There are two new Mastercard Foundation scholarship opportunities available for graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh (UK) and the University of British Columbia (Canada). Read more about the two opportunities and their eligibility criteria below.
Opportunity 📚: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to University of Edinburgh
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will recruit postgraduate scholars for the September 2027 intake across a range of sustainability-focused on-campus and online master’s programmes.
The available programmes for the scholarship can be found here: Online postgraduate scholarships | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global and On-campus postgraduate scholarships | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global.
Interested applicants must attend one of the mandatory virtual information sessions taking place between 15 and 24 September 2026. Attendance at one of these sessions is required to gain access to the scholarship application form, in addition to meeting the program’s eligibility criteria. Details of the information sessions can be found here
- Have completed an undergraduate degree by 19 November 2026.
- Have faced significant barriers to education or early career opportunities.
- Demonstrate leadership, community service, and a commitment to creating positive impact.
- Show experience or strong ambition in addressing the climate crisis.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the start of the programme (born on or after 1 January 1992 for the 2027/28 intake).
- Hold a copy of your degree and transcripts.
- Hold a valid passport (for on-campus programmes).
The information sessions will take place during the following times:
On-campus applicants:
- 15 September 2026 | 3pm (UK Time)
- 21 September 2026 | 11am (UK Time)
- 24 September 2026 | 4pm (UK Time)
Online applicants:
- 17 September 2026 | 4pm (UK Time)
- 22 September 2026 | 11am (UK Time)
- 24 September 2026 | 3pm (UK Time)
Registration for the information sessions is done through this link: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Information Sessions for 2027/28 | University of Edinburgh
If you have any further questions, please refer to the document added and to the Frequently asked questions | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Global.
Opportunity 📚 : Mastercard Foundations Scholarship University of British Columbia – Graduate studies
The University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, is accepting applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a fully funded opportunity for academically talented young leaders from Africa who are committed to creating positive social and economic change in their communities.
The scholarship is ONLY available for a selected number of programs in the faculty of Land and Food Systems, the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Science. The programmes are on-campus only.
Eligibility:
Applicants should:
- Be citizens of an African country;
- Demonstrate academic excellence;
- Show leadership potential and a commitment to community service;
- Have limited financial means and require financial assistance to pursue graduate studies;
- Meet UBC’s admission requirements for the intended graduate program.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Hold a copy of transcripts.
Some further information on the scholarship and applications can be found through the recording of an information session: Info session | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Overview | June 2026
Some additional resources and application tips:
#ApplicationTips: Applying Early and Meeting the Requirements – YouTube
#ApplicationTips: Submitting a Competitive Application and Staying Informed – YouTube
How to Write a Winning Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Essay | Tips from UBC Scholars
If you are interested in applying you need to submit an expression of interest between 31 August and 6 September 2026 through this link
Applicants who are eligible will be invited to apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by September 15th – 30th, 2026.
Further information can be found on this website.