Applications are ongoing for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027 for eligible African students interested in Master’s study in Canada. The fully funded program supports academically talented students who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to contributing to Africa’s development.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is open to eligible citizens and refugees from African countries. For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants can choose from selected Master’s programs offered at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): Mastercard Foundation and University of British Columbia
- Host Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Study Level: Master’s
- Eligible Applicants: African Citizens and Refugees
- Study Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Round One Deadline: September 30, 2026
See Also: A General Application Guide for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027
Mastercard Scholarship at UBC | Eligibility Criteria
Applicants seeking the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to study at the University of British Columbia must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Be 35 years or younger at the time of application (born in 1990 or later).
- Be a citizen or refugee of an African country.
- Apply for one of the eligible Master’s programs.
- Meet the minimum academic requirements of the selected UBC program.
- Demonstrate academic merit, leadership and commitment to their community.
Eligible Master’s Programs
For the 2027/28 cohort, eligible programs include:
Faculty of Forestry
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
- Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL)
- MSc/MASc in Forestry (Thesis-based)
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
Faculty of Science
- Master of Data Science (MDS)
Scholarship Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial and developmental support to successful Scholars. Benefits include:
- Full tuition and academic costs.
- Books and learning materials.
- Accommodation and living support.
- Flights and immigration support.
- Health insurance.
- Career and professional development support.
- Leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni network.
Also Check: University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship 2027 [Fully Funded]
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 cohort follow a multi-stage process:
- Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for their preferred eligible Master’s program.
- Eligible candidates are invited to complete the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application.
- Shortlisted applicants proceed to the relevant UBC Faculty/program application stage.
- Candidates must complete all required stages and submit the requested documents within the stated deadlines.
Applicants who did not submit an EOI by the deadline may not be able to join the current application process at the later stages.
Application Documents
Candidates invited to complete the scholarship application should prepare relevant documents including:
- Completed scholarship application and personal statements.
- Academic transcripts.
- CV/resume.
- Two reference letters.
- English-language proficiency evidence where applicable.
- Other documents required by the selected UBC Master’s program.
Application Deadline
The Expression of Interest closed September 6, 2026.
Eligible candidates invited to Round One must complete their scholarship application between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
Only applicants who successfully completed the earlier EOI stage can proceed with the current application round.
