The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is now preparing applications for October 2027 entry, offering fully funded master’s scholarships to outstanding African students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
The scholarship is designed to support talented young Africans pursuing postgraduate education while equipping them with the leadership skills, networks, and resources needed to contribute to sustainable development across the continent. Applications open in September 2026 for study beginning in October 2027.
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge was established in 2022 with the goal of enabling 500 African scholars to study at Cambridge by 2030. The initiative goes beyond financial support by providing leadership development, mentoring, entrepreneurship opportunities, and a strong community of scholars and alumni.
The program focuses on developing leaders who will contribute to climate resilience, sustainability, and Africa’s long-term development. Scholars join a network of talented students committed to addressing challenges facing their communities and the continent. (Mastercard Foundation)
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support covering nearly every aspect of studying in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship includes:
- Full University tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return airfare
- Visa application costs
- UK Immigration Health Surcharge
- Laptop for academic use
- Arrival support, including transportation to Cambridge
- Leadership development opportunities
- Networking and mentoring
- Access to entrepreneurship initiatives
- Scholar orientation and community events
The program is intended to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their studies and leadership development without financial barriers.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy both the scholarship and University of Cambridge admission requirements.
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Be residing in an African country unless temporarily abroad for work or study (exceptions exist for refugees and internally displaced persons).
- Apply for an eligible full-time master’s degree lasting up to one year.
- Meet all academic requirements for their chosen Cambridge course.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show commitment to contributing to sustainable development in Africa.
The program actively encourages applications from:
- Women
- Refugees
- Internally displaced persons
- Persons with disabilities
There is no upper age limit for applicants.
Eligible Courses
Applicants may apply for most full-time one-year master’s degrees offered by the University of Cambridge.
However, the following programs are not eligible:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
Prospective applicants should consult the University’s postgraduate course directory to confirm eligibility before applying.
How to Apply for October 2027 Entry
Applications for October 2027 entry will open in September 2026.
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master’s Course
Review the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory and identify an eligible one-year master’s program.
Before applying, applicants should check:
- Academic requirements
- Required supporting documents
- Funding deadline
- English language requirements
Step 2: Submit the Cambridge Course Application
Complete the University’s online postgraduate application for the selected course.
Applicants create an online account and submit all required documents, including academic transcripts, references, and supporting statements.
Step 3: Apply for Mastercard Foundation Funding
During the postgraduate application process, applicants must indicate that they wish to be considered for funding.
Eligible applicants will then be able to select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and complete the required scholarship statement.
The scholarship statement should explain:
- Educational journey
- Career goals
- Leadership experience
- Community impact
- How the scholarship will contribute to sustainable development in Africa
Step 4: Submit Before the Funding Deadline
Funding deadlines vary by course but are generally in early December or early January, which are earlier than standard admission deadlines.
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid missing course-specific deadlines.
Selection Process
The selection process occurs in two stages.
First, individual academic departments assess applications for admission based solely on academic merit and suitability for the chosen course.
Applicants who receive an offer of admission are then considered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The scholarship committee evaluates:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to Africa’s development
- Scholarship statement
- Overall application quality
Successful applicants generally receive scholarship decisions in late March or early April. (Mastercard Foundation)
Important Dates
Prospective applicants should keep the following timeline in mind:
- Applications open: September 2026
- Course funding deadlines: Usually early December 2026 or early January 2027 (depending on the course)
- Admission decisions: December 2026 to February 2027
- Scholarship offers: Late March to early April 2027
- Outstanding documents due: 31 July 2027
- Course begins: October 2027 (Mastercard Foundation)
Information Webinars for 2027 Applicants
To help prospective applicants understand the scholarship and application process, the University of Cambridge is hosting a series of regional online information sessions.
The webinars cover:
- Eligibility requirements
- Master’s application process
- Scholarship benefits
- Student life at Cambridge
- Advice from current Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Sessions are scheduled for different African regions throughout July, August, and September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge represents one of the most prestigious fully funded master’s opportunities available to African students. Beyond financial support, the program invests in developing future leaders committed to advancing sustainable development across Africa.
Students planning to begin a master’s degree in October 2027 should start preparing their academic documents, researching eligible courses, and developing a compelling scholarship statement well before applications open in September 2026.
