The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28 is one of the most important postgraduate funding opportunities for young Africans seeking master’s-level study with strong leadership and social-impact potential.
For the 2027/28 cycle, the University of Edinburgh has introduced a multi-stage application process. The opportunity is aimed at applicants who have faced significant barriers to education or early career development, have demonstrated leadership and community service, and want to contribute to sustainable development and climate-related solutions.
Who is eligible?
The University states that applicants must be citizens and residents of an African country, or hold refugee status in an African country. Applicants should also meet the academic entry requirements for an eligible University of Edinburgh postgraduate programme.
For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants must generally be 35 years old or younger in the year the programme starts. The published eligibility guidance states that applicants born on or after 1 January 1992 may be considered.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- A strong academic background.
- Evidence of barriers to education or early-career progression.
- Leadership and service within their community.
- Interest or experience in addressing the climate crisis or sustainable transitions.
- A clear reason for choosing the proposed programme.
What study options are available?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh supports selected on-campus master’s programmes and selected online master’s and postgraduate diploma programmes. Applicants must choose the appropriate study route and cannot normally pursue both an online and on-campus scholarship application in the same cycle.
The programme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in sustainability, development, food security, digital education, climate change, public policy and other areas linked to Africa’s long-term development needs.
Important 2027/28 application dates
The University of Edinburgh has published the following timeline:
- 15–24 September 2026: mandatory virtual information sessions.
- 13 October 2026: eligible attendees are notified whether they are invited to apply.
- 19 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time: Applicant Declaration Form deadline.
- 19 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time: main scholarship application deadline.
- February–March 2027: interviews and final selection stages.
- September 2027: academic programmes begin.
A crucial point for the 2027/28 cycle is that attendance at one of the September information sessions was required before applicants could access the scholarship process. Applicants who did not complete that step should not assume they can enter directly at the main application stage.
What does the scholarship support?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed as a comprehensive scholarship and support programme rather than a simple tuition discount. Successful scholars receive academic and personal development support in addition to financial assistance connected with their study route.
Exact benefits can vary by programme and mode of study, so applicants should review the official University of Edinburgh scholarship information before making financial plans.
How to make a stronger application
A competitive application should connect three things clearly: the applicant’s past experience, the programme they want to study, and the impact they hope to create after graduation. Generic claims about leadership are less convincing than specific examples showing what the applicant did, who benefited and what changed as a result.
Applicants should prepare examples that demonstrate resilience, service, initiative and problem-solving. Where possible, explain scale. For example, instead of writing that you “helped young people,” state how many people participated, what intervention you led and what outcome followed.
Documents to prepare
Applicants should have their academic documents ready early. The University says applicants must have completed undergraduate study and be able to provide a degree certificate and official final transcript by the main application deadline.
It is also useful to prepare:
- An updated CV.
- A clear record of community service and leadership.
- Evidence of professional or volunteer experience.
- Examples of impact connected with sustainability or climate-related challenges.
- Contact details for referees who can speak credibly about the applicant’s work and character.
Important warning about the process
The scholarship does not accept applications submitted outside the official online system. Applicants should not pay third parties who claim they can provide access to the scholarship form, influence selection or guarantee an interview.
Official source
Applicants should confirm all details through the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application page.
JobScholarship.com guidance: If you attended the required September 2026 information session, watch your registered email carefully from 13 October onward because the next stage is invitation-based and the Applicant Declaration window is short.