University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

Here is a life-changing opportunity for outstanding students across Africa. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program 2026 at the University of Cambridge is now open, offering fully funded Master’s scholarships to 500 talented African students by 2030. If you are from an African country and dream of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, this is your moment to apply.

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This Fully Funded Scholarship covers course fees, monthly living allowance, return flights, laptop, student visa, and Immigration Health Surcharge, giving scholars everything they need to thrive in Cambridge. Furthermore, the programme focuses on climate resilience and sustainability, welcoming applicants from most full-time Master’s courses available at Cambridge.

Applications open in September for courses starting October of the following year. Read on for full details.

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University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
• Study Abroad: Study in UK
• Host: University of Cambridge in partnership with Mastercard Foundation
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: African Countries Only (applicants must be from and live in Africa)
• Reward: Fully Funded – Course fees, monthly living allowance, return flights, laptop, visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, and more
• Deadline: Early December or Early January (depending on chosen course)

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University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Details

Established in 2022, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge aims to enable 500 outstanding students from across Africa to enrol in a Master’s course at Cambridge by 2030. The programme is built around the themes of climate resilience and sustainability, recognising the wide range of expertise needed to address these complex global challenges.

The programme actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. Consequently, applications from women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

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Beyond financial support, Mastercard Foundation Scholars join a vibrant and supportive community of young African leaders. A week-long orientation before courses start gives incoming scholars the chance to get to know each other and meet programme alumni. Throughout the year, monthly socials, a weekend retreat, and a summer party bring scholars together to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their community.

Additionally, scholars benefit from a leadership development programme tailored specifically to African students and delivered in partnership with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CiSL), as well as a three-day social ventures course hosted by King’s College Entrepreneurship Lab.

Ineligible Courses:

• Master of Accountancy (MACC)
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
• Master of Finance (MFIN)

Also explore these UK scholarship: Humanitarian (Sanctuary) Scholarships in the UK | Fully Funded

All other full-time Master’s programmes at the University of Cambridge are eligible.

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Explore these various BSc and MSc Mastercard Foundation Scholarships – Watch on our YouTube Channel:

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Eligibility Requirements for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen course (some courses require a UK first-class honours equivalent, others an upper second-class degree)
• Must be from, and currently living in, an African country (applicants temporarily living outside Africa for study or work are also eligible)
• Must apply for an eligible full-time Master’s course (excluding MACC, MBA, MCL, and MFIN)

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• Must demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, home country, or Africa more broadly
• Must show commitment to the programme themes of sustainability and climate resilience
• Women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply

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University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Benefits

• Full course fees covered for the entire Master’s programme
• Monthly living/maintenance allowance
• Return flights to and from Cambridge
• Laptop provided
• Student visa costs covered
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) covered
• Travel costs including flights and taxi into Cambridge
• Week-long orientation to life in Cambridge before courses begin
• Mentoring scheme to help scholars settle in and maximise their time at Cambridge

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• Leadership development programme in partnership with Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CiSL)
• Three-day social ventures course hosted by King’s College Entrepreneurship Lab
• Support for a 3–6 month placement in a leading Africa-based organisation
• Practical guidance on life after the Master’s — employment, internships, or PhD pathways
• Access to a vibrant community of young African leaders through monthly socials, a weekend retreat, and a summer party

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Required Documents for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

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• Completed postgraduate course application via the Cambridge postgraduate course directory
• Scholarship statement focusing on:
  • Career and education history
  • Leadership potential
  • How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and aspirations
  • How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa
• Academic transcripts and qualifications (verified against Cambridge’s international qualifications checker)
• IELTS results — most courses require an overall score of 7.0 or 7.5 (you may apply without IELTS; if successful, you will receive a conditional offer)
• Any additional supporting documents specified by your chosen course

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How to Apply for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026

1. Visit the Cambridge postgraduate course directory and identify the full-time Master’s course you wish to apply for.
2. Check your course’s entry requirements, funding deadline, and required supporting documents carefully before starting your application.
3. Verify that your current degree meets Cambridge’s postgraduate academic entry requirements using the international qualifications checker.
4. Open your chosen course’s profile in the postgraduate course directory and click ‘Apply Now’ to create your application account.
5. During your application, opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program from the list of eligible funding options.
6. Write your scholarship statement, clearly covering your career and education history, leadership potential, how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, and how you plan to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.
7. Choose a College — this is where you will live, eat, and attend small group teaching sessions. Research all 31 Cambridge Colleges before making your choice.
8. Submit your application by your course’s funding deadline — either early December or early January, depending on your chosen course.
9. If shortlisted, attend a departmental interview if required. Departmental offers are made on a rolling basis between December and February.
10. If selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you will receive your scholarship offer letter in March or April.
11. Submit any outstanding documents, including your IELTS results, by July 31 if your offer requires it.

Also read, How to Apply for School Admission | Scholarship Guide

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Deadline

Early December or Early January 2026 (depending on chosen course)

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Application Link

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