University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 (fully funded) In UK | How to Apply

The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is back!

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives, enabling learning and leadership development for talented young people, primarily young Africans. Applications to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh for on–campus and online learning postgraduate scholarships will open on 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 and close on 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱. They welcome applications from talented and passionate young people from across Africa who are committed to contributing to sustainability and addressing climate change.

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University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 Summary

• Study Abroad: Study in UK
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Host Provider: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• Host University: University of Edinburgh, UK
• Eligible Countries: African countries (including North Africa)
• Reward: Fully funded tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, travel, study materials etc.
• No IELTS Required (if English is your first language)
• Deadline: November 21st, 2025

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University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 Details

The Mastercard Foundation and the University of Edinburgh have been working in partnership since 2016, one of the largest foundations in the world, working almost exclusively in Africa, enabling learning and leadership development for talented young people, primarily young Africans.

Implemented through a Pan-African and global network of more than 40 universities and non-governmental organizations, the Scholars Program strengthens the higher education ecosystem by encouraging inclusion and accessibility, innovation in teaching and learning, research, and collaboration across critical sectors and stakeholders.

This scholarship application at the University of Edinburgh is open for on-campus and online learning postgraduate scholarships and welcomes applications from talented and passionate young people from across Africa who are committed to contributing to sustainability and addressing climate change. Women, young people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and young people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

All Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Edinburgh will participate in a Climate Leadership Programme with the aim to make a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis. This program is dedicated to nurturing a community of talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate leaders from across Africa. Find out more about the Climate Leadership Programme.

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Watch this full video on how to apply for the Mastercard Foundation – University of Edinburgh Scholarship on our YouTube Channel:

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Eligibility Requirements

Here are the eligibility criteria required to apply to our on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria:

• Must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh for a relevant degree programme listed below.
• Have achieved the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher. 
• Applicants will have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).
• Graduated from an undergraduate study and must have a degree certificate and official final transcript to upload alongside their application by 21 November 2025.
• Be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
• Must have faced barriers to education in their early careers.
• Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.
• Must demonstrate experience, or at least ambition, in making a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis
• Be aged 35 or under the year the programme commences. Therefore, for the 2026/27 academic year, we accept applications from those born on or after 1 January 1991. Anyone born in 1990 or prior is not eligible.
• Should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or apply to enroll) at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.
• If applying for the online Master’s programme: Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or applying to enroll) at a separate university.
• If applying for the online Postgraduate Diploma: Applicants can either have an undergraduate or a Master’s degree from an African university (provided they will graduate from either degree by 21 November 2025). If you have a Master’s degree, our admissions team will review your first degree (undergraduate) to meet the postgraduate diploma entry requirement. The Program will review your Master’s degree transcripts to confirm your university’s graduation date and location.
• We particularly welcome applications from female scholars, scholars from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and scholars with disabilities (see FAQs below for further information) 

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Confused About How to Apply and Start Securing Scholarships Abroad? Book a Free Consultation today with us:

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Mastercard Foundation – University of Edinburgh On-campus postgraduate scholarships

We recruit exceptional young people with great academic and leadership experience who have overcome barriers to their education and are committed to pursuing their studies on-campus.

This is a one-year postgraduate on-campus scholarship for the following MSc 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 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

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Mastercard Foundation – University of Edinburgh Online postgraduate scholarships

We invite 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 at the University of Edinburgh.

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:

• online Master’s (part-time up to three years OR
• online postgraduate diploma (part-time up to two years).

Online Masters

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 a 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 a 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).

We offer scholarships 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)
• Global Challenges (Master’s or Diploma)
• 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)

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University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 Benefits

Selected applicants for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 will enjoy a wide range of benefits:

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

The online scholarship provides:

• fully 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. 

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Check out this sought-after scholarship, the Open Door Russian scholarship, for free on our YouTube Channel:

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Required Documents for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026

To complete your application for the 2026 Erasmus Mundus MAGMa Scholarship, prepare the following:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Current CV
• Two references (one academic, one academic/professional)
• English language test certificate, if applicable
• Copy of passport photo page
• Personal statement outlining your motivation and suitability

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Confused About Where and How to Start Securing Scholarships Abroad:

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Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:

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• How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
• Tips on How to Win a Scholarship

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How to Apply for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step) 

1. Check Eligibility
   • Confirm your academic qualifications and subject area.
   • You must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh. 
2. Prepare Documents
   • Collect transcripts, degree certificate, references, CV, personal statement and passport.
3. Access Application Portal
   • Complete online application – see link below.
4. Fill Out Application
   • Ensure your details (name, DOB, qualifications) match your official documents.
5. Submit Required Documents and Completed Application
   • All applicants must have completed the first stage of the application – the Declaration and Eligibility Assessment. 
   • The SM Apply system will not permit new applications after 14 November, 5pm UK time
   • Make sure everything is uploaded before the 21 November 2025, 5pm UK time deadline.
   • Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Note: At this stage, scholarship applicants should only apply for the scholarship — not for their degree programme at the University. If your scholarship application is successful and you receive a scholarship offer in March 2026, you will then be invited to apply for your chosen degree programme at the University through the standard admissions process. However, applicants who are applying for other scholarships that require an active University application may proceed to apply to the University in parallel.

The programme will not accept applications submitted outside the online application system.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, below, for further details.

We also encourage you to utilize the Application Guidance, which is found under the tab ‘Pages’, on your applicant portal.

If you have any queries regarding the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, which are not answered in the FAQs, please contact us at: [email protected]

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Selection Process

The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria;

• Academic merit of the candidate who 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.
• Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related).

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Application Timeline 2026/27

Application timelines for the 2026/27 on-campus and online postgraduate scholarship with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh.

Date and time (UK time)	Event
14 October 2025, 10am	Applications open
14 November 2025, 5pm	All applicants must have completed the first stage of the application – the Declaration and Eligibility Assessment. The SM Apply system will not permit new applications after 14 November, 5pm.
21 November 2025, 5pm	Applications close
End-November 2025 – January 2026	University committees assess all submitted eligible applications
Early February 2026	Support provided through the admission and immigration process to on-campus applicants
Early February 2026	On-campus applicants invited to interview
Mid-February 2026	Online applicants invited to interview
Mid-February to March 2026	On-campus applicant interviews take place
End February to mid-March 2026	Online applicant interviews take place
Mid-March 2026	On-campus applicant interview outcomes will be announced
End of March 2026	Online applicant interview outcomes will be announced
April to August 2026	Support provided through admission and immigration process to on-campus applicants
April to August 2026	Support provided for admission processes to online applicants
September 2026	Academic programme starts

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