University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (On-Campus) 2026

Program Overview The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is designed to cultivate a vibrant community of talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. With a distinct focus on addressing the global climate crisis, this scholarship empowers young Africans by providing access to sustainability-focused postgraduate studies. Scholars will gain the knowledge, skills, and networks required to drive sustainable change in their home countries and communities.

Quick Facts

• Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
• Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
• Target Group: Citizens/residents of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)
• Focus Area: Sustainability and Climate Change
• Language Requirement: No IELTS Required
• Application Deadline: November 21, 2025

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship is fully funded and covers:

• Full Tuition Fees: Covered for the duration of the approved master's program.
• Accommodation: Provided during the study period.
• Travel Costs: Round-trip airline tickets to and from the UK.
• Living Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
• Study Materials: Financial support for academic resources.
• Leadership Training: Access to a specialized climate leadership program to inspire and support community-level change.
• Inclusive Support: Additional, tailored support for scholars with disabilities based on a needs assessment.

 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 Mastercard On-Campus Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic & Demographic Requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen, resident, or recognized refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Age: Must be 35 years old or younger as of September 1, 2025.
• Education: Must hold the equivalent of a UK Second Class Upper (2:1) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher. (Check Postgraduate Entry Requirements for your specific country).
• Graduation Date: Must have completed undergraduate studies by September 2024. Applicants must have their final degree certificate and official transcript ready to upload by December 7.

Experience & Background:

• Climate Focus: Must demonstrate either existing experience or a strong, documented ambition to make a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis.
• Leadership: Must possess a clear track record of leadership and community service.
• Hardship: Must have faced, and overcome, significant barriers to education and early career development (social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related).

Exclusions:

• Must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
• Must not be enrolled in, nor applying to, another university while holding this scholarship.

Note: The program strongly encourages applications from female scholars, individuals with disabilities, and those from refugee or displaced backgrounds.

How to Apply

Important: The application process for this scholarship is different from standard university admissions. You must follow these specific steps:

1. Apply for the Scholarship First: Submit your application directly to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program before applying for the academic degree.
2. Wait for the Scholarship Offer: If you are successfully awarded the scholarship, you will then be instructed to apply for your chosen, eligible master's program at the University of Edinburgh.
3. Existing Offers: If you have already secured an unconditional or conditional offer for an eligible degree program at Edinburgh, you must clearly indicate this on your scholarship application form.

Contact Information: For any queries regarding the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, contact the university directly at: mcfsp@ed.ac.uk