The University of British Columbia (UBC) Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering fully funded Master’s study opportunities to students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
This program is designed for academically talented young people who are facing economic challenges in accessing education. Selected scholars will receive full financial support—including tuition, accommodation, travel costs, study materials, a living stipend, and even a laptop—to pursue a Master’s degree at one of Canada’s top universities.
In this guide, we’ll break down the scholarship details, eligibility criteria, available programs, required documents, and the step-by-step application process so you can apply with confidence.
About the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
UBC is one of the leading Canadian universities participating in the Mastercard Foundation’s $500 million global education initiative, alongside 14 other top institutions worldwide.
Since joining the program in 2013, UBC has supported over 160 scholars from Africa, helping them gain advanced education while developing leadership and problem-solving skills to contribute to their home communities.
For 2026, applications are open for Master’s degree programs at UBC’s Vancouver campus in selected faculties.
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Available Programs for 2026
Applicants can apply for a Master’s degree in one of the following faculties and programs:
Faculty of Forestry
- Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
- Master of International Forestry (MIF)
- Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
Faculty of Land and Food Systems
- Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
- Master of Food Science (MFS)
- Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
Faculty of Science
- Master of Data Science
Scholarship Benefits
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is fully funded. Scholars will receive:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the program
- Accommodation and living expenses
- A stipend for personal costs
- Travel costs to and from Canada
- Textbooks and study materials
- A working laptop
- Academic, financial, and social support throughout their studies
- Career and post-graduation guidance
This support is designed to remove financial barriers so scholars can focus entirely on their education and leadership growth.
READ ALSO: University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree
- Be 35 years old or younger (born in 1988 or later)
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Have lived a significant part of their life in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Demonstrate economic need
- Show strong academic performance achieved under challenging circumstances
- Display leadership qualities or potential
- Commit to returning to Africa to apply their skills for the benefit of their home communities
- Be applying for one of the eligible Master’s programs at UBC Vancouver
- Require a Canadian study permit to study in Canada
Not eligible:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Applicants who already hold a graduate or PhD degree
- Applicants who have claimed or will claim asylum/protected status in Canada
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Form
- Personal statements (200–300 words each, answering specific questions)
- CV/resume with education and work experience
- Two reference letters (on official letterhead)
- Academic transcripts (legible copies; translations required if not in English)
- Signed application checklist and declaration
- Personal statement prompts include:
- Your personal story and what matters most to you
- A meaningful community involvement experience
- The reason why you want to study at UBC and your long-term goals
- A challenge you’ve overcome and what you learned
- Details of your financial situation
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process has several stages. It’s important to follow the timeline closely:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – by September 12, 2025
- Eligible candidates will receive an invitation to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by October 15, 2025
- Apply to your specific UBC Faculty – by November 26, 2025
- Successful applicants will receive instructions to submit the official online UBC application
- Candidates from the world’s 50 least developed countries may qualify for an application fee waiver
READ ALSO: Study in Ghana: Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 at Ashesi University
Application Deadline
Applicants interested in the 2026 UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship must take note that the application deadline is 12 September 2025. Submissions after this date will not be considered, so candidates are encouraged to prepare and complete their applications well in advance to ensure eligibility and a smooth review process.
Contact Info
Tel: 604 822 9803
Email: scholars.admissions@ubc.ca
Click to Apply for the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
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