The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027/28 are now accepting applications from eligible African students for fully funded postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom or online. The programme supports academically talented young people who have overcome barriers to education and demonstrated leadership potential.
Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh offers selected applicants the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees or online postgraduate diplomas at the University of Edinburgh. The programme places particular emphasis on climate leadership, community service and sustainable development.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor: Mastercard Foundation
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Host Institution: University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Scholarship Worth: Full Tuition and Additional Financial Support
- Number of Awards: Not Specified
- Study Level: Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Study Destination: United Kingdom or Online
Suggested: CMU-Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Fully Funded)
Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027 | Programme Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh aims to develop a new generation of African leaders equipped to address climate change and other development challenges.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the programme offers three study pathways:
- On-campus master’s degrees: One year of full-time study in Edinburgh.
- Online master’s degrees: Part-time study lasting up to three years.
- Online postgraduate diplomas: Part-time study lasting up to two years.
Online students can continue living and working in their home countries while pursuing their qualifications.
Eligible online programmes include International Development, Global Food Security and Nutrition, Climate Change Management, One Health, Digital Education, Social Justice and Community Action, and other approved courses.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be citizens and residents of an African country, or hold refugee status in an African country.
- Have faced significant barriers to education or early career development.
- Possess an undergraduate qualification that meets the University of Edinburgh’s academic admission requirements.
- Have a degree certificate and official final transcript available by November 19, 2026.
- Demonstrate leadership experience and service within their communities.
- Show an interest in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
- Be born on or after January 1, 1992.
- Meet the requirements of their chosen postgraduate programme.
Applicants for master’s scholarships must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
For online postgraduate diplomas, candidates may hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an African university, subject to the programme’s admission requirements.
The university particularly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced persons and people with disabilities.
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides substantial financial and academic support.
For online scholars, benefits include:
- Full approved tuition fees.
- An academic stipend to support access to a laptop and reliable internet.
- Opportunities to attend an in-person gathering.
- Climate leadership workshops, coaching and mentoring.
- Participation in the Climate Enterprise School.
- Dedicated academic coordination and transition support.
- Additional assistance for scholars with disabilities, based on assessed needs.
On-campus scholars receive funding and support appropriate to their residential study programme.
See Also: Mastercard Foundation Scholarships | Application Guide
Application Procedures
How to Apply: The University of Edinburgh has introduced a new application process for the 2027/28 scholarships. Only eligible candidates who attended the mandatory virtual information sessions held in September 2026 can proceed.
- Attend the Information Session: Applicants must have attended a mandatory virtual session between September 15 and 24, 2026. Registration for these sessions is now closed.
- Receive an Application Invitation: Eligible participants were invited through SurveyMonkey Apply beginning October 20, 2026.
- Complete the Applicant Declaration: Invited candidates must submit the eligibility declaration by October 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time. The form may close earlier if the application limit is reached.
- Submit the Main Application: Candidates who pass the declaration stage must complete the postgraduate assessment and scholarship application by November 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time.
Important: Applicants should apply for the scholarship before applying for admission to the university. Successful scholarship candidates will be guided through the university admission process after receiving their scholarship offers.
The programme does not accept applications outside its designated online application system.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Official undergraduate degree certificate.
- Final academic transcript.
- Details of academic achievements and leadership experience.
- Written responses explaining their educational background, challenges overcome and future ambitions.
- Information about their contributions to climate action and community development.
- Contact details of a suitable academic or professional referee, if requested.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview between February and March 2027.
Application Deadline
November 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time.
The mandatory information sessions have already ended, and the Applicant Declaration deadline is October 26, 2026. Only candidates who successfully complete these earlier stages can submit the main scholarship application.
