Written by University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/2028: Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students
Are you an African student looking to pursue a postgraduate degree while developing the skills to address climate change and create meaningful social impact? The 2027/2028 University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers eligible African students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies through on-campus scholarships and online learning opportunities.
The programme supports talented young people who have faced significant barriers to education and early-career development. It seeks individuals with a strong record of leadership, community service, and a commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
Selected on-campus scholars receive financial support covering approved tuition fees, accommodation, travel, living expenses, and study materials. Online scholars receive full approved tuition coverage, an academic stipend to support access to a laptop and reliable internet, and opportunities to participate in leadership and entrepreneurship activities.
Important deadline: The Applicant Declaration Form closes on October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The form may close earlier if the application limit is reached.
Scholarship Overview
- Host institution: The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Scholarship provider: Mastercard Foundation
- Academic session: 2027/2028
- Eligible applicants: Qualified African students who meet the programme requirements
- Study options: On-campus postgraduate Master’s degrees and online postgraduate programmes, including eligible Master’s and diploma routes
- On-campus scholarship duration: One year for the specified postgraduate taught Master’s programmes
- Funding: Full approved tuition fees and additional support depending on the study route
- Programme focus: Climate leadership, community service, sustainable development, and social impact
- Applicant Declaration Form deadline: October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- Main application deadline: November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- Expected programme commencement: September 2027
Official scholarship information and application instructions are available on the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to support students who have experienced significant barriers to education and early-career opportunities.
Beyond academic qualifications, the programme seeks candidates who have demonstrated leadership, served their communities, and have the ambition to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the climate crisis.
Scholars benefit from academic opportunities alongside activities designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities, entrepreneurial thinking, and capacity to create positive change in their communities and countries.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants can explore the on-campus scholarship or the online study opportunities, depending on their qualifications and preferred mode of study.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the requirements for their chosen study route before beginning the application.
1. Citizenship and residency
Applicants must be citizens and residents of an African country or hold refugee status in an African country.
2. Experience of barriers to education
Candidates must have faced significant barriers to education and early-career development. These may include social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related challenges.
Applicants should be prepared to explain their experiences and how they have influenced their educational journey and ambitions.
3. Academic qualifications
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and be able to provide their degree certificate and official final transcript.
The supplied guidelines require these documents to be uploaded by November 19, 2026.
For applicants to the online postgraduate diploma: Candidates may apply with an undergraduate or Master’s degree from an African university, provided they meet the applicable graduation and document submission requirements. Applicants with a Master’s degree will have their undergraduate qualification reviewed against the postgraduate diploma entry requirements.
4. Age requirement
Applicants must be 35 years old or younger in the year the programme commences.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, eligible applicants must have been born on or after January 1, 1992. Anyone born in 1991 or earlier is not eligible under the stated criteria.
5. Leadership and community service
Candidates must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their communities.
This could include initiatives, projects, volunteer activities, or other contributions that show a commitment to helping others and creating positive change.
6. Commitment to climate action
Applicants must demonstrate experience or a clear ambition to make a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis.
Candidates should be ready to explain how their academic interests, professional goals, or community activities connect with climate action and sustainable development.
7. Additional requirements for Master’s applicants
Applicants applying for a Master’s programme must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
They must also not be enrolled at, or applying to enrol at, another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.
Applicants should review the full requirements for their selected programme before submitting an application.
On-Campus Scholarship: Benefits and Funding
The on-campus scholarship supports eligible students pursuing a one-year full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh.
Successful scholars receive financial and academic support designed to help them complete their studies and participate in the university community.
Benefits include:
- Full approved tuition fees: Coverage of approved tuition costs.
- Accommodation: Support for accommodation during the programme.
- Travel expenses: Approved travel costs.
- Living cost stipend: Financial support for living expenses.
- Study materials: Support for required academic materials.
- Climate Leadership Programme: Activities designed to help scholars develop leadership skills and create change in their communities and countries.
- Climate Enterprise School: An intensive week-long programme focused on sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Disability support: Additional support based on an assessment of individual needs.
- Transition support: Assistance to help scholars navigate relevant transitions associated with their studies.
Scholars will study in person and become part of the University of Edinburgh’s academic and student community.
Eligible On-Campus Master’s Programmes
The programme information lists the following eligible on-campus degree options for the 2027/2028 intake:
- Food Security
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Data, Inequality and Society
- Operational Research
- Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Change Finance and Investment
- Environment and Development
- International Development
- Public Health — Master of Public Health (MPH)
The list of eligible programmes may change. Applicants should confirm that their preferred degree remains available before submitting an application.
Online Postgraduate Scholarship: Benefits and Funding
The online route offers eligible candidates an opportunity to pursue specified postgraduate programmes without relocating to Edinburgh for regular on-campus study.
The postgraduate diploma option may be particularly relevant to candidates considering a career change or seeking more vocational training.
Benefits include:
- Full approved tuition fees: Scholars do not pay any portion of the approved tuition fees.
- Academic stipend: Financial support to help scholars access a laptop and high-quality internet.
- In-person gathering: An opportunity to attend an in-person event organised as part of the programme.
- Climate Leadership Programme: Access to wider programme activities, including regular online workshops, coaching, and support.
- Climate Enterprise School: Participation in an intensive week-long programme focused on sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Dedicated Online Coordinator: Support from a coordinator assigned to online scholars.
- Disability support: Additional assistance based on an assessment of individual needs.
- Transition support: Assistance during relevant stages of the programme.
The online scholarship therefore combines academic funding with support for leadership development, sustainable entrepreneurship, and access to learning resources.
Eligible Online Programmes
The supplied programme information lists the following online study options. Availability depends on the specified Master’s or postgraduate diploma route.
| Programme | Available route |
|---|---|
| International Development | Master’s only |
| Global Food Security and Nutrition | Master’s or Diploma |
| Climate Change Management | Master’s only |
| One Health | Master’s or Diploma |
| Social Justice and Community Action | Master’s or Diploma |
| Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health | Master’s or Diploma |
| Global Health and Infectious Diseases | Master’s or Diploma |
| Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics | Master’s or Diploma |
| Digital Education | Master’s or Diploma |
| Data Science Technologies | Master’s only |
| Family Medicine (MFM) | Master’s only |
| Conservation Medicine | Master’s or Diploma |
| Climate Leadership Programme | Check the official programme information |
Applicants should verify the exact qualification awarded and admission requirements for their preferred online programme through the official university website.
Application Timeline for 2027/2028
The application process includes several stages, from the initial declaration form through university assessment, interviews, and final admission arrangements.
| Date | Application stage |
|---|---|
| October 20, 2026 | Main scholarship applications open |
| October 26, 2026, 5:00 p.m. | Applicant Declaration Form closes; it may close earlier if capacity is reached |
| November 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m. | Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application forms close |
| Late November 2026–January 2027 | University committees assess submitted applications |
| Early February 2027 | Admission decisions communicated |
| Early February 2027 | On-campus applicants invited to interview |
| Mid-February 2027 | Online applicants invited to interview |
| Mid-February–March 2027 | On-campus interviews take place |
| Late February–mid-March 2027 | Online interviews take place |
| End of March 2027 | On-campus interview outcomes announced |
| End of March 2027 | Online interview outcomes announced |
| April–August 2027 | Admission and immigration support for on-campus applicants; admission support for online applicants |
| September 2027 | Academic programmes commence |
Important: The Applicant Declaration Form deadline is earlier than the main application deadline. Applicants should complete the required declaration process promptly and follow the official instructions for accessing the subsequent application forms.
How to Apply for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Interested applicants can follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the official scholarship website
Go to the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application page.
Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements
Confirm that you meet the citizenship or residency, age, academic, leadership, and climate-impact requirements.
Also check the additional conditions for your chosen route, particularly if you are applying for a Master’s degree or online postgraduate diploma.
Step 3: Choose an eligible programme
Decide whether the on-campus or online route best matches your academic background, goals, and circumstances.
Review the eligible degree lists and confirm the current admission requirements for your preferred programme.
Step 4: Complete the Applicant Declaration Form
Submit the required Applicant Declaration Form by October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Because the form may close earlier once the application limit is reached, do not wait until the final day.
Step 5: Prepare your supporting documents
Prepare your undergraduate degree certificate and official final transcript, alongside any other information requested through the application process.
You should also be ready to explain your educational barriers, leadership experience, community service, and interest in addressing the climate crisis.
Step 6: Submit the main application
Complete the relevant Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application forms by November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Check that your documents and application information are complete before submission.
Step 7: Monitor your email
Successful and unsuccessful applicants are expected to receive admission decisions in early February 2027. Candidates invited to interview should follow the instructions provided by the university.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
A competitive application should communicate more than academic achievement. The programme specifically values leadership, service, resilience, and a commitment to climate action.
- Explain your educational journey. Describe the significant barriers you have faced and how you have responded to them.
- Demonstrate leadership. Provide clear examples of how you have supported, organised, or contributed to your community.
- Show your commitment to climate action. Explain your relevant experience or how you intend to contribute to addressing the climate crisis.
- Connect your degree choice to your goals. Show how your preferred programme supports your future plans and potential contribution to your community.
- Prepare your academic documents early. Make sure your degree certificate and official final transcript are available by the stated deadline.
- Follow the application timeline carefully. Complete the Applicant Declaration Form first and do not confuse its deadline with the main application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
The on-campus scholarship covers approved tuition fees, accommodation, travel, living costs, and study materials. The online scholarship covers approved tuition fees and provides an academic stipend, transition support, and additional programme benefits.
2. Can Nigerian students apply?
Nigerian students may be eligible if they are citizens and residents of Nigeria and satisfy the programme’s other eligibility requirements.
3. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
For the on-campus and online Master’s routes, the supplied criteria state that applicants must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree. The online postgraduate diploma route has different eligibility provisions and may accept applicants with a Master’s degree from an African university, subject to the stated conditions.
4. What is the age limit?
Applicants must be 35 or younger in the year the programme begins. For the 2027/2028 intake, candidates must have been born on or after January 1, 1992.
5. What is the final application deadline?
The main application deadline is November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. However, applicants must complete the Applicant Declaration Form by October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and that form may close earlier.
6. When will the programme begin?
The academic programme is scheduled to commence in September 2027.
Final Thoughts
The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/2028 offers eligible African students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education while developing the leadership skills needed to address climate change and contribute to their communities.
With different on-campus and online study options, tuition support, and access to climate leadership and sustainable entrepreneurship activities, the programme may be valuable for applicants whose ambitions align with its mission.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, review the available degree programmes and begin preparing your application as soon as possible.
Key dates to remember:
- Applicant Declaration Form: October 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- Main scholarship application: November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Apply and find out more: Official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program webpage.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied programme information. Eligibility conditions, programme availability, application dates, and scholarship benefits should be verified on the University of Edinburgh’s official website before applying.