The University of British Columbia (UBC) has officially opened applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027, offering fully funded master’s scholarships to outstanding young African leaders. The scholarship supports academically talented students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive social and economic change in their communities.
The Winter 2027 intake will support students enrolling in eligible professional and research-based master’s programmes across Forestry, Land and Food Systems, and Data Science. As part of the Mastercard Foundation’s 10-year partnership with UBC (2024–2034), the programme will provide transformative educational opportunities to 351 graduate scholars through fully funded study, leadership development, mentorship, wellbeing support, and pathways to dignified employment.
About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC
The University of British Columbia is consistently ranked among the world’s leading research universities and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global citizenship. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC was established to empower the next generation of African leaders by providing access to world-class graduate education alongside comprehensive personal and professional development.
Beyond tuition funding, scholars benefit from academic advising, leadership training, mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, career preparation, social support programmes, and dedicated wellbeing services. The programme places particular emphasis on community-led development, sustainable entrepreneurship, and creating lasting impact across Africa.
The 2027 cohort focuses on disciplines that contribute to sustainable development, including forestry, agriculture, food systems, environmental management, water and land management, and data science.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Applicants must apply to one of the approved master’s programmes participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Faculty of Forestry
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Master of Science or Master of Applied Science in Forestry (Thesis)
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Faculty of Science
Only these programmes are eligible for Mastercard Foundation scholarship consideration.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive financial and academic support throughout their studies at UBC.
The scholarship includes:
- Full funding for eligible master’s studies
- Academic and social support services
- Leadership and personal development programming
- Student wellbeing initiatives
- Dedicated programme advisors and mentorship
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Career development and transition-to-employment support
- Access to a global network of Mastercard Foundation Scholars
The programme is designed to prepare graduates for meaningful leadership roles that contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2027 intake, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a completed bachelor’s degree.
- Not already possess a master’s degree.
- Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or later).
- Be a citizen or recognized refugee of an African country.
- Apply to one of the eligible UBC master’s programmes.
- Meet the minimum academic admission requirements for their chosen programme.
- Meet UBC’s English language proficiency requirements if their previous degree was not taught in English.
Doctoral applicants are not eligible, as this scholarship is exclusively for master’s degree programmes.
Application Process
The application is completed in two competitive stages.
Round One: Mastercard Foundation Application
Eligible candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Applicants who satisfy the eligibility requirements will be invited to complete the full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
The complete scholarship application requires:
- Mastercard Foundation application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statements responding to programme questions
Applications are assessed based on academic excellence, leadership experience, community service, alignment with the programme’s thematic focus, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the development of their home country.
Round Two: UBC Faculty Admission
Candidates selected after the scholarship review will receive instructions to submit their official graduate application to their chosen UBC faculty.
Applicants from countries classified among the United Nations’ Least Developed Countries (LDCs) may also qualify for a graduate application fee waiver, subject to eligibility and programme instructions.
Important Dates for the 2027 Intake
Applicants should carefully follow the official application timeline:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 31 August 2026 |
| Expression of Interest deadline | 6 September 2026 |
| Invitation to full application | 15–30 September 2026 |
| UBC Faculty application period | 1–20 November 2026 |
Late submissions will not be considered.
Why Apply?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is more than a scholarship—it is a leadership pathway for young Africans committed to solving complex social, environmental, and economic challenges. Through world-class education, mentorship, experiential learning, and professional development, scholars gain the knowledge and networks needed to create lasting impact in their communities and across the African continent.
Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027
University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Funding: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: African citizens and refugees aged 35 or younger
Expression of Interest Deadline: 6 September 2026
