The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports talented young people from African countries who have faced barriers to education and want to use postgraduate study to create positive change in their communities. The programme offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students pursuing selected on-campus and online postgraduate qualifications at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
The initiative combines postgraduate education with leadership development, community engagement and climate-focused learning. All scholars participate in the university’s Climate Leadership Programme, which aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable development.
For prospective applicants, the programme offers two main study routes: on-campus postgraduate scholarships in Edinburgh and online postgraduate scholarships. Eligibility requirements, available courses, funding arrangements and study formats differ between the routes, so candidates should consult the relevant official pages before preparing an application.
Academic intake: 2027/2028. Applicants should check the official application timeline for the latest deadlines and instructions.
Scholarship Overview
- Host institution: University of Edinburgh
- Funding partner: Mastercard Foundation
- Programme: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Study destination: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, or online
- Eligible applicants: Qualified candidates from African countries who meet the programme criteria
- Study levels: Selected postgraduate master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas
- Study formats: On-campus and online
- Funding: Scholarship support, with benefits varying by study route
- Additional programme: Climate Leadership Programme
- Application method: Follow the official programme application process
- Application deadline: Check the official application timelines page
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The programme aims to expand access to postgraduate education for young African leaders who have experienced educational barriers. It seeks candidates with academic potential, a commitment to serving their communities and the ambition to contribute to Africa’s social and economic development.
Beyond academic study, scholars join a wider community that encourages knowledge exchange, peer support and collaboration. Participants engage with leadership development activities and climate-focused learning intended to help them apply their education to real-world challenges.
The university also connects current and former scholars through a community where members can share professional experiences, seek advice and develop long-term relationships.
On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships
The on-campus route is intended for eligible applicants who want to study a selected postgraduate master’s degree full-time at the University of Edinburgh.
The university’s published scholarship information lists support that may include:
- Full approved tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- A living-cost stipend.
- Travel support.
- Study materials.
- Participation in the Climate Leadership Programme.
- An intensive Climate Enterprise School focused on sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Additional disability-related support, based on assessed needs.
- Transition support.
The on-campus route generally involves one year of full-time study for eligible master’s programmes. Applicants must choose a course included on the official list of eligible degrees.
Official details: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/on-campus-postgraduate-scholarships
Online Postgraduate Scholarships
The online route provides eligible applicants with the opportunity to pursue selected postgraduate qualifications remotely. It may be suitable for candidates who want to continue contributing to their communities while undertaking further education.
Depending on the qualification, the university lists benefits that include:
- Full approved tuition fees.
- An academic stipend to help with a laptop and reliable internet access.
- An opportunity to attend an in-person gathering.
- Online workshops, coaching and programme support.
- Participation in the Climate Leadership Programme and Climate Enterprise School.
- Support from a dedicated Online Coordinator.
- Additional disability-related support, based on assessed needs.
- Transition support.
Online master’s degrees may take up to three years part-time, while eligible postgraduate diplomas may take up to two years. Available subjects and qualifications vary, so applicants should verify the current course list before applying.
Official details: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/online-postgraduate-scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements and the academic admission requirements of their selected course.
The programme is intended for young African leaders who have experienced significant barriers to education or in their early careers. Applicants should review the official eligibility page to confirm the requirements relating to citizenship or residency, age, previous qualifications, academic performance and leadership experience.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their communities and addressing development challenges. The programme also places emphasis on climate leadership and sustainable development.
The university encourages applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities. However, applicants must meet all applicable eligibility criteria; inclusion in an encouraged group does not automatically guarantee selection.
Check eligibility: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/eligibility
Climate Leadership Programme
Climate leadership is a core component of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh. All scholars participate in activities designed to strengthen their understanding of climate change, sustainability and the role of leadership in addressing environmental challenges.
The programme also includes a Climate Enterprise School, which focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation. These activities complement postgraduate study by encouraging scholars to consider how their skills and knowledge can contribute to climate solutions and community development.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow the university’s official process rather than submitting documents through unofficial channels.
- Review the scholarship routes: Decide whether an eligible on-campus or online qualification is the better fit.
- Check eligibility: Confirm that the applicant meets the programme criteria and the academic entry requirements for the selected degree.
- Review application timelines: Check the latest dates, instructions and any mandatory preliminary steps.
- Follow the prescribed application process: Complete any required registration, information-session or invitation stages specified for the relevant intake.
- Prepare supporting documents: Consult the official instructions for the required academic records and application materials.
- Submit before the deadline: Follow the instructions in the official application portal and retain confirmation of submission.
Applicants should not assume that accessing the general scholarship page means that applications are currently open or that they can proceed directly to the main application. The programme may use a staged process, and requirements can change between intakes.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Candidates should explain how their educational experiences, leadership activities and community contributions have shaped their ambitions. Strong applications connect the proposed postgraduate qualification to a clear development goal and show how the applicant intends to apply their learning after graduation.
Where relevant, applicants should provide concrete examples of overcoming educational barriers, leading community initiatives, supporting underserved groups or contributing to climate and sustainability work. They should also demonstrate that their chosen course aligns with their future plans.
Applicants should ensure that all academic information is accurate and that their supporting documents meet the university’s requirements.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Main scholarship information:
https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship
How to apply:
https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/how-to-apply
Application timelines:
https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/application-timelines
Official source: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Global.
Prospective applicants should consult these pages for the current intake’s deadlines, eligibility conditions, available courses and application instructions before proceeding.
