Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Deadline: 19 October 2026
Applications are open for the 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, offering fully funded postgraduate study opportunities to talented young people from across Africa.
The programme is is made available for emerging leaders who want to use postgraduate education to contribute to sustainable development and respond to major challenges such as climate change, inequality, food security, health and environmental sustainability.
Applications are now open for the 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh (on-campus and online scholarships awarded)
For the 2027/28 intake, the University of Edinburgh is offering opportunities across selected on-campus Master’s programmes and online distance-learning programmes. The university has also introduced a new recruitment process, meaning prospective applicants must complete several stages before they can access the main scholarship application.
Applications are particularly encouraged from young women, young people with disabilities, and young people with refugee or displaced status.
Important: Registering for an information session does not automatically give you access to the scholarship application. You must attend a mandatory session and satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements before you can be invited to apply.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28 at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| University | University of Edinburgh |
| Study level | Postgraduate/Master’s |
| Study options | On-campus and online |
| Target region | Africa |
| 2027/28 study start | September 2027 |
| Funding | Fully funded scholarship |
| Information sessions | 15–24 September 2026 |
| First application deadline | 19 October 2026, 5pm UK time |
| Main application deadline | 19 November 2026, 5pm UK time |
| Expected scholarship decision | March 2027 |
| Scholarship application | Online only |
What is the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh supports talented young people from Africa who have the potential to become leaders and contribute to positive change in their communities.
The programme places particular emphasis on sustainability and sustainable transitions. Through postgraduate education, scholars are expected to develop the knowledge, practical skills and networks needed to address pressing challenges affecting communities across Africa and beyond.
Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the programme seeks individuals who can connect their education with meaningful social, economic or environmental impact.
This makes the scholarship particularly relevant to applicants interested in areas such as:
- Climate change
- Sustainable energy
- Food security
- Environmental sustainability
- Global health
- Data and inequality
- International development
- Entrepreneurship
- Biodiversity
- Social justice
Who is the Scholarship Looking For?
The programme is intended for talented young people from Africa who meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements and demonstrate the potential to contribute to sustainable development.
The University of Edinburgh is particularly encouraging applications from:
- Young women
- Young people with disabilities
- Young people with refugee or displaced status
Applicants should not view these categories as a substitute for meeting the programme’s eligibility requirements. They are areas in which the university is especially encouraging applications.
Fully Funded Master’s Opportunities at the University of Edinburgh
The 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers postgraduate programmes for students either on campus or through online distance learning.
On-Campus Master’s Programmes
The available on-campus programmes include:
- Africa and International Development
- Climate Change Finance and Investment
- Data, Inequality and Society
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Environment and Development
- Environmental Sustainability
- Food Security
- Operational Research
- Planetary Health
- Sustainable Energy Systems
These programmes cover a broad range of disciplines, but they share a connection with development, sustainability, innovation, data, health or environmental challenges.
Online Distance-Learning Programmes
Applicants who prefer to study remotely can also consider the available online programmes.
The 2027/28 options include:
- Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health – MSc or Diploma
- Climate Change Management – MSc route only
- Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics – MSc or Diploma
- Data Science Technologies – MSc route only
- Digital Education – MSc or Diploma
- Global Food Security and Nutrition – MSc or Diploma
- Global Health and Infectious Diseases – MSc or Diploma
- International Development – MSc route only
- One Health – MSc or Diploma
- Social Justice and Community Action – MSc or Diploma
Applicants should carefully check the specific programme structure because not every listed course has the same qualification route.
List of Partner Universities for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The main partner institutions are universities and colleges across Africa and internationally, such as:
- Ashesi University,
- Makerere University,
- University of Cape Town,
- University of Oxford, and
- University of Toronto.
A full, up-to-date list of participating institutions can be found on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website. partners with a global network of higher education institutions to provide fully funded scholarships. Because applications and admissions are managed independently, candidates must apply directly to their chosen Partner Universities.
What Makes the 2027/28 Application Process Different?
One of the most important changes for this intake is the new scholarship recruitment process.
In previous years, applicants may have been accustomed to finding an application form and submitting their scholarship application directly.
For the 2027/28 intake, the University of Edinburgh has introduced a staged process.
You cannot simply skip to the main scholarship application.
The process is:
Check eligibility → Choose a suitable programme → Register for an information session → Attend the session → Receive an invitation if eligible → Complete the Applicant Declaration → Complete the main scholarship application.
Understanding this process is essential because missing one stage can prevent you from progressing to the next.
Phase 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before registering for an information session, applicants should carefully review the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility requirements.
Do not register simply because you are interested in one of the Master’s programmes.
Make sure you meet the scholarship requirements first.
This is important because registration for an information session does not guarantee that you will later receive an invitation to apply.
Phase 2: Choose Your Preferred Master’s Programme
Before attending the information session, spend time researching the available degree programmes.
Think about:
- Your previous academic background
- Your professional experience
- Your career plans
- The development challenge you want to address
- Whether you prefer on-campus or online study
- The programme’s academic requirements
Your choice should make sense as the next step in your academic and professional journey.
For example, someone working on renewable-energy projects may have a stronger academic rationale for choosing Sustainable Energy Systems than applying simply because it is funded.
Phase 3: Attend the Mandatory Virtual Information Session
This is a mandatory stage of the 2027/28 recruitment process. You have to take this phase very seriously.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will hold virtual information sessions between 15 and 24 September 2026.
Applicants must register for one of the sessions relevant to their preferred study mode.
On-Campus Information Sessions
- 15 September 2026 – 3:00pm UK time
- 21 September 2026 – 11:00am UK time
- 24 September 2026 – 4:00pm UK time
Online Information Sessions
- 17 September 2026 – 4:00pm UK time
- 22 September 2026 – 11:00am UK time
- 24 September 2026 – 3:00pm UK time
When registering, you will complete a short questionnaire. The information provided will be reviewed to determine preliminary eligibility.
Important
Attending an information session does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Only participants who attend a session and meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements will be invited to the next stage.
What Happens After the Information Session?
Eligible attendees will be notified on:
13 October 2026
If you are selected to proceed, you will receive an invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply to complete the scholarship application.
Applicants who do not meet the requirements will receive notification that they cannot proceed.
This means applicants should pay close attention to their email after the information sessions.
First Stage: Applicant Declaration Form
If you receive an invitation to apply, the first formal application stage is the Applicant Declaration Form.
This form collects additional information to confirm your eligibility for the scholarship.
Applicants should complete it as soon as they receive access.
Deadline:
19 October 2026 at 5:00pm UK time
This is an important deadline.
The programme also reserves the right to close the form earlier if the application limit is reached.
Our Advice
Do not wait until 19 October to submit.
If you receive an invitation, complete the declaration form as early as possible.
Applicants who are unsuccessful at this stage will not progress to the main scholarship application.
Second Stage: Scholarship Main Application
Applicants who successfully complete the Applicant Declaration Form will be invited to the second stage—the Scholarship Main Application.
Main Application Deadline:
19 November 2026 at 5:00pm UK time
At this stage, applicants will provide the more detailed information required for the scholarship assessment.
This is where you should expect to demonstrate more clearly:
- Your academic background
- Your leadership potential
- Your motivation
- Your community or professional impact
- Your reasons for choosing the programme
- Your future goals
- How your proposed study connects with sustainable development
Do You Need to Apply to the University at the Same Time?
This is an important point for applicants like you and I. Carefully read through it.
According to the 2027/28 process, you should initially apply for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship rather than applying separately for your chosen degree programme at the University of Edinburgh.
If your scholarship application is successful and you receive a scholarship offer in March 2027, you will then be invited to apply for your selected degree programme through the University’s normal admissions process.
There is an exception for applicants pursuing other scholarships that require an active university application. In such circumstances, you may apply to the University separately if necessary. Be smart about it.
Scholarship Selection and University Admission Are Different Processes
Applicants should understand the distinction between:
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Selection
This determines whether you receive the scholarship.
University of Edinburgh Admission
This determines whether you are admitted to the selected academic programme.
Being successful at one stage does not necessarily mean that every university admission requirement has automatically been satisfied.
Therefore, successful scholarship applicants should still follow the University’s subsequent admission instructions carefully.
Why the Scholarship Focuses on Sustainability
The programme is built around the idea that Africa needs a new generation of skilled professionals and leaders capable of responding to complex development challenges.
Climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, inequality, health emergencies and energy transitions are not isolated issues.
They often overlap.
For example, climate change can affect agricultural production, which can influence food security, public health and livelihoods.
This explains the wide range of programmes included in the scholarship.
The Value of Studying at Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s major research universities, with a long history of international education and research.
For Mastercard Foundation Scholars, the academic experience can provide more than a Master’s qualification.
Students can gain exposure to:
- International research
- Multidisciplinary learning
- Professional networks
- Other African scholars
- Researchers and academics
- Sustainability-focused projects
- Global development discussions
For online scholars, the distance-learning format can also provide an opportunity to undertake postgraduate study without relocating to the UK for the entire programme.
Difference between On-Campus & Online Study at the University of Edinburgh
Applicants should think carefully about which format best fits their circumstances.
On-Campus Study
An on-campus Master’s may be preferable for students who want:
- Direct interaction with lecturers
- Campus-based learning
- Face-to-face networking
- Access to university facilities
- The experience of living and studying in Edinburgh
Online Study
An online programme may be more appropriate for someone who:
- Needs to remain in their home country
- Has professional or family commitments
- Wants to study remotely
- Can manage independent online learning
- Does not need to relocate for the degree
The right choice depends on your personal circumstances and the requirements of your chosen programme.
Special Advice for Prospective Applicants
Don’t Wait for the Main Application Form
The new process means that your first action should be checking eligibility and registering for an information session.
Register Early
Information sessions have limited dates, so don’t leave registration until the final available session.
Research Your Master’s Carefully
Your chosen programme should connect naturally with your education, experience and long-term goals.
Prepare Your Personal Story
Think about the development challenge you care about and what you have already done to address it.
Demonstrate Impact
Don’t simply say that you want to “help Africa.”
Explain what problem you want to work on, what experience you already have, and how the Master’s degree will help you contribute to a practical solution.
Keep Track of the Two Deadlines
There are two particularly important dates:
19 October 2026 – Applicant Declaration Form
19 November 2026 – Main Scholarship Application
Missing the first deadline means you cannot progress to the main application.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28 Timeline
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 15 September 2026 | First on-campus information session |
| 17 September 2026 | First online information session |
| 21 September 2026 | On-campus information session |
| 22 September 2026 | Online information session |
| 24 September 2026 | Final listed information sessions |
| 13 October 2026 | Eligible attendees notified about invitation to apply |
| 19 October 2026, 5pm UK | Applicant Declaration deadline |
| 19 November 2026, 5pm UK | Main scholarship application deadline |
| March 2027 | Scholarship offers expected |
| September 2027 | Successful scholars begin their programmes |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh?
The first application stage—the Applicant Declaration Form—closes on 19 October 2026 at 5:00pm UK time.
The main scholarship application closes later, on 19 November 2026 at 5:00pm UK time.
Can I apply directly for the scholarship without attending an information session?
No. For the 2027/28 recruitment process, attending a mandatory virtual information session is required before eligible applicants can receive an invitation to apply.
Does attending the information session guarantee an application invitation?
No. Your eligibility will be assessed, and only attendees who meet the scholarship requirements will be invited to apply.
Can I study online?
Yes. The 2027/28 scholarship includes selected online distance-learning programmes.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides fully funded scholarship opportunities for selected scholars. Applicants should review the official scholarship information for the precise benefits and conditions applicable to their programme.
When will successful applicants receive scholarship offers?
Scholarship offers are expected in March 2027, according to the published 2027/28 application process.
Do I apply to the University of Edinburgh before applying for the scholarship?
For this scholarship process, applicants should initially apply for the scholarship rather than submitting a separate University degree application. Successful scholarship applicants will subsequently be invited to apply for their chosen degree through the University’s standard admissions process.
Can I apply for another scholarship at the same time?
Yes, you may apply for other scholarships. If another scholarship requires an active University of Edinburgh application, you may apply to the University separately.
Application Deadline
19 October 2026 – Applicant Declaration Form
Time: 5:00pm UK time
However, applicants should remember that this is not the final deadline for the entire scholarship process.
Those who successfully pass Stage 1 will move on to the main application, which has a deadline of:
19 November 2026 – Main Scholarship Application
Time: 5:00pm UK time
The programme may close the first-stage form early if it reaches its application capacity, so early action is strongly recommended.
How to Apply
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is different from a normal university application.
Follow this order:
- Check your eligibility
- Explore the eligible on-campus and online Master’s programmes
- Register for a virtual information session
- Attend the mandatory session
- Wait for the eligibility assessment and invitation
- Complete the Applicant Declaration Form by 19 October 2026
- If successful, complete the main scholarship application by 19 November 2026
- Await the scholarship decision
- If awarded, follow the University of Edinburgh’s instructions to apply for your chosen Master’s programme
For the latest application instructions, applicants should use the official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page rather than relying solely on third-party scholarship websites.
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Final Preparation Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh for 2027/28 is particularly interesting for African students because it combines postgraduate education with a strong focus on sustainability, leadership and development.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the new recruitment procedure. The biggest mistake would be to wait for the main application form without first registering for and attending the required information session.
If you are interested in the scholarship, start now by checking your eligibility, selecting a suitable Master’s programme and registering for one of the September 2026 information sessions.
Remember the key dates: 15–24 September 2026 for the mandatory information sessions, 19 October 2026 for the Applicant Declaration Form, and 19 November 2026 for the main scholarship application.
For the official programme information: If you are not applying immediately, I will suggest that you visit the official program website for latest requirements directly with the University of Edinburgh and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before submitting their application.