Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 for Young Africans
Applications are now open for the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in the United Kingdom. Students from all African countries are eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh. This fully funded scholarship offers African students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK. The program aims to support academically talented individuals committed to making a positive impact in their communities and across Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for African students is offered in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh to provide exceptional postgraduate students with both academic excellence and leadership development opportunities. This scholarship aims to cultivate transformative leadership skills among participants. So far, the program has invested over $700 million, empowering more than 30,000 young individuals through education and leadership development.
Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious research universities. It holds the 20th position globally, according to the QS World University Rankings.
Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 Details
| University: | University of Edinburgh |
| Degree level: | Masters Degree |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | Young Africans |
| Award country: | United Kingdom |
| Last date: | 14 November 2025 |
Financial Benefits
Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in United Kingdom is a Fully Funded Scholarship to undertake Postgraduate Degree from UK. The scholarship detail is given below:
- Full Tuition Fee will be given.
- Expenses for accommodation will be covered
- Maintenance will be provided.
- Students will be encouraged to participate in work-based placements and mentorship activities.
List of Available Study Fields
Students can select any study filed from given below academic fields and majors for Masters Degree Program.
- MSc Food Security
- MSc Finance, Technology, and Policy
- MSc Africa and International Development
- MSc Global Health Policy
- MSc Sustainable Energy Systems
- MSc Design Informatics
- MA Design for Change
- MSc Environment and Development
- MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, applicants need to meet the following criteria:
- Candidates belonging from the Sub-Saharan Africa region can apply.
- Candidates seeking a postgraduate degree can apply.
- A candidate must be a bachelor’s degree holder no later than September 2026.
- The applicant must have community service and leadership experience.
- An applicant must represent his economic and financial circumstances for pursuing education outside his home country.
- The applicant should be able to qualify for admission academically in his degree of interest.
- An applicant should not be enrolled in any other postgraduate degree on scholarship previously.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 in the UK is 14th November 2025.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 14 October 2025 | Applications open |
| 14 November 2025, 5pm | 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 14 November, 5pm. |
| 21 November 2025 | Applications close |
| End-November 2025 – January 2026 | University committees assess all submitted eligible applications |
| Early February 2026 | All applicants are notified on the outcome of their applications |
How to apply for Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
Candidates have to follow the given below steps to apply for Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 in United Kingdom.
- An applicant should apply for the scholarship first if he is applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- If an applicant gets selected for the scholarship, the team will assist him to get admission in his field of interest at the University of Edinburgh.
- At the university degree finding portal, applicants will find further information about how to apply for each degree or scholarship at the University of Edinburgh.
