Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge | Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027

Scholarship Overview

Program: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Host University: University of Cambridge, UK
Study Level: Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)
Eligible Applicants: African students only
Funding Type: Fully Funded (tuition, living stipend, visa, travel, health surcharge, and laptop covered)
Application Deadline: Early December 2025 or Early January 2026 (depending on the course)

About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers talented young Africans the opportunity to pursue fully funded postgraduate study while building leadership potential to drive sustainable change in Africa.

By 2030, more than 500 students will have completed their studies at Cambridge under this program, joining a network of changemakers dedicated to advancing climate resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

The program actively promotes diversity and inclusion. Applications are strongly encouraged from:

• Women
• Refugees and internally displaced persons
• Persons with disabilities

Selection Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Outstanding intellectual ability.
• Leadership potential and a strong commitment to community impact.
• Dedication to building climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa.
• Alignment of academic and professional interests with Africa’s development priorities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Cambridge, applicants must:

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
2. Meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen course (some require a UK first-class honours, others at least an upper second-class degree).
3. Be from and currently living in an African country (temporary residence abroad for study/work is accepted).
4. Apply for an eligible full-time master’s program (excluding MACC, MBA, MCL, and MFIN).
5. Demonstrate commitment to giving back to Africa and contributing to sustainability.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees at the University of Cambridge.
• Monthly maintenance allowance (living expenses).
• Laptop, visa application fees, and International Health Surcharge.
• Travel costs to and from the UK.

Application Timeline (2026/2027)

• Applications Open: September 10, 2025
• Application & Funding Deadline: Early December 2025 or January 2026 (course-dependent)
• Departmental Selection: December 2025 – February 2026
• Mastercard Foundation Selection: Late February – Early March 2026
• Scholarship Offers Sent: March – April 2026
• Final Document Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026

How to Apply

Applicants must first apply for admission to a postgraduate course via the Cambridge Course Directory and complete the funding section.

Steps:

Start your application via the Postgraduate Course Directory:

1. If eligible, request an application fee waiver.
2. Apply for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
3. Submit a scholarship statement highlighting:
   • Academic and career journey
   • Leadership potential
   • Commitment to Africa’s sustainable future
4. Departments select successful applicants (December–February).
5. Mastercard Foundation team reviews and finalizes selection (March–April).
6. Submit outstanding documents by July 31, 2026 (including IELTS results if required).

Official Scholarship Page:

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