interest via the General Stream or the separate Refugee and Displaced Persons Stream link by the specified date.
- If eligible, complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form with personal statements, a CV or resume, two reference letters on official letterhead, and official transcripts.
- If invited following the initial review, submit an online application to the respective UBC Faculty following instructions provided by email.
Deadline
The expression of interest deadline is September 6, 2026. Invited applicants must submit their faculty applications between November 1 and November 20, 2026.