The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has announced a new application process for its 2027/28 on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships, offering eligible applicants an opportunity to pursue postgraduate study through the University of Edinburgh.
The scholarship programme has introduced important changes to the application process for the 2027/28 cycle. Prospective applicants must follow a structured process beginning with an eligibility assessment and a mandatory virtual information session before they can access the scholarship application form.
The University of Edinburgh published the updated application guidance on 13 August 2026, and prospective applicants are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and prepare well ahead of the key deadlines.
Step 1: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants should first determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before registering for an information session.
The eligibility requirements are designed to identify candidates who meet the programme’s criteria for postgraduate scholarship support. Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility information before proceeding to the next stage.
Meeting the basic requirements does not automatically guarantee a scholarship or an invitation to submit a full application.
Step 2: Choose a Degree Programme
Eligible applicants should explore the postgraduate programmes available through the scholarship initiative and decide whether they are interested in an on-campus or online degree programme.
Applicants should review the available programmes and identify a preferred course of study before progressing through the scholarship application process.
Importantly, applicants should not apply for their chosen University of Edinburgh degree programme at this stage. The scholarship application is completed first. Candidates who are subsequently awarded a scholarship in March 2027 will then be invited to apply for their selected degree through the University’s standard admissions process.
Applicants pursuing other scholarship opportunities that require an active university application may apply to the University in parallel.
Step 3: Attend a Mandatory Virtual Information Session
Attendance at a virtual information session is a mandatory requirement for applicants seeking access to the scholarship application form.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will conduct virtual information sessions between 15 and 24 September 2026. Applicants will complete a short questionnaire when registering for a session, and their responses will be reviewed to assess preliminary eligibility.
For on-campus applicants, the available sessions are scheduled for:
- 15 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. UK time
- 21 September 2026 at 11:00 a.m. UK time
- 24 September 2026 at 4:00 p.m. UK time
For online applicants, sessions are scheduled for:
- 17 September 2026 at 4:00 p.m. UK time
- 22 September 2026 at 11:00 a.m. UK time
- 24 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. UK time
Attendance alone does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Only participants who attend a session and meet the programme’s eligibility requirements will be invited to proceed.
Invitation to Submit a Scholarship Application
Eligible information-session participants will be notified on 13 October 2026 about whether they have been invited to apply.
Applicants who receive an invitation will receive it through SurveyMonkey Apply. Those who are not eligible to proceed will receive a notification confirming that they have not been invited to the next stage.
Candidates who receive invitations should begin the application process promptly because the first application stage has a relatively short deadline.
Stage 1: Applicant Declaration Form
The first stage of the scholarship application requires invited candidates to complete an Applicant Declaration Form.
The form collects additional information required to confirm the applicant’s eligibility. Candidates are encouraged to complete it as soon as they receive their invitation.
The deadline is 19 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.
The University reserves the right to close the form earlier if the maximum number of applications is reached. Early submission is therefore strongly recommended.
Applicants who are unsuccessful at this stage will be notified and will not proceed to the main scholarship application.
Stage 2: Scholarship Main Application
Applicants who successfully complete the Applicant Declaration Form will be invited to submit the Scholarship Main Application.
The deadline for the main application is 19 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.
Candidates should ensure that all required information is complete and submitted through the designated online application system before the deadline.
Scholarship Application Comes Before Degree Application
One of the most important changes for the 2027/28 cycle is the sequence of applications. Prospective scholars should apply for the scholarship first rather than immediately submitting an application for their chosen University of Edinburgh degree programme.
Successful scholarship applicants are expected to receive scholarship offers in March 2027. Those who receive offers will then be invited to complete the University’s standard admissions process for their selected degree.
Applications submitted outside the official online scholarship application system, or applications from individuals who have not followed the required process, will not be accepted.
Key Dates for Applicants
The major dates for the 2027/28 scholarship cycle are:
- 15–24 September 2026: Mandatory virtual information sessions
- 13 October 2026: Eligible attendees notified about invitations to apply
- 19 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time: Applicant Declaration Form deadline
- 19 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time: Scholarship Main Application deadline
- March 2027: Expected scholarship offers and subsequent degree application process
Prospective applicants should monitor the official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website for detailed eligibility requirements, available degree programmes, application timelines and frequently asked questions.
How to Prepare
Applicants should begin by checking their eligibility, researching the available postgraduate programmes and identifying the study mode that best matches their academic and professional goals.
They should also register for an appropriate virtual information session as early as possible and ensure that they understand the subsequent application stages. Since the programme may close the Applicant Declaration Form once its application limit is reached, early completion is strongly advisable.
The University of Edinburgh also encourages applicants with outstanding questions to consult the programme’s Frequently Asked Questions section or contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Team directly at [email protected].
The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28 provides a structured pathway for eligible candidates seeking postgraduate study opportunities through on-campus and online programmes. Applicants who carefully follow each stage, meet the relevant deadlines and submit through the official system will be positioned to progress through the scholarship selection process.
