About the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027/28
The University of Edinburgh has published the application process for its 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program postgraduate scholarships. The programme supports eligible young people from Africa through on-campus master’s study in Edinburgh and selected online master’s or postgraduate diploma programmes.
The 2027/28 application process has changed. Prospective applicants must first check their eligibility and attend a mandatory virtual information session in September 2026. Eligible attendees may then be invited to continue to the scholarship application stages in October.
What the On-Campus Scholarship Provides
The on-campus scholarship supports a one-year full-time postgraduate taught master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh. The University states that support includes full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, a living-cost stipend and study materials.
Scholars also participate in a Climate Leadership Programme and the Climate Enterprise School, with additional support available for scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs. Transition support is also part of the programme.
What the Online Scholarship Provides
The online scholarship covers full approved tuition fees for eligible online programmes. Scholars also receive an academic stipend intended to support access to a laptop and high-quality internet, an opportunity to attend an in-person gathering, participation in the wider Climate Leadership Programme, access to the Climate Enterprise School, a dedicated online coordinator and transition support.
Additional disability-related support can be provided according to assessed needs.
Who the Programme Is For
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh is intended for academically strong young people from Africa who have faced significant barriers to education and who demonstrate leadership and service in their communities. Applicants should also show experience or ambition connected to making a meaningful contribution to addressing the climate crisis.
Applicants must qualify academically for an eligible University of Edinburgh postgraduate programme. The programme is aimed at residents and citizens of African countries, including North Africa, as well as applicants who hold refugee status in an African country, subject to the full eligibility rules.
Academic and Profile Requirements
Applicants need an undergraduate degree that meets the University’s academic entry requirements for the selected programme. They should have their final official degree certificate and transcript available by the scholarship application deadline.
The programme also considers leadership, community service, barriers faced in education or early career, climate-related motivation and the potential impact the applicant could make in their home country. The University encourages applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and people with disabilities.
Eligible Study Options
The programme supports a defined list of on-campus and online postgraduate degrees rather than every postgraduate course at the University. On-campus options listed by the University include programmes connected to international development, climate finance, inequality, entrepreneurship, food security, environment, sustainability, operational research, planetary health and sustainable energy.
Online options include programmes in areas such as climate change management, international development, global food security and nutrition, One Health, social justice and community action, global health, biodiversity, digital education, data science technologies and related subjects. Applicants should use the current official programme list because available degrees can change.
Mandatory Information Session
Attendance at a virtual information session between 15 and 24 September 2026 is a required first step. During registration, prospective applicants complete a short questionnaire that is used to assess preliminary eligibility.
Attending a session does not automatically guarantee access to the main scholarship application. The University will review preliminary eligibility and notify eligible attendees from 13 October 2026 if they are invited to proceed.
2027/28 Application Stages
- Check the scholarship eligibility requirements.
- Review the eligible on-campus and online degree programmes.
- Register for and attend a mandatory information session in September 2026.
- If invited, complete the Applicant Declaration Form.
- If successful at the declaration stage, complete the Scholarship Main Application.
- Shortlisted candidates move into later assessment and interview stages in early 2027.
Important Dates
- Virtual information sessions: 15–24 September 2026
- Invitations to eligible attendees: from 13 October 2026
- Applicant Declaration deadline: 19 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time
- Main Scholarship Application deadline: 19 November 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time
- Interview period: February–March 2027
- Scholarship outcomes: by the end of March 2027
How to Apply
Start on the University of Edinburgh’s official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website. Check the current eligibility criteria and degree list, then register for one of the mandatory virtual information sessions. Only eligible attendees who follow the required process will receive access to the later scholarship application stages.
The University specifically advises applicants who are applying only for this scholarship not to submit a separate degree application at the first scholarship stage. Successful scholarship candidates are supported with the University admissions process later.
FAQ
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The on-campus award includes full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, a living-cost stipend and study materials. The online award includes full approved tuition and additional academic and programme support.
Can applicants apply for both online and on-campus routes?
No. Applicants choose either the online route or the on-campus route for the scholarship process.
Do applicants apply to the degree first?
If the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship being pursued at Edinburgh, the University instructs applicants to apply for the scholarship first and follow the degree application process later if awarded the scholarship.
