Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers an incredible opportunity for academically talented and driven individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue higher education with a focus on addressing climate change and other global challenges. Through both on-campus and online postgraduate scholarships, the Program is dedicated to nurturing a generation of leaders who can drive sustainable development and climate action.
The program's scope goes beyond financial assistance; it aims to foster leadership, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to climate justice. If you’re a young African leader passionate about making a difference, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program might be your gateway to achieving a globally recognized postgraduate qualification at one of the world’s leading institutions, the University of Edinburgh.
Overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a prestigious initiative designed to support young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds across Sub-Saharan Africa. Launched with the vision of nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders, the Program provides fully funded scholarships to study at the University of Edinburgh, particularly in areas that address critical global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development.
The Program focuses on postgraduate education, offering two distinct pathways:
- On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships: For students pursuing full-time Master's degrees on the University’s campus.
- Online Postgraduate Scholarships: For students pursuing part-time Master's or postgraduate diploma programs remotely, allowing them to continue working or contributing to their local communities while studying.
The University of Edinburgh plays a pivotal role in providing a broad range of academic and leadership development opportunities through this initiative. Each scholar is enrolled in the Climate Leadership Programme, designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and network to drive meaningful action in their home countries.
Areas of Study
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh emphasizes studies that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following areas of study are supported through the scholarship:
- International Development
- Global Food Security and Nutrition
- Global Challenges
- Carbon Management
- One Health
- Circular Economy
- Sustainable Lands and Cities
- Social Justice and Community Action
These fields are pivotal in addressing global challenges like climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, and social justice.
Nurturing Climate Leaders: The Climate Leadership Programme
An integral component of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the Climate Leadership Programme, aimed at preparing scholars to be proactive in addressing the climate crisis. As climate change remains one of the most pressing global issues, the program seeks to equip scholars with the leadership skills and environmental knowledge to create sustainable solutions.
Participants in the Climate Leadership Programme gain access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and projects aimed at fostering sustainable practices. This initiative is an essential aspect of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ experience, as it connects them with a global network of climate leaders and experts.
Why Choose Online Learning?
The University of Edinburgh offers unique opportunities for those who wish to pursue their studies remotely through the Online Postgraduate Scholarship option. This part-time format allows students to continue contributing to their communities or careers while pursuing academic qualifications.
The online programs are flexible, allowing participants to earn their degrees while working or fulfilling other responsibilities. Moreover, the degrees earned through online learning at the University of Edinburgh are equivalent in status and quality to those earned on campus, ensuring that scholars receive world-class education no matter where they are.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for consideration:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country or have refugee status.
- Barriers to Education: Applicants must have faced significant barriers to education, whether social, financial, personal, or health-related.
- Educational Background: For the online Master’s program, applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree. For the Postgraduate Diploma program, applicants must hold at least an undergraduate degree.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 35 years old or younger in the year the program begins, meaning those born on or after January 1, 1990, are eligible for the 2025/26 academic year.
- Academic Merit: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of a Second-Class Upper Division (UK equivalent) in their undergraduate studies.
- Leadership and Service: Applicants should demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their communities and show a commitment to addressing climate change.
- Climate Action: Applicants must show experience or ambition in making an impact on climate justice.
Online Postgraduate Scholarship Options
Applicants can apply for either a Master’s degree or a Postgraduate Diploma through the online learning platform. Below are details of the programs offered:
- Online Master’s (2–3 years, part-time):
- International Development
- Global Food Security and Nutrition
- Carbon Management
- One Health
- Circular Economy
- Sustainable Lands and Cities
- Social Justice and Community Action
- Online Postgraduate Diploma (up to 2 years, part-time):
- Global Food Security and Nutrition
- Global Challenges
- One Health
- Circular Economy
- Sustainable Lands and Cities
- Social Justice and Community Action
The online programs are suitable for students looking to specialize in fields that are vital for addressing global challenges. The part-time study model is ideal for those who wish to continue working while pursuing their education.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a comprehensive package for both on-campus and online learners. For online learners, the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the program
- A laptop to support online learning
- Connectivity allowance to cover data and internet expenses
- Study material support
- Participation in the Climate Leadership Programme
Application Process: How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a multi-step process. Here’s an overview:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the academic and program-specific requirements. Applicants must have the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor's degree and meet the University of Edinburgh’s postgraduate entry requirements.
- Submit Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application: Before applying to the University of Edinburgh, applicants must first apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The online application system will guide applicants through the process.
- Declaration and Eligibility Assessment: By 31 October 2024, applicants must complete the first stage of the application, which includes a declaration and an assessment of eligibility.
- Submit Required Documents: All applicants must provide their academic transcripts, degree certificates, and a detailed personal statement outlining their leadership experience and vision for climate action.
- Online Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in February 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by March 2025.
- Apply to the University: Only after receiving a scholarship offer should applicants apply to the University of Edinburgh’s academic programs through the university’s official admissions process.
To learn more and apply, visit Online Postgraduate Scholarships at Edinburgh University.
Important Dates and Deadlines
For the 2025/26 academic year, the key dates for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application are as follows:
- 1 October 2025 (10 am UK time): Applications open
- 31 October 2025 (5 pm UK time): First stage of application due
- 8 November 2025 (5 pm UK time): Final submission deadline
- February 2026: Online interviews
- March 2025: Scholarship offers announced
- September 2026: Start of the academic program
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive, with decisions based on the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Candidates must meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen degree program at the University of Edinburgh.
- Leadership Potential: Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of leadership within their community and a clear vision for how their studies will contribute to climate action.
- Commitment to Climate Justice: Applications should align with the Program’s theme of climate justice and show how the candidate plans to make a positive impact in their home country.
- Barriers Overcome: Preference will be given to applicants who have faced significant obstacles to education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To ensure that applicants have all the necessary information, the Program provides an extensive FAQ section on its website, addressing common concerns such as eligibility, application procedures, and selection criteria.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh represents a unique opportunity for young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to make a real difference in the fight against climate change and other global challenges. By providing full financial support and world-class education, the Program empowers scholars to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the world at large. Whether through on-campus or online postgraduate programs, this scholarship offers a pathway to academic excellence and transformative leadership.
Click Here to Apply from Official Application Page.