Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

🎓🌍 Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers postgraduate scholarship opportunities for eligible African students who have demonstrated academic potential, leadership, community service and a commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

📌 University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027–2028 — Overview

Opportunity Detail	Information
Scholarship	Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Host Institution	University of Edinburgh
Funding Partner	Mastercard Foundation
Academic Year	2027–2028
Study Level	Postgraduate
Study Options	On-campus master’s, online master’s and selected online postgraduate diplomas
Eligible Applicants	Citizens and residents of African countries, including eligible applicants with refugee status
Target Group	Academically qualified young African leaders who have faced significant educational barriers
Maximum Age	35 in the year the programme commences
Academic Requirement	Generally equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours bachelor’s degree or higher
Leadership Requirement	Demonstrated community leadership and service
Climate Focus	Experience or ambition to contribute meaningfully to addressing the climate crisis
On-Campus Study Location	Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Online Study	Selected eligible online programmes
Application Opening	20 October 2026
Applicant Declaration Deadline	26 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time
Main Application Deadline	19 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time, according to the university’s application guidance
Expected Programme Start	September 2027
Application Platform	SurveyMonkey Apply, through an invitation from the programme

🌍 About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to expand access to higher education and support the development of young people who can contribute to inclusive economic growth and social transformation.

Through partnerships with universities and other institutions, the programme supports talented students who have the potential to become leaders in their communities and professional fields.

At the University of Edinburgh, the programme’s second phase, running from 2023 to 2030, focuses on developing a community of skilled, entrepreneurial and justice-oriented climate leaders from across Africa.

The programme goes beyond academic study. Scholars participate in activities intended to support their professional development, leadership capabilities, networks and transition into meaningful work.

These activities may include mentorship, work-based placements, leadership development and engagement with other scholars.

🎓 About the University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a historic research university located in Scotland’s capital. It offers postgraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines and attracts students from around the world.

Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the university aims to expand postgraduate educational opportunities for talented African students who have faced barriers to education.

The scholarship programme is designed to connect academic learning with leadership development and the ability to address challenges affecting communities across Africa.

Eligible applicants must select from the degree programmes specifically approved for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Admission to another University of Edinburgh degree does not automatically qualify a student for this scholarship.

💰 Is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?

The programme offers comprehensive scholarship support for selected scholars. However, applicants should consult the current official funding guidance to confirm the exact benefits attached to their study route and award.

The on-campus and online pathways differ in their study arrangements, so applicants should not assume that every benefit associated with relocation to Scotland also applies to online students.

What should applicants understand about funding?

Funding Consideration	Guidance
Tuition and academic costs	Check the official scholarship award information for the coverage applicable to the selected programme.
Living expenses	Confirm the support available for the relevant study route.
Accommodation	University accommodation is referenced in the programme’s guidance for scholars studying on campus.
Travel and relocation	Confirm the exact arrangements with the programme team before making commitments.
Online study costs	Review the benefits and conditions applicable to the online scholarship route.
Family and dependants	The programme states that support is intended for the individual scholar and does not cover the financial or practical needs of dependants.
Additional benefits	Refer to the official scholarship terms and award information rather than assuming all expenses are covered.

Important funding note: The programme is commonly described as a comprehensive or fully funded scholarship opportunity. Nevertheless, applicants should verify the current award conditions for their particular study route instead of assuming that every personal, family or relocation expense is covered.

The programme’s official guidance states that accommodation provided for on-campus scholars is intended for individual scholars. Financial and practical support for family members and dependants is not provided.

🎯 Scholarship Objectives

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh aims to support young African leaders who can use higher education and professional development to contribute to positive change.

Its main objectives include:

Expanding access to postgraduate education for talented African students who have experienced educational barriers.
Developing leadership skills and a commitment to community service.
Supporting climate leadership and action.
Building a network of scholars and alumni who can collaborate across disciplines and countries.
Connecting academic learning with professional development and work-based experience.
Helping scholars transition into meaningful work and contribute to their communities.

The programme seeks candidates who can demonstrate not only academic ability but also a clear commitment to using their education to address challenges affecting their communities and the wider African continent.

🎓 Available Study Routes for 2027–2028

The scholarship provides two principal postgraduate study routes: on-campus master’s study and online postgraduate study.

Applicants must choose either the online route or the on-campus route. The university does not permit applicants to apply for both routes under this scholarship cycle.

1. On-campus master’s scholarships in Scotland

On-campus scholars study at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.

The university’s published list of eligible on-campus programmes includes:

Climate Change Finance and Investment
Data, Inequality and Society
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Food Security
Environment and Development
Environmental Sustainability
Operational Research
Sustainable Energy Systems
International Development
Public Health, Master of MPH

Some programmes have specific restrictions. For example, the scholarship covers the general MSc in Operational Research rather than every specialisation. The Data, Inequality and Society programme must be undertaken in person for the full year under the scholarship conditions.

The on-campus master’s programmes must be completed within one year under the programme’s published rules.

2. Online master’s and postgraduate diploma scholarships

The programme also offers selected online postgraduate opportunities for African students who meet the eligibility criteria.

The university’s published online programme list includes the following:

Climate Change Management — master’s route only
International Development — master’s route only
Global Food Security and Nutrition — master’s or postgraduate diploma
One Health — master’s or postgraduate diploma
Social Justice and Community Action — master’s or postgraduate diploma
Global Health and Infectious Diseases — master’s or postgraduate diploma
Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health — master’s or postgraduate diploma
Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics — master’s or postgraduate diploma
Digital Education — master’s or postgraduate diploma
Data Science Technologies — master’s route only
Family Medicine (MFM) — master’s route only
Conservation Medicine — master’s or postgraduate diploma

The online master’s programmes must be completed within three years, while online postgraduate diplomas must be completed within two years.

Please verify the programme list before applying. The university states that eligible degree programmes may change, and only the programmes listed in the current official guidance qualify for this scholarship.

✅ Eligibility Requirements for the 2027–2028 Scholarship

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Applicants must satisfy all the applicable eligibility criteria. The university states that it cannot make exceptions for applicants who do not meet the requirements.

1. African citizenship and residence

Applicants must be citizens and residents of an African country or hold refugee status in an African country, in accordance with the programme’s eligibility requirements.

This means the scholarship is designed for eligible African applicants rather than being open to applicants from every country worldwide.

2. Age requirement

Applicants must be 35 or younger in the year the programme commences.

For the 2027–2028 intake, the university states that eligible applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1992.

Applicants born in 1991 or earlier do not meet the published age requirement for this intake.

3. Undergraduate degree

Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and must possess their final official university degree certificate and official final transcript by the application deadline.

For postgraduate admission, applicants will generally need a qualification equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours bachelor’s degree or higher.

Applicants should check the University of Edinburgh’s degree finder for the entry requirements of their chosen programme and the rules applicable to their country of study.

4. Experience of educational barriers

The programme is intended for applicants who have faced significant barriers to education and early-career development.

The university recognises that such barriers may be social, financial, personal, practical or health-related.

Applicants should explain their circumstances honestly and clearly, showing how those barriers have affected their educational opportunities and development.

5. Leadership and community service

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

Leadership does not necessarily require holding a formal title. Relevant examples may include organising community initiatives, supporting local organisations, leading student projects, mentoring others or helping address a community challenge.

Applicants should provide specific examples of their contribution and explain the outcomes of their work.

6. Commitment to climate action

Applicants must demonstrate experience or at least a clear ambition to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the climate crisis.

This requirement is relevant even when the selected degree is not directly focused on climate science.

Applicants should explain how their academic interests, professional ambitions or community activities relate to climate challenges and sustainable development.

7. Previous postgraduate study

Applicants applying for an on-campus or online master’s scholarship must not have already completed a postgraduate degree.

The programme also states that master’s applicants should not be enrolled at, or applying to enrol at, another university while receiving the scholarship.

The rules for online postgraduate diploma applicants are different. They may hold an undergraduate degree or a master’s degree from an African university, subject to the programme’s eligibility and graduation-date requirements.

8. Academic suitability for the selected degree

Meeting the scholarship’s general eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee admission to the chosen degree.

Applicants must also satisfy the University of Edinburgh’s academic entry requirements for the particular programme.

9. Mandatory information session

For the 2027–2028 intake, attendance at a mandatory virtual information session held between 15 and 24 September 2026 was a requirement for accessing the scholarship application.

Attendance alone did not guarantee an invitation. Only eligible attendees were invited to proceed.

10. English language requirements

English-language test results are not required at the scholarship application stage.

However, the university may require an English-language test during the academic admissions process, depending on the applicant’s previous education and whether they already hold an accepted test result.

The programme team states that it will facilitate English-language testing for successful candidates where required.

👩🏽‍🎓 Who Is Encouraged to Apply?

The university particularly encourages applications from:

Women.
People from refugee and displaced backgrounds.
People with disabilities.
Young Africans who have experienced significant barriers to education.
Candidates with a record of community service and leadership.
Applicants who want to contribute to climate action and sustainable development.

These groups are encouraged, but applicants must still meet the programme’s formal eligibility requirements.

🌱 What Is the Climate Leadership Programme?

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Climate leadership is an important element of the University of Edinburgh’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The programme aims to develop leaders who can help address climate-related challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future for Africa.

Scholars participate in the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community and its leadership activities.

Applicants should therefore think carefully about how their education and career plans might contribute to climate action, environmental sustainability, resilient communities, food security, public health or other related challenges.

A strong application should connect the chosen degree to a credible future goal rather than simply stating a general interest in helping people.

📝 How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027–2028

The application process for this intake has changed. Applicants cannot simply submit a general scholarship application without following the prescribed stages.

Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements

Review the official eligibility page.

Step 2: Review the eligible degree programmes

Explore the available on-campus and online programmes.

Choose the route that fits your academic goals and personal circumstances. Remember that applicants may apply for either the online route or the on-campus route, but not both under this scholarship cycle.

Step 3: Attend the mandatory information session

The mandatory virtual information sessions took place from 15 to 24 September 2026.

The sessions were required to gain access to the application process. Registration alone was not sufficient; applicants needed to attend.

For the 2027–2028 cycle, the published information-session period has already passed. If you did not attend, the official guidance indicates that you cannot receive an invitation for this intake.

Step 4: Check whether you received an invitation

Eligible attendees were due to be notified from 20 October 2026 about whether they could proceed.

Invited applicants receive access through SurveyMonkey Apply.

If you attended a session but have not received an invitation, check your email and spam folder, then consult the official programme team for guidance.

Step 5: Complete the Applicant Declaration Form

Invited applicants must complete the first-stage Applicant Declaration Form.

The published deadline is 26 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. The university warns that the form may close earlier if the application limit is reached.

Applicants who do not pass this stage cannot proceed to the main application.

Step 6: Submit the main scholarship application

Applicants who successfully complete the declaration stage will be invited to submit the main scholarship application.

The university’s application guidance lists the main application deadline as 19 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.

Use the deadline displayed in your official application account and check the university’s website for any changes.

Step 7: Complete the short essay questions

The main application includes questions about your personal story, academic background, leadership experience and future ambitions.

Use these responses to explain how you have overcome barriers, what you have contributed to your community, why the chosen degree matters and how you intend to create meaningful change.

Step 8: Monitor the assessment process

The university assesses submitted applications, including the applicant’s eligibility and academic suitability for the chosen degree.

Shortlisted on-campus applicants were expected to be contacted about interviews in early February 2027, while online applicants were expected to hear around mid-February 2027.

Step 9: Attend an interview if shortlisted

Interviews are generally conducted by video call and last approximately 60 minutes.

Applicants should be ready to discuss their background, educational goals, leadership experience, community contribution and future ambitions.

The programme also requests references from shortlisted candidates at the interview stage.

Step 10: Follow the offer and university admissions instructions

Successful candidates receive a conditional scholarship offer and are then supported through the relevant University of Edinburgh admissions process.

The university’s published timeline indicates that scholarship outcomes are expected by the end of March 2027, with further admissions and immigration support for successful on-campus applicants during the following months.

📄 Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the required documents early because the university has a firm deadline for submitting final academic records.

Essential academic documents

Final official undergraduate degree certificate.
Final official university transcript.
Any additional academic information requested through the application form.

The university states that postgraduate applicants must have their final degree certificate and official transcript available to upload by the application deadline. Applicants who cannot provide these documents by the deadline are advised not to proceed.

Information to prepare for the main application

Applicants should also prepare information that will help them answer the application questions, including:

Details of their educational background.
Examples of leadership and community service.
Evidence of barriers experienced in education or early career development.
Relevant volunteering, employment or community activities.
Their reasons for choosing the selected degree.
Their future career and community-impact ambitions.
Examples of experience or plans connected to climate action.

Are reference letters required at the initial application stage?

The university does not request reference letters when applicants first submit the main application. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a referee’s name and email address, and references will be requested later in the selection process.

Choose a referee who knows your academic, professional or community work. The university does not accept references from friends or family members.

💡 Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

1. Explain your educational barriers clearly

The programme is intended for candidates who have experienced significant barriers to education and early-career development.

Explain your circumstances honestly, including how they affected your opportunities and what you did to continue learning or pursuing your goals.

2. Provide concrete examples of leadership

Avoid relying only on descriptions such as “I am a leader” or “I want to help my community.”

Instead, describe a specific initiative, the problem you addressed, the actions you took and the outcome of your work.

3. Connect your degree to your future plans

Explain why your chosen programme is relevant to your ambitions and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you gain.

Your goals should be specific enough to demonstrate a clear direction while remaining realistic.

4. Show how you will contribute to climate action

The climate requirement is a key feature of the programme. Explain how your experience, interests or future work relate to climate resilience, environmental sustainability or the wider effects of climate change.

5. Make your community impact clear

Discuss the communities or groups you hope to serve and explain how your education could help address a real challenge.

Where possible, describe the scale and results of previous contributions.

6. Choose the correct study route

Review the on-campus and online options carefully. Consider the academic programme, study format, personal circumstances and the practical implications of studying in the United Kingdom or online.

7. Check all academic requirements

Use the university’s degree finder to confirm that you meet the entry requirements for your selected programme. Scholarship eligibility and academic admission are related but separate assessments.

8. Follow the application instructions exactly

The application process is staged, and only invited applicants can proceed. Complete each form in the correct order and follow the deadline shown in the official portal.

9. Submit early and confirm completion

After completing the main application, use the platform’s instructions to mark it complete and submit it. Check for the confirmation email and review your spam folder if necessary.

10. Prepare your referee in advance

Although references are requested later, identify a suitable referee early and ask whether they would be willing to provide a reference if you are shortlisted.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following errors:

Assuming the scholarship is open to everyone without restrictions.
Applying without meeting the age or citizenship and residence requirements.
Assuming attendance at an information session automatically guarantees an invitation.
Missing the Applicant Declaration Form deadline.
Applying for both online and on-campus routes under the same scholarship cycle.
Selecting a degree that is not on the approved programme list.
Failing to provide the final official degree certificate and transcript.
Submitting vague answers about leadership and community service.
Ignoring the programme’s climate-action requirement.
Assuming an offer of a scholarship automatically means unconditional admission to the university.
Assuming the scholarship covers the financial needs of family members or dependants.
Paying an unofficial agent or individual who claims to guarantee a scholarship.

The Mastercard Foundation warns prospective applicants about fraudulent recruitment messages and requests for payment. Always use the official university application system and verify communications before sharing personal information.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

It is a postgraduate scholarship programme for eligible African students who have demonstrated academic potential, leadership and a commitment to community service and climate action.

2. Is the scholarship available for 2027–2028?

Yes. The university’s official application portal lists postgraduate scholarship opportunities for the 2027–2028 academic year.

3. Is the scholarship fully funded?

The programme offers comprehensive scholarship support. Applicants should confirm the precise financial coverage applicable to their chosen study route using the official scholarship information and award terms.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must meet the programme’s requirements relating to African citizenship and residence or refugee status, age, academic qualifications, educational barriers, leadership, community service and climate action.

5. Can applicants from Zimbabwe apply?

Applicants from Zimbabwe may be eligible if they meet all the programme requirements, including citizenship and residence conditions, age, academic qualifications, leadership and climate-action criteria. They must also have followed the mandatory information-session process for this intake.

6. What is the maximum age?

For the 2027–2028 intake, applicants must be 35 or younger in the year the programme begins. The university specifies that eligible applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1992.

7. What academic qualification is required?

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and possess their final official degree certificate and transcript. The university generally expects an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours bachelor’s degree or higher, subject to the selected programme’s entry requirements.

8. Can someone who already has a master’s degree apply?

Applicants seeking a master’s scholarship must not have already completed a postgraduate degree. Online postgraduate diploma applicants may be eligible with a master’s degree from an African university, subject to the programme’s rules.

9. Can I apply for both online and on-campus study?

No. The university states that applicants may apply for either the online route or the on-campus master’s route, not both under this scholarship cycle.

10. Which degrees are covered?

Only the specific on-campus master’s, online master’s and online postgraduate diploma programmes listed in the official scholarship guidance qualify. The programme list may change, so applicants should check the current page.

11. Do I need an English-language test?

English-language test results are not required for the scholarship application itself. However, the university may require an English-language test as part of the academic admission process, depending on the applicant’s educational background and existing qualifications.

12. Was attendance at an information session mandatory?

Yes. Applicants were required to attend one of the virtual information sessions held between 15 and 24 September 2026. Attendance alone did not guarantee an invitation.

13. Can I apply if I missed the information sessions?

The published process states that applicants who did not attend a mandatory session are not eligible to receive an invitation for the 2027–2028 application round.

14. What is the Applicant Declaration Form deadline?

The deadline is 26 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time for invited applicants. The university may close the form earlier if the application limit is reached.

15. What is the main application deadline?

The university’s current application guidance lists 19 November 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time. Applicants should verify the deadline shown in their official application account.

16. Do I need to apply for university admission first?

If the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship you are pursuing at Edinburgh, the university instructs applicants to apply for the scholarship first. Successful scholarship candidates will then be supported in applying for the chosen academic programme.

17. Are recommendation letters required?

Not at the initial application stage. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide referee details later in the process, and references will be requested during the interview and selection stage.

18. When will shortlisted applicants be interviewed?

The published timeline indicates that on-campus applicants may be invited to interview in early February 2027 and online applicants in mid-February 2027.

19. When will final results be announced?

The university aims to notify shortlisted candidates of interview outcomes by the end of March 2027. The published timeline indicates that scholarship offers should be confirmed by the end of March 2027, subject to the programme’s process.

20. Does the scholarship support dependants?

No. The programme states that its financial and practical support is intended for the individual scholar and does not cover family members or other dependants.

21. Where can I get help with my application?

Applicants can contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Edinburgh 2027–2028 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers eligible African students an opportunity to pursue selected postgraduate programmes while developing their leadership abilities, professional networks and capacity to contribute to positive change.

The programme is particularly relevant to young people who have experienced barriers to education, demonstrated leadership and community service, and want to use their education to address climate-related challenges.

However, the 2027–2028 intake follows a restricted application process. Prospective applicants needed to attend a mandatory information session in September 2026 and receive an invitation before completing the scholarship application.

📌 Key Details at a Glance

Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University: University of Edinburgh
Academic Year: 2027–2028
Study Level: Postgraduate
Study Routes: On-campus master’s and selected online master’s or postgraduate diplomas
Eligible Applicants: Qualified African applicants meeting the programme’s citizenship/residence, age and academic criteria
Age Limit: 35 or younger in 2027
Key Selection Criteria: Academic suitability, educational barriers, leadership, community service and climate-action commitment
Applicant Declaration Deadline: 26 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time
Main Application Deadline: 19 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time
Application Requirement: Mandatory September 2026 information-session attendance and an invitation to apply

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