The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027/28 offers fully funded postgraduate study opportunities for talented young Africans who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to addressing climate challenges.
Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, selected students can pursue eligible master’s degrees on campus in Scotland or study online from their home countries. The scholarship supports students who have overcome significant barriers to education and are committed to making a positive difference in their communities.
However, the 2027/28 application process is different from previous years. Applicants must have participated in a mandatory information session before receiving an invitation to apply.
This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligible programs, selection criteria, application stages, and important deadlines.
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027: Overview
The University of Edinburgh has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation since 2016 to expand educational opportunities for talented young Africans.
The second phase of the partnership runs from 2023 to 2030. During this period, the university plans to support 850 postgraduate scholars.
The program focuses particularly on climate leadership, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and social justice.
Unlike scholarships based exclusively on academic performance, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program also considers applicants’ personal circumstances, leadership experience, and commitment to their communities.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Host institution | University of Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Academic intake | 2027/2028 |
| Eligible applicants | Citizens and residents of African countries, or qualifying refugees |
| Study levels | Master’s degrees and selected online postgraduate diplomas |
| Study modes | On-campus and online |
| Scholarship coverage | Fully funded approved tuition and additional support |
| Application invitations | 13 October 2026 |
| Applicant Declaration deadline | 19 October 2026 |
| Main application deadline | 19 November 2026 |
| The academic program begins. | September 2027 |
Important: The programme’s 850 scholarships represent its planned postgraduate support across 2023–2030, not the number of scholarships available specifically for 2027.
Is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides substantial financial and academic support, although the benefits differ between on-campus and online scholars.
Benefits for On-Campus Master’s Students
Successful on-campus scholars receive:
- Full approved tuition fees.
- Accommodation support.
- Travel expenses.
- Living-cost stipend.
- Study materials.
- Participation in the Climate Leadership Programme.
- Access to the Climate Enterprise School.
- Additional support for scholars with disabilities, based on individual assessments.
- Transition support to help scholars adapt to university life.
These benefits allow scholars to concentrate on their studies and leadership development.
The scholarship also provides opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and participate in activities related to climate action.
Benefits for Online Master’s and Diploma Students
Online scholars receive:
- Full approved tuition fees.
- An academic stipend supporting access to a laptop and reliable internet.
- Opportunities to attend an in-person gathering.
- Online workshops, coaching, and academic support.
- Participation in the Climate Leadership Programme.
- Access to the Climate Enterprise School.
- Support from a dedicated online coordinator.
- Disability-related assistance where required.
- Transition support.
Online scholarships are particularly useful for applicants who want to continue working or remain in their communities while pursuing postgraduate education.
However, applicants should understand that online scholarships do not provide the same accommodation and living-cost arrangements as on-campus scholarships.
Eligible On-Campus Master’s Programmes for 2027
The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports selected one-year, full-time postgraduate taught master’s programs.
The university identifies eight eligible on-campus program areas.
Table 2: Eligible On-Campus Programs
| Program | Main Academic Focus |
|---|---|
| Food Security | Food systems, agricultural sustainability, and food security challenges |
| Sustainable Energy Systems | Renewable energy and sustainable energy development |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Innovation, business development, and entrepreneurship |
| Data, Inequality, and Society | Data-driven analysis of social inequalities |
| Operational Research | Quantitative methods, optimization, and decision-making |
| Environmental Sustainability | Environmental protection and sustainable development |
| Climate Change Finance and Investment | Financing climate action and sustainable investment |
| Environment and Development | Environmental policy and development challenges |
These programs offer opportunities for students from different academic backgrounds.
For example, graduates in economics, finance, statistics, engineering, environmental sciences, and related disciplines may find relevant options.
However, eligibility depends on the admission requirements of each individual program.
Applicants should therefore examine the academic prerequisites before selecting a course.
Note: The university states that its list of eligible programs may change. Applicants should always consult the current official program list.
Eligible Online Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma Programmes
The online scholarship pathway allows students to pursue recognized University of Edinburgh qualifications without relocating to Scotland.
Applicants may pursue:
- An online master’s degree, normally part-time over a period of up to three years.
- An online postgraduate diploma, normally part-time over a period of up to two years.
The university confirms that its online qualifications are equivalent to those awarded through campus-based study.
Table 3: Eligible Online Programs
| Online Programme | Master’s | Postgraduate Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| International Development | Yes. | No |
| Global Food Security and Nutrition | Yes. | Yes. |
| Climate Change Management | Yes. | No |
| One Health | Yes. | Yes. |
| Social Justice and Community Action | Yes. | Yes. |
| Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health | Yes. | Yes. |
| Global Health and Infectious Diseases | Yes. | Yes. |
| Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics | Yes. | Yes. |
| Digital Education | Yes. | Yes. |
| Data Science Technologies | Yes. | No |
The online pathway is especially relevant to professionals working in education, development, public health, agriculture, environmental management, and technology.
Nevertheless, applicants must select programs that align with their academic qualifications and professional interests.
Important Difference Between Online Master’s and Diploma Eligibility
Applicants who already hold a postgraduate qualification cannot apply for the online master’s scholarship.
However, the online postgraduate diploma pathway permits applicants who already have a master’s degree from an African university.
This distinction is important for graduates considering a second postgraduate qualification.
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy both the university’s academic admission standards and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility criteria.
1. African Citizenship and Residence
Applicants must be citizens and residents of an African country or hold refugee status in an African country.
The program is designed to support young people living within African communities.
2. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must qualify academically for admission to their chosen University of Edinburgh program.
Generally, candidates need a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK upper-second-class honors degree or higher.
Individual courses may impose additional requirements.
3. Age Requirement
Applicants must be 35 years old or younger during the year the program begins.
For the 2027/28 intake, eligible applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1992.
Applicants born in 1991 or earlier are not eligible.
4. Previous Postgraduate Qualifications
Applicants seeking a master’s scholarship must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
They must also not be enrolled, or planning to enroll, at another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation scholarship.
For online postgraduate diplomas, applicants may already hold a master’s degree from an African university.
5. Educational Barriers
The program prioritizes individuals who have experienced significant barriers to education or early career development.
These barriers may include:
- Financial difficulties.
- Social exclusion.
- Personal or family circumstances.
- Health-related challenges.
- Practical obstacles affecting educational access.
Applicants should explain how these experiences influenced their educational journeys.
6. Leadership and Community Service
Applicants must demonstrate a record of leadership and service within their communities.
Leadership does not necessarily require holding a senior organizational position.
Relevant experiences may include coordinating community projects, mentoring students, supporting vulnerable populations, or leading local initiatives.
7. Commitment to Climate Action
Applicants must demonstrate experience or ambition in contributing to solutions addressing climate change.
The program welcomes applicants who can connect their academic interests and future careers to sustainable development and climate justice.
8. Inclusive Participation
The university particularly encourages applications from:
- Young women.
- Refugees and displaced individuals.
- People with disabilities.
However, these characteristics are not compulsory eligibility requirements.
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Deadlines
The application timeline contains several stages.
For the 2027/28 intake, the university introduced mandatory information sessions and a preliminary eligibility screening process.
Table 4: Application Timeline for 2027/28
| Date | Application Activity |
|---|---|
| 15–24 September 2026 | Mandatory virtual information sessions |
| 13 October 2026 | Eligible attendees notified and invited to apply |
| 19 October 2026, 5 PM UK time | Applicant Declaration Form deadline |
| 19 November 2026, 5 PM UK time | Main scholarship application deadline |
| Late November 2026–January 2027 | Application assessment |
| Early February 2027 | Initial admission decisions communicated |
| February–March 2027 | Interviews |
| End of March 2027 | Interview outcomes announced |
| April–August 2027 | University admission and immigration arrangements |
| September 2027 | Academic programmes begin |
Important Notice About the 2027 Application Process
The mandatory virtual information sessions took place between 15 and 24 September 2026.
The university has confirmed that registration for both on-campus and online information sessions reached capacity and closed.
Therefore, the 13 October 2026 opening date does not mean that all new applicants can submit applications directly.
Only eligible individuals who attended the required information sessions and received invitations can proceed to the next stage.
Students who did not participate in the information sessions should not assume they can enter the current application process.
They should monitor official announcements for future scholarship opportunities.
How to Apply for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027
The application process for 2027/28 has changed.
Applicants must follow the university’s prescribed stages rather than submitting a standard postgraduate admission application immediately.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Begin by checking whether you meet the nationality, residence, age, academic, leadership, and educational-barrier requirements.
You should also determine whether you qualify for an on-campus master’s, online master’s, or online postgraduate diploma.
Step 2: Select an Eligible Degree Programme
Review the approved programmes and identify the course that best aligns with your qualifications and career ambitions.
Consider the programme’s academic requirements, curriculum, and relevance to your long-term goals.
Applicants should not select courses solely because they are funded.
A strong academic and professional fit is important.
Step 3: Attend the Mandatory Information Session
For the 2027/28 intake, applicants were required to attend an official virtual information session in September 2026.
Registration included a preliminary eligibility questionnaire.
Attendance was necessary to gain access to the subsequent scholarship application process.
However, attending a session did not guarantee an invitation.
Registration for these sessions has now closed.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply
On 13 October 2026, the programme is scheduled to notify eligible information-session attendees about their application status.
Successful candidates will receive an invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply.
Candidates who do not meet the preliminary requirements will also receive a notification.
Step 5: Complete the Applicant Declaration Form
Invited applicants must complete the Applicant Declaration Form.
This form requests additional information to confirm eligibility.
The deadline is 19 October 2026 at 5 PM UK time.
The university may close the form earlier if it reaches its application limit.
Therefore, eligible applicants should complete it promptly.
Step 6: Submit the Main Scholarship Application
Applicants who successfully pass the declaration stage will receive an invitation to complete the main scholarship application.
The final submission deadline is 19 November 2026 at 5 PM UK time.
Applicants should ensure that all requested information and supporting documents are complete and accurate.
Step 7: Participate in the Selection Process
University committees will assess submitted applications.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interviews during February and March 2027.
The selection process evaluates academic suitability, leadership, educational barriers, climate justice commitments, and potential contributions to African communities.
Step 8: Apply for University Admission After Scholarship Selection
For this intake, applicants should initially apply for the scholarship rather than directly applying to their chosen University of Edinburgh degree.
Successful scholarship candidates are expected to receive instructions to apply for their degree programme through the university’s normal admissions process.
Applicants seeking other scholarships that require a separate university application may apply to the university in parallel.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
The university explicitly requires applicants to have completed their undergraduate studies and to provide their degree certificate and official final academic transcript by 19 November 2026.
Depending on the application stage, applicants should also be prepared to provide information supporting their academic qualifications, leadership activities, personal circumstances, and climate-related ambitions.
The full supporting-document checklist should be confirmed through the official scholarship application portal or university guidance.
Applicants should avoid submitting incomplete, misleading, or unverifiable information.
How Competitive Is the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is selective.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.
The university assesses candidates using several factors.
Academic Merit
Applicants should demonstrate that they can successfully complete a demanding postgraduate programme.
Academic preparation must also match the chosen course.
Transformative Leadership
The selection committee considers whether applicants have demonstrated leadership through meaningful activities.
Strong candidates should provide concrete examples of challenges addressed, actions taken, and results achieved.
Climate Justice and Sustainability
The scholarship’s second phase emphasises climate leadership.
Applicants should explain how their academic interests and professional ambitions relate to sustainable development.
For instance, an economics graduate might discuss climate finance, sustainable investment, or economic resilience.
An education graduate might explore climate education or digital learning opportunities for underserved communities.
Community Impact
The university considers how applicants intend to use their education to benefit their home countries.
A convincing application should therefore connect academic training with realistic future contributions.
Overcoming Barriers
Applicants are encouraged to explain significant educational or personal obstacles they have experienced.
The emphasis should be on authentic experiences and how these have shaped their development.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Even academically qualified applicants can weaken their chances through poor preparation.
Applying Without Understanding the New Process
For 2027/28, the scholarship requires prior attendance at an information session and an invitation to apply.
Submitting an unrelated university application does not replace these requirements.
Choosing an Ineligible Programme
Not every University of Edinburgh postgraduate course qualifies for Mastercard Foundation funding.
Applicants must select from the approved programme lists.
Ignoring Previous Degree Restrictions
Applicants who already hold postgraduate degrees are not eligible for the master’s scholarship pathway.
However, eligible candidates with master’s degrees from African universities may consider the online postgraduate diploma option.
Providing Generic Leadership Statements
Statements such as “I am passionate about helping my community” are insufficient without supporting examples.
Applicants should describe specific activities, responsibilities, and outcomes.
Overlooking Climate Justice
The programme places substantial emphasis on sustainability and climate leadership.
Applicants should explain how their goals connect to these priorities rather than treating climate action as an unrelated topic.
Waiting Until the Deadline
The Applicant Declaration Form may close before its published deadline once the application limit is reached.
Invited applicants should therefore submit early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. On-campus scholars receive approved tuition, accommodation, travel, living-cost support, and study materials.
Online scholars receive approved tuition and academic support, including assistance with laptop and internet access.
Can African students apply?
Yes. The programme is intended for eligible African citizens and residents, including qualifying applicants with refugee status in African countries.
Applicants must also satisfy the remaining scholarship requirements.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
You cannot apply for the master’s scholarship pathway if you already hold a postgraduate qualification.
However, applicants who hold a master’s degree from an African university may qualify for selected online postgraduate diploma programmes.
Is IELTS compulsory?
The supplied scholarship information does not establish a universal IELTS exemption or requirement.
English-language requirements should be checked against the chosen degree programme and the university’s official admissions guidance.
Can I apply without attending the information session?
For the 2027/28 intake, attendance at a mandatory virtual information session was required to access the scholarship application process.
The registration period has already closed.
Can I apply for both online and on-campus scholarships?
The supplied programme guidance does not confirm that applicants can submit applications for both pathways simultaneously.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship FAQs or contact the programme team for clarification.
When is the main application deadline?
The main scholarship application deadline is 19 November 2026 at 5 PM UK time.
However, applicants must first complete the Applicant Declaration Form by 19 October 2026, following an invitation.
When will successful applicants receive their results?
The university expects interview outcomes to be announced by the end of March 2027.
Selected scholars will then receive support with university admission and other necessary arrangements.
Final Thoughts
The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 is an important postgraduate funding opportunity for young Africans interested in sustainable development, climate leadership, innovation, and community transformation.
Its combination of academic funding, leadership development, and professional support makes it more than a conventional scholarship.
However, prospective applicants must understand the university’s application process.
For the 2027/28 intake, participation in the September 2026 information sessions was mandatory. The programme has already closed registration for those sessions.
Eligible participants who receive invitations should complete their declarations and main applications before the published deadlines.
For students preparing for future intakes, the best approach is to understand the eligibility requirements early, strengthen their leadership profiles, and regularly monitor the official programme website.
Scholarship success begins with accurate information, thoughtful preparation, and a clear understanding of the opportunity.
Official Links
- University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation
- Official Application Guidelines and Instructions: https://edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/apply-for-a-scholarship/how-to-apply
Disclaimer: This article is an independent educational guide prepared by PrimStudyAbroad.com. It is not affiliated with the University of Edinburgh or the Mastercard Foundation. Scholarship information and timelines may change. Applicants should consult official university announcements before taking action.
