University of Edinburgh MasterCard Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to make a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis.

The University of Edinburgh Mastercard OnCampus Scholarship program is dedicated to nurturing a community of talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The scholarship will empower young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and networks to drive sustainable transitions by offering a range of exceptional sustainability-focused postgraduate opportunities through the Program at the University of Edinburgh.

To be considered for the University of Edinburgh MasterCard On-Campus Scholarships:

• Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh for a relevant degree programme listed.

• You will generally need to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher. Find out more about the postgraduate entry requirements for your country: Postgraduate entry requirements

• Applicants will have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).

• Applicants have graduated from an undergraduate study and must have a degree certificate and official final transcript to upload alongside their application by 19 November 2026.

• Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in a Sub-Saharan African country.

• Applicants must have faced barriers to education and in their early career.

• Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.

• Applicants must demonstrate experience, or at least ambition, in making a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis

• Applicants must be 35 or under as of 1 September 2027

• Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or apply to enrol) at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

• If applying for the on-campus Master's programme: Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or apply to enrol) at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

• We particularly welcome applications from female scholars, scholars from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and scholars with disabilities.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh covers;

• Full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, living cost stipend and study materials.

• A climate leadership programme to inspire and support Scholars in making change in their communities and countries.

• Additional support is offered to scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs.

To apply for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the button below to go to the University of Edinburgh website.

• 2

  Prospective applicants must attend a mandatory information session to learn about the eligibility requirements and application process between 15 and 24 September 2026. 

• 3

  Sequel to the information session, Eligible attendees will be notified whether they are invited to apply. They will be required to complete the Applicant Declaration Form by 19th October. 

• 4

  Candidates will then be asked to complete a Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application form by 19 November, 2026.

• 5

  Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their admission decision to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Edinburgh by Early February.