The University of British Columbia (UBC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/2028 is open to eligible young Africans seeking to pursue a master’s degree in Canada with full financial support.
The program expects to support 351 scholars and is designed for academically talented students who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to contributing to development in Africa.
Scholarship Details
Host University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
Study Country: Canada
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: Citizens and refugees of African countries
Age Limit: 35 years or younger
Expected Scholars: 351
Eligible Master’s Programs
The scholarship is available for selected programs in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Faculty of Forestry, and Faculty of Science.
Eligible programs include:
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Forestry – thesis-based
- Master of Data Science
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country.
- Be 35 years old or younger when applying.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Not already have a master’s degree.
- Meet the academic requirements for their chosen UBC program.
- Demonstrate academic potential, leadership, and community involvement.
- Show a commitment to contributing to their community or home country.
Applicants whose previous degree was not taught in English may also need to provide an accepted English-language test such as IELTS or TOEFL, depending on UBC requirements.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial support for successful scholars.
Benefits include support for the costs associated with studying at UBC, as well as:
- Professional development
- Leadership opportunities
- Networking
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni network
- Support throughout the academic journey
Required Documents
Invited applicants will generally need to submit:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form
- Personal statement responses
- CV or résumé
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Academic transcripts
Application Process
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Expression of Interest Deadline:
September 6, 2026
Applicants who pass the initial stage may be invited to submit the full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between:
September 15–30, 2026
Successful candidates will then receive instructions for the UBC faculty application.
UBC Faculty Application:
November 1–20, 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Important Dates
September 6, 2026: Expression of Interest deadline
September 15–30, 2026: Full scholarship application for invited candidates
November 1–20, 2026: UBC faculty application
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the official requirements and submit their Expression of Interest before the deadline.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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