University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

University of Edinburgh and the Mastercard Foundation

♡ Save

Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens and residents (or refugees) in an African country, aged 35 or under in the year the programme starts (born on or after 1 Jan 1992 for 2027/28), who qualify for a University of Edinburgh programme (generally a UK 2:1 or equivalent), have faced significant barriers to education, have a record of community leadership and service, and have experience or ambition in tackling the climate crisis. Master's applicants should not hold a previous postgraduate degree. Online Postgraduate Diploma applicants need a degree from an African university. Women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh funds African students with leadership records and a commitment to addressing the climate crisis for a master's degree or an online postgraduate diploma.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens and residents (or refugees) in an African country, aged 35 or under in the year the programme starts (born on or after 1 Jan 1992 for 2027/28), who qualify for a University of Edinburgh programme (generally a UK 2:1 or equivalent), have faced significant barriers to education, have a record of community leadership and service, and have experience or ambition in tackling the climate crisis. Master's applicants should not hold a previous postgraduate degree. Online Postgraduate Diploma applicants need a degree from an African university. Women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
2. Note the deadline. Nov – Jan (annual; for 2027/28 entry finalists had to upload their degree certificate and official transcript by 19 Nov 2026 - check the Edinburgh page for the next application timeline) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Refugee or asylum-seeker certificate; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.
6. Explain the impact you want to make for women in your field, not only your own career.

Quick answers

Who can apply for University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme?

Citizens and residents (or refugees) in an African country, aged 35 or under in the year the programme starts (born on or after 1 Jan 1992 for 2027/28), who qualify for a University of Edinburgh programme (generally a UK 2:1 or equivalent), have faced significant barriers to education, have a record of community leadership and service, and have experience or ambition in tackling the climate crisis. Master's applicants should not hold a previous postgraduate degree. Online Postgraduate Diploma applicants need a degree from an African university. Women, refugees and displaced people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What does University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme cover?

Scholarship for a postgraduate Master's (on campus) or an online Postgraduate Diploma; the page does not itemise what is covered

When is the deadline for University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme?

Nov – Jan (annual; for 2027/28 entry finalists had to upload their degree certificate and official transcript by 19 Nov 2026 - check the Edinburgh page for the next application timeline) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme?

Host countries: United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Refugee or asylum-seeker certificate; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme application?

High: Edinburgh programme application + scholarship application + transcript and degree certificate