University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation On-campus Postgraduate Scholarships

Entries are now open for the 2026/2027 University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships. This program seeks to support outstanding young leaders from across Africa who have demonstrated academic excellence, resilience, and a commitment to creating positive change within their communities. The scholarships are designed for individuals who have faced significant barriers to education and are eager to pursue their postgraduate studies on-campus at the University of Edinburgh.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Qualification: Candidates must meet the entry requirements for their chosen degree programme at the University of Edinburgh. Typically, this means holding the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Honours) degree or higher.
2. Barriers to Education: Applicants should have experienced considerable challenges to education—whether social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related.
3. Graduation Requirement: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and be able to upload both their degree certificate and final transcript by 21 November 2025.
4. Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or residents of an African country (including North Africa) or hold refugee status in an African nation.
5. Leadership and Service: A strong record of leadership, community service, and civic engagement is essential.
6. Climate Impact Focus: Candidates should have proven experience or clear ambition in tackling climate-related challenges within their communities.
7. Age Limit: Applicants must be 35 years or younger at the start of the programme (born on or after 1 January 1991). Those born before 1991 are not eligible.
8. Previous Study: Applicants must not have completed a postgraduate degree previously or be enrolled in another postgraduate programme elsewhere while on the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

For those applying to online programmes, the same restrictions apply:

• Applicants for the online master’s must not have completed a postgraduate degree previously.
• Applicants for the online postgraduate diploma must hold either an undergraduate or a master’s degree from an African university (to be completed by 21 November 2025). The admissions team will assess undergraduate qualifications for diploma entry and review transcripts to verify graduation date and location.

The program particularly encourages applications from women, refugees, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities.

You can explore postgraduate scholarship advice and use the university’s scholarship search tools for further guidance.

Scholarship Benefits

The on-campus Mastercard Foundation Scholarship covers a comprehensive range of benefits to ensure that scholars can study and thrive without financial barriers. These include:

• Full coverage of tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
• A monthly stipend to support daily living costs and study materials.
• Participation in a Climate Leadership Programme, which equips scholars with the skills and mindset to drive climate action in their home countries.
• A place in the Climate Enterprise School, an intensive, week-long training programme in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Additional support for scholars with disabilities based on individual needs assessments.
• Transition support to help scholars adapt to life and study in Edinburgh and reintegrate into their home countries after graduation.

More details about Mastercard Foundation initiatives can be found on the Mastercard Foundation Programs page.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following:

• Academic excellence and eligibility for admission to the University of Edinburgh.
• Proven leadership and community service experience.
• Alignment with the programme’s focus on climate justice and sustainable development.
• Potential for long-term impact and contribution to the applicant’s home country.
• Demonstrated resilience in overcoming barriers to education and professional growth.
• For details visit the Official Webpage of the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships 
• Deadline: 21 November, 2025