Fully Funded to the UK: University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/2028 for Young Africans

Applications are open for the 2027/2028 University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, offering fully funded postgraduate study opportunities to eligible young Africans.

The program supports talented students who have experienced significant barriers to education and demonstrate leadership, community service, and commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

About the Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh supports young African students to pursue selected postgraduate programmes in the UK.

Both on-campus and online programmes are available.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars receive full financial support for their approved programme, including support with:

Tuition and study-related costs.
University admission.
Immigration processes for on-campus scholars.
Leadership development.
Professional networking.
Community engagement opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a citizen and resident of an African country, or hold refugee status in an African country.
Be 35 years old or younger when the programme begins in 2027.
Have been born on or after 1 January 1992.
Meet the academic requirements of their selected programme.
Hold the equivalent of a UK Upper Second-Class Bachelor’s degree (2:1) or higher for Master’s programmes.
Complete their undergraduate studies and have their degree certificate and official final transcript available by 19 November 2026.
Demonstrate significant barriers to education or early career development.
Show leadership and community service experience.
Demonstrate experience or commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

Additional Master’s Requirements

Master’s applicants must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.

They must also not be enrolled at or applying to another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation scholarship.

Applicants for the online Postgraduate Diploma may hold either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from an African university, provided the qualification is completed by 19 November 2026.

Eligible Study Programmes

Online Programmes

Selected online programmes include:

Climate Change Management
International Development
Global Food Security and Nutrition
One Health
Social Justice and Community Action
Global Health and Infectious Diseases
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health
Digital Education
Data Science Technologies
Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics

On-Campus Programmes

Selected on-campus programmes include:

Africa and International Development
Climate Change Finance and Investment
Data, Inequality and Society
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Food Security
Environment and Development
Environmental Sustainability
Operational Research
Planetary Health
Sustainable Energy Systems

The list of eligible programmes may change, so applicants should confirm the latest list before applying.

Important Application Process

For the 2027/2028 cycle, applicants must first complete an eligibility assessment and attend a mandatory virtual information session.

Applicants should not apply for their chosen University of Edinburgh degree yet.

Only candidates who are later awarded the scholarship will be invited to apply for their chosen degree through the University’s normal admissions process.

Mandatory Information Sessions

On-Campus Applicants