The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is opening applications for its Winter 2027 intake, providing academically talented young people from Africa with the opportunity to pursue selected master’s degrees in Canada with comprehensive financial and academic support.
The UBC program is part of the broader Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which aims to develop the next generation of transformative African leaders through access to higher education, leadership development, community engagement and pathways to meaningful employment or entrepreneurship. The UBC program’s second phase is focused particularly on forestry, agriculture, water and land management, with an emphasis on sustainable entrepreneurship and community-led development.
Currently, for the 2027 intake, the expression of interest opens on August 31, 2026, and interested candidates must submit their expression of interest by September 6, 2026. Only candidates who progress through the initial selection stage will be invited to submit the full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
This news article explains the eligibility requirements, eligible master’s programs, scholarship benefits, application stages, deadlines and what prospective African applicants need to know before applying. Bear in mind that there are more than 21 Partner Universities Offering Mastercard Foundation Fully Funded Scholarships.
UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Facts & Quick Verification
| Scholarship Detail | 2027 Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC |
| University | University of British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Intake | Winter 2027 |
| Target applicants | African citizens and refugees |
| Application opens | August 31, 2026 |
| Expression of interest deadline | September 6, 2026 |
| Invitation to full scholarship application | September 15–30, 2026 |
| UBC faculty application | November 1–20, 2026 |
| Interviews | December 2026–January 2027 |
| Scholarship offers | February–early March 2027 |
| Arrival in Vancouver | August 2027 |
| Age requirement | 35 or younger at application |
| Previous master’s degree | Not permitted |
| Bachelor’s degree | Required |
| Scholarship type | Fully funded |
| Main thematic areas | Forestry, agriculture, water and land management |
The dates and requirements above are based on UBC’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program information currently published for the Winter 2027 intake.
UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Coverage & Requirement
| Category | Requirement/Benefit |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Citizen or refugee of an African country |
| Academic level | Master’s degree |
| Bachelor’s degree | Must already be completed |
| Previous master’s | Applicant must not already hold a master’s degree |
| Age | 35 or younger at application |
| Academic performance | Must meet minimum requirements of the chosen UBC program |
| Leadership | Transformative leadership and community service expected |
| Development commitment | Potential to contribute to home-country development |
| Tuition | Covered |
| Books | Covered |
| Accommodation | Room and board covered |
| Living support | Stipend provided |
| Travel | Flights and immigration support |
| Health | Health insurance |
| Career support | Available |
| Alumni network | Mastercard Foundation global alumni network |
| Entrepreneurship | Social Entrepreneurship Fund opportunity |
Official Source & Portal Verification for UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is administered through UBC, rather than through a general Mastercard Foundation application portal.
This distinction is important. The Mastercard Foundation states that its partner universities manage their own application processes, deadlines and selection procedures. Applicants interested in the UBC opportunity should therefore follow the instructions published by UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
For the 2027 intake, the UBC program states that the first step is to submit an Expression of Interest when applications open on August 31, 2026. Eligible candidates are subsequently invited to submit the full scholarship application.
Official UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC: https://mastercardfdn.scholars.ubc.ca
UBC Graduate Admissions:
UBC Graduate Studies: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students
The Step-by-Step Roadmap for UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The UBC process is different from a conventional scholarship application where every applicant immediately submits a complete form.
The 2027 process has several stages.
Stage 1: Identify an Eligible Program
Before submitting an expression of interest, applicants should identify which of the eligible master’s programs they want to study.
The UBC scholarship is restricted to a specific list of programs.
Stage 2: Submit an Expression of Interest
The expression of interest opens on August 31, 2026.
For the 2027 intake, the deadline is September 6, 2026.
Stage 3: Invitation to Apply
UBC will assess expressions of interest.
Candidates who progress to the next stage will be invited to submit the full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
Stage 4: Submit the Scholarship Application
The full scholarship application includes:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form
- Personal statements
- CV/resume
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Academic transcripts
Stage 5: Apply to UBC
Successful scholarship applicants will receive instructions to submit their application to the relevant UBC faculty.
For the 2027 intake, this faculty application stage is scheduled for November 1–20, 2026.
UBC states that late applications will not be considered.
Stage 6: Interview
Candidates who progress to the next stage will be contacted for interviews during December 2026 and January 2027.
Stage 7: Scholarship Offer
Selected scholars are expected to receive offers between February and early March 2027.
Stage 8: Prepare for Vancouver
The new scholars are expected to arrive in Vancouver in August 2027 for the beginning of the program.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program goes beyond paying tuition.
The program emphasizes community-engaged learning, allowing scholars to apply their academic knowledge to social and environmental challenges while working with community partners and stakeholders.
UBC describes this approach as experiential education designed to help students align their academic learning with community aspirations.
This is particularly relevant to applicants whose career ambitions involve development work, sustainability, agriculture, forestry, environmental management or related fields.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support for selected scholars throughout their eligible master’s program.
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and books
- Flights and immigration support
- Room and board
- Living-expense stipends
- Health insurance
- Career services and support
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation alumni network
- Leadership and professional development
- Opportunities connected to social entrepreneurship
The exact duration of financial support corresponds to the eligible master’s program in which the scholar enrolls.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The 2027 UBC program has a clear thematic focus on areas that are highly relevant to Africa’s development.
The program’s second phase focuses on:
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Water management
- Land management
- Sustainable entrepreneurship
- Community-led development
This makes the scholarship particularly relevant for applicants whose academic and professional goals involve sustainable natural-resource management, food systems, environmental protection, climate resilience, agricultural development and related fields.
For example, according to UBC Forestry & Stewardship, the UBC’s eligible forestry programs include thesis-based Master of Science and Master of Applied Science in Forestry, which can provide research-oriented graduate training.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
The program is designed to connect African scholars with UBC’s academic and research environment while maintaining a strong connection to development priorities on the African continent.
UBC describes itself as a global research and teaching centre, while the Mastercard Foundation program emphasizes community-led development and transitions into meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.
This combination creates opportunities for scholars to develop technical expertise in Canada and subsequently apply their knowledge to challenges in their home communities and countries.
UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship’s Mission
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to develop transformative leaders, rather than simply provide financial assistance for university study.
The Foundation says its broader vision is a network of young people and institutions driving inclusive and equitable socioeconomic change in Africa.
At UBC, this mission is reflected through four major areas:
Access and Thrive
The program seeks to expand access to quality higher education, particularly for young women, refugees, internally displaced people and persons with disabilities.
Community-Engaged Learning
Scholars are encouraged to connect academic knowledge with real community challenges.
Dignified and Fulfilling Work
The program provides academic, social and career support intended to help scholars transition into meaningful employment or entrepreneurship.
Agency and Voice
Students receive opportunities to develop leadership skills, confidence, professional capabilities and the ability to influence change.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
Being selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar does not remove the normal academic requirements of UBC.
Applicants must satisfy the minimum academic requirements of their chosen master’s program. UBC specifically advises applicants to consult its country-specific international credential requirements to determine whether their bachelor’s qualification meets the standard for graduate admission.
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was not taught in English may need to take an accepted English-language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, depending on UBC’s requirements and their circumstances.
For thesis-based programs, students should also expect to meet the normal research, academic and supervisory requirements of the relevant graduate program.
Scholarship or Fellowship Overview and Academic Purpose
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC is a graduate scholarship initiative for young African leaders.
Unlike general UBC scholarships that may cover a wide range of subjects, the Mastercard Foundation program has a defined development focus and only supports specific master’s degrees.
The current UBC program is expected to support 351 graduate students over the 2024–2034 phase, with the academic focus centred on forestry, agriculture, water and land management.
The program therefore combines:
Graduate education + financial support + leadership development + community engagement + career preparation.
What This UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Offers
The scholarship’s major advantage is that it addresses several of the financial and practical challenges faced by international students studying in Canada.
Tuition and books
The scholarship covers tuition and books for the eligible program.
Accommodation
Room and board are included.
Living expenses
Scholars receive stipends to support living expenses.
International travel
Flights and immigration support are included.
Health insurance
The scholarship provides health insurance.
Career development
Scholars receive access to career services and support.
Entrepreneurship
The program includes a Social Entrepreneurship Fund for scholars interested in developing ventures on the African continent.
Alumni network
Scholars become part of the broader Mastercard Foundation alumni network.
Features of the UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC provides:
- Fully funded master’s study
- Tuition and books
- Accommodation and meals/room and board
- Living stipends
- Flights
- Immigration support
- Health insurance
- Academic support
- Student wellbeing support
- Leadership development
- Career services
- Mentoring and community engagement
- Access to a global alumni network
- Social entrepreneurship opportunities
Eligible Courses
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program currently lists the following master’s programs as eligible for the 2027 intake.
1. Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
This program combines economics, policy and business with food and resource systems. UBC describes the MFRE as a one-year, course-based master’s degree.
Master of Food Science (MFS)
The MFS is designed around professional preparation in food science, with applications in areas such as the food industry and government.
2. Faculty of Forestry
Eligible programs include:
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Master of Science/Master of Applied Science in Forestry — thesis-based
3. Faculty of Science
Master of Data Science (MDS)
This program provides graduate-level training in data science and is among the specifically listed programs for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC.
Important: Applicants should not assume that every master’s program offered by UBC qualifies for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship. The scholarship is restricted to the programs published by the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Who Can Apply for UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed for applicants who are citizens or refugees of African countries.
For the 2027 graduate intake, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a master’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Apply for one of the specifically eligible master’s programs.
- Meet the minimum academic requirements of the chosen UBC program.
The program also encourages applications from groups including young women, refugees, internally displaced people and persons with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements for UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
1. African citizenship or refugee status
Applicants must be citizens or refugees of an African country.
2. Bachelor’s degree
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree before applying.
3. No previous master’s degree
Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for this particular UBC graduate scholarship.
4. Age
Applicants must be 35 or younger at the time of application. UBC’s current 2027 guidance specifies that eligible applicants were born in 1990 or after.
5. Academic qualification
Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements of the UBC master’s program they select.
6. English-language requirements
If the bachelor’s degree was not taught in English, applicants should arrange an accepted English proficiency examination where required.
UBC currently identifies TOEFL and IELTS in its scholarship application guidance.
7. Leadership and community service
Applicants are assessed on their record as transformative leaders and their service to their communities.
8. Development impact
The selection process considers the potential impact the applicant could have on the development of their home country.
Study Period and Funding
Selected scholars will begin their UBC studies in the Winter 2027 intake, with the program indicating that scholars will be welcomed in Vancouver in August 2027.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the eligible master’s program, including tuition, books, accommodation, living support, health insurance and travel-related assistance.
The exact academic duration depends on the master’s program selected.
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program publishes stories from scholars highlighting experiences in leadership, agriculture, sustainability, community development and international engagement.
For example, UBC’s program has featured scholars reflecting on conferences and international academic experiences, as well as graduates who describe how the scholarship helped them pursue their educational and professional goals.
These stories provide useful insight into the broader experience, but prospective applicants should distinguish between individual scholar experiences and official scholarship requirements.
The most important lesson from the program’s published scholar stories is that applicants should be able to connect their academic interests with leadership, service and a clear vision for impact.
About the University Offering the Scholarship: University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s major research universities, with campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
UBC describes itself as a global centre for research and teaching with a vision focused on creating an exceptional learning environment, advancing a civil and sustainable society and supporting research that serves British Columbia, Canada and the wider world.
For Mastercard Foundation Scholars, the Vancouver campus provides access to a major research environment and a diverse student community.
The UBC Mastercard Foundation partnership is specifically designed to connect graduate education with Africa’s development priorities.
The second phase of the program is expected to support 351 graduate students between 2024 and 2034 across its seven professional master’s degree programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UBC fully funded?
Yes. The UBC program states that the scholarship covers tuition and books, flights and immigration support, room and board, living stipends and health insurance, in addition to academic, career and leadership support.
Who can apply?
The 2027 graduate program is open to citizens or refugees of African countries who have completed a bachelor’s degree, are 35 or younger, do not already have a master’s degree and meet the academic requirements of an eligible UBC master’s program.
What programs are eligible?
The 2027 list includes programs in food and resource economics, food science, sustainable forest management, international forestry, urban forestry leadership, geomatics for environmental management, forestry MSc/MASc and data science.
Can I apply for any master’s program at UBC?
No. Only the master’s programs specifically identified by the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are eligible.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No. The 2027 eligibility requirements state that applicants must not already have a master’s degree.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Can refugees apply?
Yes. The program specifically has a stream for refugees and displaced persons and encourages applications from forcibly displaced young people.
Do I apply directly to UBC first?
For the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars process, applicants first submit an Expression of Interest to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC. Candidates selected through that stage are then invited to submit the scholarship application and subsequently apply to the relevant UBC faculty.
What is the first deadline?
The expression of interest opens August 31, 2026, and the deadline to submit it is September 6, 2026.
Does admission to UBC guarantee the scholarship?
No. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive. The Mastercard Foundation explicitly states that admission to a partner university does not guarantee selection for the scholarship.
Current Application Deadlines
For the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC — Winter 2027 intake, the published timeline is:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest opens | August 31, 2026 |
| Expression of Interest deadline | September 6, 2026 |
| Invitation to full scholarship application | September 15–30, 2026 |
| UBC faculty applications | November 1–20, 2026 |
| Interviews | December 2026–January 2027 |
| Scholarship offers | February–early March 2027 |
| Scholars welcomed in Vancouver | August 2027 |
Important: The September 6, 2026 expression-of-interest deadline is the immediate deadline for prospective applicants. Applicants should not wait for the full scholarship application to open before starting their preparation.
Contact Information for Applicants
For questions concerning the graduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC, the official program lists:
Email: scholars.admissions@ubc.ca
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program also provides an online contact form for prospective scholars.
Applicants should use official UBC channels rather than third parties claiming to recruit Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
The Mastercard Foundation itself warns about fraudulent recruitment posts and says applicants should apply through the relevant partner university.
How To Apply for UBC’s Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Prospective applicants should follow this process:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Confirm that you are an African citizen or refugee, have completed a bachelor’s degree, do not already hold a master’s degree and are 35 or younger.
Step 2: Select an eligible UBC master’s program
Choose from the programs specifically listed under the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Step 3: Prepare your academic documents
Gather:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- CV/resume
- English-language test results where applicable
- Identification documents
- Information about leadership and community activities
Step 4: Prepare your leadership and impact story
Think carefully about your:
- Community service
- Leadership experiences
- Academic achievements
- Professional experience
- Development goals
- Contribution to your home country
- Interest in sustainable development
Step 5: Submit the Expression of Interest
The expression-of-interest process opens August 31, 2026 and closes September 6, 2026.
Step 6: Wait for an invitation
Eligible candidates selected for the next stage will be invited to submit the full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
Step 7: Submit the full scholarship application
Complete the scholarship form and submit your:
- Personal statements
- CV
- Two reference letters on official letterhead
- Transcripts
Step 8: Apply to UBC
If successful at the scholarship stage, follow UBC’s instructions to apply to the relevant faculty between November 1 and November 20, 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Step 9: Prepare for the interview
Candidates who reach the interview stage should be prepared to explain their academic interests, leadership experiences, community involvement and plans for contributing to development in Africa.
Step 10: Await the final decision
Selected scholars are expected to receive offers between February and early March 2027, with scholars welcomed to Vancouver in August 2027.
Official application information:
UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: https://mastercardfdn.scholars.ubc.ca
Concluding Remarks
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia 2027 presents a major opportunity for young African professionals and graduates seeking fully funded master’s-level education in Canada.
The program is especially relevant to applicants interested in agriculture, food systems, forestry, environmental management, geomatics, data science, water and land management, as these areas align closely with the program’s current development focus.
What makes the opportunity particularly valuable is that it combines financial support with academic development, leadership training, community engagement, career preparation and entrepreneurship opportunities. Scholars receive support for tuition, books, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, travel and immigration, while also becoming part of a broader Mastercard Foundation community.
For applicants targeting the 2027 intake, the first deadline to remember is September 6, 2026, when the expression of interest closes. Candidates who progress will then move through the full scholarship application, UBC faculty application and interview stages.
Applicants should carefully verify their eligibility and choose an eligible program before applying. They should also remember that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive and that submitting an application does not guarantee either scholarship selection or admission to UBC.
Official Resources
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC: https://mastercardfdn.scholars.ubc.ca
- Mastercard Foundation — Official Scholars Program: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program
- UBC Graduate Studies: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students
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