University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2025–2026 (Fully Funded)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is a fully funded opportunity for young Africans who want to use their education to create meaningful change. It’s designed for individuals who are passionate about addressing climate crisis and helping their communities move toward a more sustainable future.

Through a partnership between the University of Edinburgh and the Mastercard Foundation, the program equips scholars with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to lead this change. Alongside earning a degree, participants also develop the confidence and practical ability to turn ideas into lasting impact.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the program, from eligibility and selection criteria to scholarship benefits and how to apply.

What the Program Offers

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh provides fully funded postgraduate study opportunities for learners at different stages of their academic and professional journey. The program includes:

• One-year on-campus Master’s scholarships in sustainability-focused fields.
• Three-year part-time online Master’s scholarships, ideal for professionals living or working across Africa.
• Two-year part-time Postgraduate Diploma scholarships, also delivered online, for those who want to build expertise while continuing their careers.

Each scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs where applicable. Scholars also gain access to a global network of professionals committed to advancing climate justice and sustainable development.

Who Can Apply

This scholarship is open to students who have shown academic excellence, resilience, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in their communities. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be citizens, residents, or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
• Have completed an undergraduate degree and be able to submit a degree certificate and final transcript.
• Be 35 years old or younger at the start of the program
• Have faced barriers to education (social, financial, personal, or health-related).
• Demonstrate a strong record of leadership and community service.
• Show clear interest or experience in addressing the climate crisis.
• Not have previously completed a postgraduate degree or be enrolled at another university during the scholarship period.

For the Postgraduate Diploma, applicants may hold either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an African university, provided graduation is completed by 21 November 2025.

The University of Edinburgh particularly welcomes applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities.

Also Apply: Fully Funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Sciences Po 2026–2028

Selection Process

Selection for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is highly competitive, focusing on merit, leadership, and purpose. Each application is reviewed with attention to:

• The applicant’s academic strength and eligibility for admission to the University of Edinburgh.
• Demonstrated leadership and a record of meaningful community impact.
• The clarity and relevance of the application, particularly how it aligns with the theme of climate justice.
• The potential long-term impact of the applicant’s work in their home country.
• The nature and extent of the educational barriers they have overcome.

Applicants with strong academic performance and a genuine commitment to solving the challenges in the real world are given priority in the final selection.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year open on 14 October 2025 at 10 a.m. (BST).

To apply:

1. Visit the official Edinburgh Global Scholarship page.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and program details to confirm your suitability.
3. Prepare all required documents, including your degree certificate, academic transcript, and proof of citizenship or refugee status.
4. Complete and submit the online application form before 21 November 2025.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by February 2026.

Also Apply: MINDS Scholarship Programme 2025-2026: Leadership Development Across Africa

Application Deadline

Applications close on 21 November 2025.

It’s best to start early, take time to review the program details and submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

Apply For The Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship