2026 Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program (Fully Funded)

All Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Edinburgh will participate in a Climate Leadership Programme.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to make a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis. This Program is dedicated to nurturing a community of talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate leaders from across Africa.

Mastercard Foundation empower young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and networks to drive sustainable transitions by offering a range of exceptional sustainability-focused postgraduate opportunities through the Program at the University of Edinburgh.

Watch the application guide below

• Table of Content
• About MasterCard Foundation
• Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program
• Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program
• Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program Courses
• Requirements for Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, has supported work in 49 countries.In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy. The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.Funding is primaril... continue reading

Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program

Aim and Benefits of Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program

The on-campus scholarship provides:

• full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, living cost stipend and study materials
• a climate leadership programme to inspire and support scholars in making change in their communities and countries
• participation in the Climate Enterprise School, an intensive week-long programme of training in sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation
• additional support to scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs
• transitions support.

Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program Courses

• Africa and International Development
• Climate Change Finance and Investment
• Data, Inequality and Society
• Environment and Development
• Environmental Sustainability
• Food Security
• Operational Research
• Planetary Health
• Sustainable Energy Systems

Requirements for Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program Qualification

You must meet the eligibility criteria to apply:

• Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh for a relevant degree programme listed. You will generally need to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or higher. 
• Applicants will have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).
• Applicants must have graduated from an undergraduate study and must have a degree certificate and official final transcript to upload alongside their application by 21 November 2025.
• Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
• Applicants must have faced barriers to education and in their early career.
• Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.
• Applicants must demonstrate experience, or at least ambition, in making a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis
• Applicants must be 35 or under the year the programme commences. Therefore, for the 2026/27 academic year, we accept applications from those born on or after 1 January 1991. Anyone born in 1990 and prior is not eligible.
• Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or apply to enrol) at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.
• If applying for the online Masters programme: Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or applying to enrol) at a separate university.
• If applying for the online Postgraduate Diploma: Applicants can either have an undergraduate or Masters degree from an African university (provided they will graduate from either degree by 21 November 2025). If you have a Masters degree, our admissions team will review your first degree (undergraduate) to meet the postgraduate diploma entry requirement. The Program will review your Masters degree transcripts to confirm your university’s graduation date and location.
• We encourage applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation University of Edinburgh Scholar Program

The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:

• Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admissions to the University of Edinburgh 
• Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community.
• Quality of application in line with the Program's theme of climate justice.
• Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
• Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Note: At this stage, scholarship applicants should only apply for the scholarship — not for your degree programme at the University. If your scholarship application is successful and you receive a scholarship offer in March 2026, you will then be invited to apply for your chosen degree programme at the University through the standard admissions process. 

For more details, visit University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship webpage