The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is offering fully funded postgraduate scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year. Scholarships are available for selected on-campus Master’s programmes and online Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma programmes. The programme supports exceptional young people from Africa who have overcome barriers to education, demonstrate leadership and are committed to making a meaningful impact, particularly in addressing the climate crisis.
Important: Applicants must attend a mandatory virtual information session between 15 and 24 September 2026 before they can access the scholarship application. The main application deadline is 19 November 2026 at 5pm UK time.
Key Details
- Scholarship: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh
- Study level: Postgraduate
- Study options: On-campus Master’s and online Master’s/Postgraduate Diploma
- Academic year: 2027/28
- Location: Edinburgh, UK (on-campus) or online
- Eligible applicants: Citizens/residents or refugees in an African country
- Age limit: 35 or under; applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1992
- Funding: Fully funded, including tuition fees and additional support depending on the study route
- Focus: Climate justice, sustainability and transformative leadership
- On-campus Master’s: 1 year, full-time
- Online Master’s: Up to 3 years, part-time
- Online Postgraduate Diploma: Up to 2 years, part-time
- Mandatory information sessions: 15–24 September 2026
- Register for an information session and learn more about the application process: https://app.geckoform.com/public/#/modern/21FO00qhthfxnj0088c5zc8g9h
- Applications open: 13 October 2026
- Applicant Declaration deadline: 19 October 2026, 5pm UK time
- Main application deadline: 19 November 2026, 5pm UK time
- Programme starts: September 2027
- Application fee: No scholarship application fee; degree application fee is waived if the scholarship is awarded.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers postgraduate scholarships for exceptional young people who have overcome barriers to education and are committed to making a meaningful impact, particularly in addressing the climate crisis.
For the 2027/28 academic year, scholarships are available for on-campus postgraduate Master’s programmes and online Master’s and postgraduate diploma programmes.
On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships
The on-campus scholarship is for exceptional young people with great academic and leadership experience who have overcome barriers to their education and are committed to pursuing postgraduate taught (PGT) studies on-campus.
Scholars will pursue a one-year full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh, studying in person and becoming part of the University’s academic and student community. Scholars live and study in Edinburgh and receive scholarship support to enable them to complete their degree.
What the on-campus scholarship provides
The on-campus scholarship provides:
- 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
- Participation in the Climate Enterprise School, an intensive week-long programme of training in sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation
- Additional support to scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs
- Transitions support
On-campus degree programmes
Scholarships are available for the following programmes only:
- Africa and International Development
- Food Security
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Data, Inequality and Society
- Operational Research
- Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Change Finance and Investment
- Planetary Health
- Environment and Development
The degree programmes listed are subject to change, so applicants should check regularly for the latest updates. No other academic programmes at the University of Edinburgh are eligible for this scholarship.
Further scholarship information
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Online Postgraduate Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh also invites exceptional young people with great academic and leadership experience who have overcome barriers to their education and are diligently committed to pursuing their studies to apply for an Online Scholarship.
Online studies are an excellent way to earn a qualification for those who would like to continue working and prefer to study in their local context.
Online qualifications through the University of Edinburgh are equivalent to degrees taught on campus.
Applicants can apply for either:
- An online Master’s degree, part-time up to three years; or
- An online postgraduate diploma, part-time up to two years.
Find out more about how online learning works at the University of Edinburgh:
Online Learning at the University of Edinburgh
Online Master’s
Master’s programmes normally aim at those who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to develop more specialised knowledge in the same subject or similar career area.
Applicants who already have a postgraduate qualification are not able to apply for the online Master’s.
Online postgraduate diploma
Postgraduate diplomas are aimed at those who are considering a potential change in their careers and tend to be more vocational.
Candidates with either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from an African university are equally able to apply, provided they will graduate from either degree and provide their degree certificates and transcripts by the application deadline.
What the online scholarship provides
The online scholarship provides:
- Full approved tuition fees; scholars will not pay for any part of the tuition fees
- An academic stipend to allow for access to a laptop and high-quality internet
- The opportunity to attend an in-person gathering
- Participation in activities as part of the wider Climate Leadership Programme at the University of Edinburgh, including regular online workshops, online coaching and support
- Participation in the Climate Enterprise School, an intensive week-long programme of training in sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation
- A dedicated Online Coordinator
- Additional support for Scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs
- Transitions support
Online degree programmes
Scholarships are available for the following online degree programmes only:
- International Development — Master’s route only
- Global Food Security and Nutrition — Master’s or Diploma
- Climate Change Management — Master’s route only
- One Health — Master’s or Diploma
- Social Justice and Community Action — Master’s or Diploma
- Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health — Master’s or Diploma
- Global Health and Infectious Diseases — Master’s or Diploma
- Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics — Master’s or Diploma
- Digital Education — Master’s or Diploma
- Data Science Technologies — Master’s route only
The online degree programmes listed are subject to change. Applicants should check regularly for the latest updates.
Further scholarship information
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Climate Leadership Programme
The Climate Leadership Programme offers opportunities to young people at the forefront of climate action to develop knowledge, skills and networks.
All Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Edinburgh will participate in a Climate Leadership Programme.
The aim of the programme is to enable Scholars to fulfil their potential and lead transformative change relating to sustainability and the climate crisis, particularly in their home countries.
Through Africa-based climate justice summer schools, climate-oriented placements, regular workshops and entrepreneurial pathways, the programme will support scholars to transition into climate leadership positions.
Through these activities, Scholars will gain skills, knowledge, experience, networks, and the capacity for self-reflection.
Transformative leadership
The approach to tackling the climate crisis is grounded in the Mastercard Foundation’s vision of Transformative Leadership, defined as “the act of engaging others in an ethical manner to generate positive and lasting change.”
The Climate Leadership Programme emphasises the importance of justice, inclusion and community.
The programme particularly encourages applications from young women, young people with disabilities, and young people with refugee and displaced status who are uniquely positioned to apply their experiences to create inclusive approaches.
Key skills
The Climate Leadership Programme combines summer schools, workshops, placements and entrepreneurship in different forms for on-campus and distance learning Scholars. Both forms of the programme aim to build four key skills:
Entrepreneurial skills
Climate leaders are alert to innovative solutions and shifts in perspective that go beyond gradual improvements. Whether they aim to be an entrepreneur in a literal sense — running their own business or social enterprise — or leading change within an organisation, scholars will develop the ability to identify creative opportunities and implement game-changing solutions.
Values and justice
Transformative leaders seek change for the greater good, not just themselves. Addressing climate change and other multi-dimensional challenges involves understanding systemic injustice. Scholars will clarify their own values, practice ways to lead ethically, and explore how to influence systemic change.
Networks
It is often said that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. But knowing isn’t enough — leadership for liberation is about who scholars can build and maintain relationships with.
Transformative leaders build networks that empower others as well as themselves. Scholars will learn to communicate in interdisciplinary ways and use empathy and understanding to dismantle barriers that exclude and silence others.
Self-knowledge and growth
Effective leaders must first and foremost know themselves. Scholars will develop a sophisticated understanding of their own individual talents and needs, and how they can be used to empower others.
Leading change over time requires stamina and resilience — Scholars will explore different strategies for building on their strengths and taking care of themselves.
How to apply
Find out more about the process of applying for a scholarship to study on-campus in Edinburgh with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
On-campus postgraduate scholarships
Find out more about the process of applying for an online learning scholarship with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh.
Eligibility
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.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Have faced significant barriers to education and in their early career, including social, financial, personal, practical or health-related barriers
- Have graduated from undergraduate study and have a degree certificate and official final transcript to upload alongside their application by 19 November 2026
- Be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country
- Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community
- Demonstrate experience, or at least ambition, in making a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis
- Be 35 or under in the year the programme commences. For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1992
- For Master’s programmes, not have previously completed a postgraduate degree
- For the online Postgraduate Diploma, have either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from an African university, provided the relevant degree requirements are met
The programme encourages applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
The programme is unable to make exceptions to the eligibility requirements.
Application Process
The application process for the 2027/28 scholarships has changed. Applicants should carefully follow each stage.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before registering for an information session.
Step 2: Explore the degree programmes
Review the available on-campus and online degree programmes and decide which study mode and programme you would prefer.
Applicants can apply for either the online (Master’s or Diploma) OR on-campus (Master’s) programme, not both.
Step 3: Attend a mandatory virtual information session
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will host virtual information sessions between 15 and 24 September 2026.
Attending an information session is a mandatory step to gain access to the scholarship application form.
Attending a session does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Only attendees who also meet the scholarship eligibility requirements will receive an invitation to apply.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THE VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Information session dates
On-campus applicants:
- 15 September 2026 | 3pm UK Time
- 21 September 2026 | 11am UK Time
- 24 September 2026 | 4pm UK Time
Online applicants:
- 17 September 2026 | 4pm UK Time
- 22 September 2026 | 11am UK Time
- 24 September 2026 | 3pm UK Time
The sessions will not be recorded, so applicants should make every effort to attend.
Step 4: Receive your invitation to apply
On 13 October 2026, eligible attendees will be notified whether they are invited to apply.
If invited, applicants will receive an invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply.
Step 5: Complete the Applicant Declaration Form
The Applicant Declaration Form is the first stage of the scholarship application. It asks for additional information to confirm eligibility.
The deadline is:
19 October 2026, 5pm UK time
The form may close earlier once the application limit is reached, so early completion is strongly recommended.
Step 6: Complete the Scholarship Main Application
Applicants who successfully complete the Applicant Declaration Form will be invited to complete the Scholarship Main Application.
The deadline is:
19 November 2026, 5pm UK time
Applicants must ensure they MARK COMPLETE and click the ‘SUBMIT’ button to advance to the next stage.
Important: Do Not Apply for the Degree Programme First
At the scholarship application stage, applicants should only apply for the scholarship, not for their chosen degree programme at the University.
If the scholarship application is successful and the applicant receives a scholarship offer, they will then be invited to apply for their chosen degree programme through the University’s standard admissions process.
If the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship being applied for at the University of Edinburgh, applicants do not need to apply to their degree programme as part of the scholarship application.
Application Timeline for 2027/28
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 15–24 September 2026 | Prospective applicants must attend a mandatory information session |
| 13 October 2026 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applications open and eligible applicants are invited to apply |
| 19 October 2026, 5pm | Applicant Declaration Form closes |
| 19 November 2026, 5pm | Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application forms close |
| End of November 2026–January 2027 | University committees assess submitted applications |
| Early February 2027 | Applicants are notified of their admission decision to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| Early February 2027 | On-campus applicants invited to interview |
| Mid-February 2027 | Online applicants invited to interview |
| Mid-February–March 2027 | On-campus applicant interviews take place |
| End February–mid-March 2027 | Online applicant interviews take place |
| End of March 2027 | On-campus interview outcomes announced |
| End of March 2027 | Online interview outcomes announced |
| April–August 2027 | Support provided through admission and immigration process for on-campus applicants |
| April–August 2027 | Support provided for admission processes for online applicants |
| September 2027 | Academic programme starts |
The application timeline is subject to change depending on the volume of applications received. Find out more here
Application timelines
Application timelines for the 2027/28 on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships:
Have a question?
Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for further details:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your question is not answered in the FAQs, please contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Team at mcfsp@ed.ac.uk.
Selection Process
The selection process for applications is based on:
- Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admission to the University of Edinburgh
- Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community
- Quality of application in line with the Program’s theme of climate justice
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country
- Significant barriers to education faced by applicants, including social, financial, personal, practical or health-related barriers
For online applicants, the selection process also considers a strong interest in online learning and a demonstrated understanding of what online learning entails.
Documents Required
Applicants will need their:
- Final official university degree certificate
- Final official university transcript
These documents must be available to upload by the 19 November 2026 application deadline. Applicants who do not have these documents by the deadline should not proceed with the application.
Interview Stage
On-campus applicants who are shortlisted will be invited to interview from early February 2027, while online applicants will be invited from mid-February 2027.
Interviews will usually be held via video connection, such as MS Teams, and should last approximately 60 minutes.
Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a reference. Referees could be a teacher, lecturer, supervisor or mentor. References from friends and family members are not accepted.
Interview outcomes are expected to be announced by the end of March 2027.
Important Points to Remember
- Attending a September information session is mandatory.
- Attending a session does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
- Applicants can apply for either the online or on-campus scholarship, not both.
- Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria; exemptions are not available.
- The scholarship application is separate from the University degree application.
- The final official degree certificate and transcript are required by 19 November 2026.
- The scholarship supports the individual scholar and does not provide financial or practical support for family members or dependants.
- The support and study programme are provided entirely in English.
- Degree programmes covered by the scholarship are subject to change, so applicants should regularly check the University of Edinburgh website for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Edinburgh has provided detailed guidance on the application, interview and offer stages. Applicants are encouraged to read the FAQs carefully, particularly because the application process has changed for 2027/28.
Where can I apply?
The application link will be shared with eligible applicants following the September briefing sessions. The application form will only be available to applicants who have attended an information session and meet the eligibility requirements.
Do I need to take an English language test?
English Language Test results are not a requirement when applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. However, depending on where an applicant completed their undergraduate studies, an English language test may be required as part of the University of Edinburgh admissions process.
Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
Master’s scholarship applicants should not have completed a graduate/postgraduate degree already. However, Postgraduate Diploma scholarship applicants can have either an undergraduate degree from anywhere or a Master’s degree from an African university.
Can I apply to both the online and on-campus scholarships?
No. Applicants can apply for either the online programme or the on-campus programme, not both.
When will shortlisted applicants hear about interviews?
On-campus applicants will be notified from early February 2027, while online applicants will be notified from mid-February 2027.
Apply and Find Out More
Applicants should carefully review the official University of Edinburgh information before applying, including the eligibility requirements, available degree programmes, application timelines, application process and FAQs.
Application deadline for the Main Scholarship Application: 19 November 2026 at 5pm UK time.
The programme is designed to support young people who have overcome barriers to education and who have the potential to become transformative leaders and contribute to addressing the climate crisis.
