University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027 [Fully Funded]

Are you an African applicant interested in studying in one of the best universities in the world? Then prepare to apply for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Cambridge for the 2027/2028 academic session as the application opens in September.

The Scholarship is a fully funded programme that covers full tuition costs, a monthly maintenance allowance and a laptop. other costs covered by the scholarship include visa application fees, International Health Surcharge, and travel costs.

SUMMARY:

• Scholarship Sponsor(s): Mastercard Foundation
• Host Institution(s): University of Cambridge
• Scholarship Worth: Fully Funded
• Number of Awards: Not Stated
• Study Level: Postgraduate (Masters)
• Nationality: Africans
  

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Also Check: Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027 [Fully Funded]

Scholarship Overview | Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge enables academically talented young Africans to pursue Master’s degrees while developing their leadership potential. The program goes beyond financial support by building a community of African Scholars committed to creating positive social and economic change on the continent.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, prospective Scholars can apply to most full-time Master’s courses offered by the University of Cambridge. The scholarship particularly seeks candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to their communities and an interest in contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience in Africa.

Women, refugees, internally displaced persons and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/2028 must:

• Be a citizen of an African country.
• Normally be living in an African country.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
• Meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen University of Cambridge Master’s course.
• Apply for an eligible full-time Master’s degree.
• Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their community, home country or Africa more broadly.
• Demonstrate alignment with the program’s themes of sustainability and climate resilience.

Applicants temporarily living outside Africa for work or study may still be eligible.

The program also makes provisions for applicants who identify as refugees or internally displaced persons. There is no upper age limit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge. There is no upper age limit for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge.

Eligible Master’s Programs

The scholarship is available for most full-time Master’s courses offered by the University of Cambridge. Eligible courses generally run for approximately 9–12 months.

However, the following Master’s programs are currently excluded:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• Master of Accountancy (MAcc/MAccFin)

Applicants should use the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory to confirm that their chosen program is eligible and to check its academic requirements and funding deadline. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge does not fund undergraduate or PhD studies.

Also Check: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley 2027 (Fully Funded)

Scholarship Benefits

Successful Scholars for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 will receive support covering:

• Full University course fees.
• Monthly maintenance/living allowance.
• Visa costs.
• UK Immigration Health Surcharge.
• International travel, including flights.
• Transportation from the airport to Cambridge.
• A laptop.
• Academic and professional development support.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community and wider networks.

The program therefore aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent selected Scholars from successfully completing their Master’s studies at Cambridge.

How to Apply

There is no separate standalone application portal for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship application is integrated into the University of Cambridge postgraduate course application.

Interested applicants should:

1. Search the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory and select an eligible full-time Master’s course.
2. Carefully review the academic entry requirements, required documents and funding deadline for the selected course.
3. Start an online application for the chosen Master’s program through the Cambridge postgraduate application system.
4. Apply for an application fee waiver where necessary. Eligible Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applicants can receive a fee waiver, while applicants from certain African countries receive the waiver automatically.
5. In the funding section of the postgraduate application, opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program where it appears as an eligible funding option.
6. Complete the required scholarship statement addressing your educational and career background, leadership potential, how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, and how you intend to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.
7. Upload all supporting documents and ensure that referees submit their references within the required timeframe.
8. Submit the complete Cambridge application by the funding deadline for your chosen course, rather than waiting for the later general course deadline.

Applicants only become eligible for final Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program selection after receiving an offer for an eligible Master’s course from Cambridge.

Application Documents

Required documents vary according to the selected Master’s course. Applicants should generally be prepared to submit:

• Academic transcripts.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate or appropriate evidence of qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé where required.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose required by the selected course.
• Academic references.
• Mastercard Foundation scholarship statement.
• Passport or identification information.
• English-language test results (required, but not in all cases)
• Any additional documents required by the chosen Cambridge department.

Application Deadline: The deadline varies depending on selected Master’s course.

Applicants must submit their complete course and scholarship application by the applicable University funding deadline, which is generally:

• Early December 2026, or
• Early January 2027

Applicants should not rely on the later general admission deadline shown for their course. The earlier funding deadline is the relevant deadline for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship consideration.

Visit the Official Website for Further Details