by Last verified: 12 October 2026. We updated this University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship guide for 2027/28 using the programme’s official pages.
The University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship for 2027/28 is now in its application stage. The University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, offers fully funded on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships to young leaders from across Africa who have shown academic excellence, resilience in the face of educational barriers, and a commitment to climate action in their communities.
Key dates this month: invitations go to eligible applicants on 13 October 2026, and the Applicant Declaration Form closes on 19 October 2026 at 17:00 UK time, or earlier if the application limit is reached.
University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship 2027/28 at a glance
| Detail | 2027/28 cycle |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Residents and citizens of an African country, or people with refugee status in one |
| Study options | 8 on-campus Master’s and 10 online Master’s or Diploma programmes |
| On-campus coverage | Full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, a living cost stipend and study materials |
| Age | 35 or under in the start year (born on or after 1 January 1992) |
| Information session | Mandatory; sessions ran 15 to 24 September 2026 and are now closed |
| Main application | Closes 19 November 2026 at 17:00 UK time |
Important: who can still apply this cycle
According to the programme, attending an information session is a mandatory step to get access to the application form. The September sessions are now fully booked and closed. So for 2027/28, only people who attended a session and meet the eligibility criteria will receive an invitation. If you missed the sessions, contact the team at mcfsp@ed.ac.uk, and otherwise prepare for the next cycle using this guide.
What the scholarship covers
- Full approved tuition fees.
- accommodation, travel, a living cost stipend and study materials for on-campus scholars.
- However, the programme covers only the individual scholar. It does not support family members or dependants.
University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship eligibility
The program is open to candidates who meet all of these criteria:
- Must be a resident and citizen of an African country, or hold refugee status in an African country.
- Must qualify for admission to a listed programme, generally with the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Must upload a degree certificate and final transcript by 19 November 2026.
- Must have faced significant barriers to education or early career, whether social, financial, personal, practical or health-related.
- Must show a track record of leadership and service in their community.
- Must show experience or ambition in tackling the climate crisis.
- Must be 35 or younger in the year the programme starts, which means born on or after 1 January 1992. Anyone born in 1991 or earlier is not eligible.
- Master’s applicants must not already hold, or plan to hold, a postgraduate degree.
The program strongly encourages applications from women, people from refugee or displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Also, you do not need English test results to apply for the scholarship, although admissions may require a test later depending on where you studied.
Programmes covered by the University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship
On-campus Master’s: Climate Change Finance and Investment; Data, Inequality and Society; Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Food Security; Environment and Development; Environmental Sustainability; Operational Research (general MSc only); and Sustainable Energy Systems.
Online programmes: Climate Change Management and International Development (Master’s only); Global Food Security and Nutrition; One Health; Social Justice and Community Action; Global Health and Infectious Diseases; Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health; Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics; Digital Education (Master’s or Diploma); and Data Science Technologies (Master’s only).
The programme says this list may change, so check it before you apply.
Key dates for the 2027/28 cycle
- Information sessions: 15 to 24 September 2026 (mandatory, now closed).
- Invitations to eligible attendees: 13 October 2026.
- Applicant Declaration Form: by 19 October 2026, 17:00 UK time.
- Main Application: by 19 November 2026, 17:00 UK time.
- Interview shortlists: early February 2027 (on-campus) and mid-February 2027 (online).
- Outcomes by the end of March 2027, with study starting in September 2027.
How the University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship selects scholars
The programme describes these stages:
- Eligibility screening.
- Short essays on your personal story, your academic and leadership experience, and your future ambition.
- Shortlisting by the scholarship review team.
- Review by University admissions.
- An interview of about 60 minutes.
Note that if this is the only Edinburgh scholarship you want, you do not apply for the degree first; the programme team supports your degree application if you win. Applying for a degree alone does not put you forward for this scholarship.
Worked example: a Ghanaian applicant this month
To illustrate, imagine Kwame, a 30-year-old agriculture graduate in Tamale who attended a September session:
- On 13 October, first, he checks his email for his invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply.
- He submits the Applicant Declaration Form early, since it can close before 19 October.
- He drafts his three essays, linking his farm cooperative work to the MSc Food Security.
- He uploads his degree certificate and transcript before 19 November.
For help with your essays, see our scholarship application guide. For other fully funded options, read our Commonwealth Scholarship guide and fully funded Masters scholarships list.
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of Edinburgh Mastercard scholarship fully funded?
Yes. For on-campus scholars, it covers full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, a living cost stipend and study materials.
Can I bring my family?
No. The programme supports only the individual scholar, not dependants.
Do I need IELTS to apply?
No, not for the scholarship application. However, admissions may need a test later, and Edinburgh says it will arrange one for successful candidates where needed.
Official sources
- Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – How to apply
- Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Application timelines
- Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Eligibility
- Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – FAQs
Scholarship terms change. Always confirm details on the official pages before you apply.
