UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Applications Open for African Students to Study at the University of British Columbia

Overview

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed for talented African students and refugees who demonstrate strong academic potential, transformative leadership, community service, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries. The program operates through UBC's Vancouver campus for selected master's degree programmes within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Faculty of Forestry, and Faculty of Science.

The opportunity follows a multi-stage process involving an expression of interest, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application for invited candidates, and a subsequent UBC faculty application.

Eligibility

To be considered for the master's degree program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have completed a Bachelor's degree and not already hold a Master's degree.
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or after).
Be a citizen or refugee of an African country.
Be applying for an eligible master's degree programme within approved faculties (Land and Food Systems, Forestry, or Science).
Meet the minimum academic requirements and English language proficiency requirements for the selected UBC graduate programme.

How to Apply

The application process consists of multiple stages and deadlines:

Step 1: Identify an eligible master's programme of interest.
Step 2: Submit an expression of interest by September 6, 2026, using either the General Stream or the Refugee and Displaced Persons Stream application channels.
Step 3: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application if invited during the September 15–30, 2026 invitation period. Required documents include personal statements, a CV or resume, two reference letters on official letterhead, and academic transcripts.
Step 4: Submit the relevant UBC faculty application between November 1 and November 20, 2026, if instructed after the previous stage.

Applicants may also check if they qualify for an application fee waiver based on citizenship in a least developed country or request a waiver during the process.

Deadline

The initial expression of interest deadline is September 6, 2026. The final UBC faculty application deadline is November 20, 2026.

Overview

Eligibility

To be considered for the master's degree program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have completed a Bachelor's degree and not already hold a Master's degree.

Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or after).

Be a citizen or refugee of an African country.

Be applying for an eligible master's degree programme within approved faculties (Land and Food Systems, Forestry, or Science).

Meet the minimum academic requirements and English language proficiency requirements for the selected UBC graduate programme.

How to Apply

The application process consists of multiple stages and deadlines:

Step 1: Identify an eligible master's programme of interest.

Step 2: Submit an expression of interest by September 6, 2026, using either the General Stream or the Refugee and Displaced Persons Stream application channels.

Step 3: Complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application if invited during the September 15–30, 2026 invitation period. Required documents include personal statements, a CV or resume, two reference letters on official letterhead, and academic transcripts.

Step 4: Submit the relevant UBC faculty application between November 1 and November 20, 2026, if instructed after the previous stage.

Applicants may also check if they qualify for an application fee waiver based on citizenship in a least developed country or request a waiver during the process.