The University of Edinburgh invite exceptional young people with great academic and leadership experience who have overcome barriers to their education and are diligently committed to pursuing their studies to apply for an Online Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh.
Online studies are an excellent way to earn a qualification for those who would like to continue working and prefer to study in their local context. Online qualifications through the University of Edinburgh are equivalent to degrees taught on campus.
Applicants can apply for either:
- Online Masters (part-time over 3 years) OR
- Online Post-graduate Diploma (part-time over 2 years)
About University of Edinburgh
From Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers, the University of Edinburgh has been influencing history since it opened the gates to its first students in 1583.
Following the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, the University was positioned at the forefront of academia and critical thinking.
Due to the determination and perseverance of a group of Edinburgh intellectuals, established facts about the world were being boldly and consistently challenged.
Amid this group was David Hume, philosopher, economist and essayist known for his philosophi... continue reading
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University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Scholarship
Aim and Benefits of University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Scholarship
- Covers full approved tuition fees: scholars will not pay for any part of the tuition fees.
- Academic stipend to allow for access to high-quality internet, and laptop.
- The opportunity to attend an in-person gathering.
- Participation in activities as part of the wider Climate Leadership Programme at the University of Edinburgh, including regular online workshops, online coaching and support.
- A dedicated Online Coordinator
- Additional support is offered to Scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs.
Requirements for University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Scholarship Qualification
- 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 8 November 2024.
- Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Applicants must have faced barriers to education and 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 2025/26 academic year, we accept applications from those born on or after 1 January 1990. Anyone born in 1989 and prior is not eligible.
- 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 a Sub-Saharan African university (provided they will graduate from either degree by 8 November 2024). 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 particularly welcome applications from female Scholars, Scholars from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and Scholars with disabilities (see FAQs below for further information)
Interview date, Process and Venue for University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Scholarship
Selection process
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).
Applications Timeline 2025/26
1 October 2024, 10am UK time |
Applications Open |
31 October 2024, 5pm UK time |
All applicants must have completed the first stage of the application – the Declaration and Eligibility Assessment. The SM Apply system will not permit new applications after 31 October 5pm. |
8 November 2024, 5pm UK time |
Applications close |
Mid-November 2024 – January 2025 |
University committees assess all submitted eligible applications |
Mid-February 2025 |
All applicants are notified on the outcome of their applicationsOnline applicants invited to Interview |
End February to mid-March 2025 |
Online interviews take place |
End March 2025 |
Online interview outcomes will be announced |
April – August 2025 |
Support provided for admission processes |
September 2025 |
Academic programme starts |
Application Deadline
November 8, 2024How to Apply
You must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh. The program require that applicants apply for this Program before applying to the University.
If you have any queries regarding the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, which are not answered in the FAQs, please contact us at: [email protected]
For more details,visit University of Edinburgh website