If you are a young African graduate with strong academic potential, leadership experience and a commitment to creating positive change, this scholarship at the University of Edinburgh is worth a close look.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is offering scholarships for eligible African students to pursue selected online postgraduate programmes for the 2027/28 academic year.
The programme is particularly aimed at talented young people who have experienced significant barriers to education or early-career opportunities and are committed to creating meaningful impact in their communities.
Opportunity at a Glance
University: University of Edinburgh
Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Study mode: Online
Level: Master's / Postgraduate
Eligible applicants: African citizens and residents, or eligible refugees in African countries
Programme start: September 2027
Main scholarship deadline: 19 November 2026, 5:00 PM UK time
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful online scholars can receive:
- Full approved tuition fees
- Academic stipend to support access to a laptop and high-quality internet
- Opportunity to participate in an in-person gathering
- Participation in the University's Climate Leadership Programme
- Online workshops, coaching and support
- Access to the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars community and network
The online format allows scholars to pursue their qualification remotely while continuing to live and work in their local context.
Available Online Programmes
Eligible programmes include:
Climate Change Management — MSc
International Development — MSc
Global Food Security and Nutrition — MSc / PGDip
One Health — MSc / PGDip
Social Justice and Community Action — MSc / PGDip
Global Health and Infectious Diseases — MSc / PGDip
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health — MSc / PGDip
Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics — MSc / PGDip
Digital Education — MSc / PGDip
Data Science Technologies — MSc
Applicants should check the specific entry requirements for their chosen programme before applying.
Who Should Consider Applying?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be a citizen and resident of an African country, or have eligible refugee status in an African country
- Hold an undergraduate degree that meets the University's academic requirements
- Generally have the equivalent of a UK 2:1 Bachelor's degree or higher
- Have experienced significant barriers to education or early-career opportunities
- Demonstrate leadership and community service experience
- Demonstrate experience or ambition to contribute towards addressing the climate crisis
- Be 35 years old or younger when the programme begins
For the 2027/28 intake, applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1992.
Master's applicants generally must not already have completed a postgraduate degree.
The University particularly encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities.
Important: The Application Process Has Changed
You cannot simply wait until November and submit a scholarship application.
Prospective applicants must first attend a mandatory virtual information session.
For online applicants, the currently listed sessions include:
17 September 2026 — 4:00 PM UK time
22 September 2026 — 11:00 AM UK time
24 September 2026 — 3:00 PM UK time
Eligible attendees will be notified from:
13 October 2026
Applicant Declaration Form
Deadline: 19 October 2026, 5:00 PM UK time
The University warns that this stage may close earlier once the application limit is reached.
Main Scholarship Application
Deadline: 19 November 2026, 5:00 PM UK time
Shortlisted online applicants are expected to be contacted around mid-February 2027, with interviews taking place from late February to mid-March.
Final online scholarship outcomes are expected around the end of March 2027.
What Should You Prepare Now?
Don't wait until November to start preparing.
You should have your:
- Final academic degree certificate
- Official academic transcript
- CV / Resume
- Evidence of leadership experience
- Evidence of community service and impact
- Evidence of your interest or experience in climate-related issues
- Personal statement and essay responses
- Career and development goals
You should also start thinking carefully about the story behind your application.
What barriers have you overcome?
How have you demonstrated leadership?
What impact have you made in your community?
Why does your chosen programme matter to your career?
How will you use your education to create impact in Africa?
One Important Detail
If the Mastercard Foundation scholarship is the only University of Edinburgh scholarship you are applying for, the University says you should apply for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship first.
Successful scholarship candidates are then invited to apply for their chosen academic programme through the University's normal admissions process.
How to Apply
The first step is to check your eligibility and register for one of the mandatory virtual information sessions taking place between 15 and 24 September 2026.
Official Scholarship Information & Application:
How to apply | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global
Main scholarship deadline: 19 November 2026, 5:00 PM UK time.
Don't leave your preparation until the final weeks.
— BityTech Scholarship Hub
Opportunities Today. Impact Tomorrow.
Disclaimer: BityTech Scholarship Hub is an independent educational information platform. BityTech does not award or administer the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and is not affiliated with the University of Edinburgh or the Mastercard Foundation. Scholarship details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, programme availability and application procedures may change. Applicants should verify all information through the official University of Edinburgh scholarship page before applying.