by The University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is welcoming applications for its fully funded on-campus postgraduate scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. This prestigious opportunity is aimed at exceptional young leaders from across Africa who have demonstrated academic excellence, resilience in the face of educational barriers, and a commitment to leading climate action within their communities.
The program offers more than a degree, it provides access to a network of changemakers working toward a more sustainable and just future.
Scholarship Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program focuses on empowering students to address the climate crisis through advanced education, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive package of financial, academic, and personal support throughout their studies in Edinburgh.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees for a postgraduate degree
- Accommodation, travel expenses, living stipend, and study materials
- Access to the Climate Leadership Programme, designed to support and inspire scholars to lead change in their home countries
- Participation in the Climate Enterprise School — an intensive one-week training in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
- Additional tailored support for scholars with disabilities, based on individual needs
- Ongoing transitional support before, during, and after the program
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a citizen or resident of an African country, including North Africa. Applicants with refugee status in an African country are also eligible.
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent to a UK Second Class Upper) and be eligible for admission to an approved postgraduate programme at the University of Edinburgh
- Must provide a degree certificate and final transcript no later than 21 November 2025
- Must have faced significant barriers to education — whether social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related
- Must demonstrate a proven track record of leadership and community service
- Must show experience or ambition in addressing the climate crisis through their work or studies
- Must be 35 years old or younger at the start of the program (i.e., born on or after 1 January 1991)
- Must not have completed a postgraduate degree previously or be enrolled in another postgraduate programme at the time of application
The program strongly encourages applications from women, individuals from refugee or displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
How Selection Works
Candidates will be assessed based on:
- Academic qualifications for admission to the University of Edinburgh
- Leadership experience and demonstrated commitment to community service
- Strength of personal statement and alignment with the program’s climate justice theme
- Potential for long-term impact in the applicant’s home country
- Quality of the application in reflecting personal and professional growth
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 14 November 2025
- Final Transcript & Degree Certificate Deadline: 21 November 2025
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Mastercard Foundation application portal:
🔗 Apply now via the Mastercard Foundation SMApply platform
Before applying, review all scholarship and admissions details on the University of Edinburgh Scholarships page:
🔗 Visit the University of Edinburgh Scholarships webpage
