University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027/28: Fully Funded Online & On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year. The program supports exceptional young leaders from Africa committed to addressing the climate crisis.
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh provides fully funded postgraduate scholarship opportunities for the 2027/28 academic year. Eligible candidates can pursue selected on-campus Master's programmes, online Master's programmes, or online Postgraduate Diploma programmes. The initiative is designed for exceptional individuals from Africa who have overcome educational barriers, demonstrate leadership potential, and are dedicated to driving meaningful impact, particularly regarding climate justice and sustainability.
Benefits
- Full approved tuition fees
- For on-campus scholars: accommodation, travel, living cost stipend, and study materials
- For online scholars: an academic stipend for a laptop and high-quality internet access
- Participation in the Climate Leadership Programme and the Climate Enterprise School
- Transitions support and additional assistance for scholars with disabilities based on needs assessments
Eligibility
- Must be citizens, residents, or hold refugee status in an African country
- Aged 35 or under in the year the programme commences (born on or after 1 January 1992)
- Must have faced significant barriers to education and early career development
- Must hold an equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor's degree or higher
- Must have a final official university degree certificate and transcript available to upload by 19 November 2026
- For Master's programmes: must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree
- For the online Postgraduate Diploma: can hold either an undergraduate degree or a Master's degree from an African university
How to Apply
The application process follows a multi-stage workflow:
- Check Eligibility: Review all criteria to ensure you qualify before proceeding.
- Explore Programmes: Choose between available on-campus or online degree pathways. Applicants may apply for either the online or on-campus route, but not both.
- Attend a Mandatory Information Session: Prospective applicants must attend a virtual information session between 15 and 24 September 2026 to gain access to the scholarship application form.
- Receive Your Invitation: Eligible attendees will receive an invitation link through SurveyMonkey Apply on 13 October 2026.
- Complete the Applicant Declaration Form: Submit the declaration form by 19 October 2026.
- Submit the Main Application: Successful candidates will complete and submit the Scholarship Main Application by 19 November 2026.
Deadline
The deadline for the Main Scholarship Application is 19 November 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time. Prospective applicants must also attend a mandatory virtual information session between 15 and 24 September 2026, and submit the Applicant Declaration Form by 19 October 2026.