Closing Date: 19 October 2026
Applications are now open for the 2027/28 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh (on-campus and online scholarships awarded)
In response to the climate crisis the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh will invest in a
community of skilled, entrepreneurial, and compassionate future leaders from across Africa.
Through the Program at the University of Edinburgh, Mastercard Foundation will offer talented young people an exciting array of high-quality, sustainability- focused postgraduate learning opportunities, equipping young people with
the knowledge, skills and networks to promote sustainable transitions.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Recruitment for 2027/28
Mastercard Foundation is looking to recruit Scholars to join in September 2027 for on-campus and online study programmes.
Applications are especially encouraged from:
- young women
- young people with disabilities
- young people with refugee and displaced status
The recruitment process for 2027/28 on-campus and online scholarships has changed from previous years. Applicants must register to join an information session. Only attendees who also meet the eligibility requirements for the Scholarship will receive the invitation to apply.
Scholarships are available for:
On-campus Masters programmes:
- Africa & International Development
- Climate Change Finance & Investment
- Data, Inequality & Society
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Environment & Development
- Environmental Sustainability
- Food Security
- Operational Research
- Planetary Health
- Sustainable Energy Systems
Online distance learning programmes:
- Biodiversity, Wildlife & Ecosystem Health (MSc or Dip)
- Climate Change Management (MSc route only)
- Data-Driven Breeding & Genetics (MSc or Diploma)
- Data Science Technologies (MSc route only)
- Digital Education (MSc or Diploma)
- Global Food Security & Nutrition (MSc or Diploma)
- Global Health & Infectious Diseases (MSc or Diploma)• International Development (MSc route only)
- One Health (MSc or Diploma)
- Social Justice & Community Action (MSc or Diploma)
How to apply
A new application process
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh has changed the application process for the 2027/28 on-campus and online scholarships. Please read the instructions below carefully to make sure you understand each stage of the process and what you need to do.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before registering for an information session.
Step 2: Explore the degree programmes
Review the available on-campus and online degree programmes and decide which study mode and programme you would prefer.
Step 3: Attend a mandatory virtual information session
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will host virtual information sessions between 15 and 24 September 2026.
Attending an information session is a mandatory step to gain access to the scholarship application form.
When you register for a session, you will complete a short questionnaire. Your responses will be reviewed to assess your preliminary eligibility.
Please note: Attending an information session does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Only attendees who also meet the scholarship eligibility requirements will receive an invitation to apply.
Information session dates
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)
What happens after the virtual information session?
Receive your invitation to apply
On 13 October 2026, eligible attendees will be notified whether they are invited to apply.
If you are invited, you will receive an invitation through SurveyMonkey Apply. If you are not eligible to proceed, you will receive a notification confirming this.
How to apply
If you are invited to apply, you will complete the application in two stages:
Stage 1: Complete the Applicant Declaration form
The Applicant Declaration Form is the first stage of the scholarship application. It asks for additional information to confirm your eligibility.
If you are invited to apply, you should complete the form as soon as possible.
The deadline is 19 October 2026, 5pm UK time.
Mastercard Foundation reserves the right to close the form earlier once they reach their application limit. Early completion is therefore strongly recommended.
Applicants who are not successful at this stage will receive a notification and will not proceed to the main application.
Stage 2: Complete the Scholarship Main Application
Applicants who successfully complete the Applicant Declaration Form will be invited to complete the Scholarship Main Application.
The deadline for submitting the main application is:
19 November 2026, 5pm UK time
When to apply for your degree programme
At this stage, you should only apply for the scholarship, not for your chosen degree programme at the University.
If your scholarship application is successful and you receive a scholarship offer in March 2027, you will then be invited to apply for your chosen degree programme through the University’s standard admissions process.
If you are applying for other scholarships that require an active University application, you may apply to the University in parallel.
Important: The Program will not accept applications submitted outside the online application system or from applicants who have not followed the application process outlined above.
Have a question?
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for further details:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If your question is not answered in the FAQs, please contact the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Team at [email protected].
