The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious program provides fully funded scholarships in the UK for young African students who aspire to pursue a Master’s degree at one of the world’s top-ranked universities — the University of Edinburgh.
Through this partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the initiative aims to equip talented African students with the knowledge, leadership skills, and professional exposure needed to drive positive change across Africa. Since its launch, the program has empowered more than 30,000 young leaders, investing over $700 million in education and leadership development.
The University of Edinburgh, established in 1582, is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious research universities. It consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide, currently 20th in the QS World University Rankings.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: University of Edinburgh
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree (Postgraduate)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Region: Young Africans (Sub-Saharan Africa)
- Application Deadline: 14 November 2025
Financial Coverage
The Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 provides complete financial support for successful candidates, ensuring they can focus entirely on their academic and leadership goals. The coverage includes:
- Full payment of tuition fees
- Accommodation expenses for the duration of study
- Living and maintenance allowance
- Opportunities for work-based placements, internships, and mentorship activities
This makes it one of the most attractive fully funded postgraduate scholarships in the UK for African students.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants can choose from the following master’s degree programs offered at the University of Edinburgh:
- 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 qualify for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 at the University of Edinburgh, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Academic Background: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (completed no later than September 2026).
- Educational Level: Only those seeking postgraduate (Master’s) studies are eligible.
- Leadership & Community Service: Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential and a record of community engagement.
- Financial Need: Candidates must show evidence of financial constraints that limit their ability to study abroad.
- Academic Admission: Must meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen degree at the University of Edinburgh.
- Scholarship History: Applicants should not currently be enrolled in or have previously completed another postgraduate degree on a scholarship.
Application Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 14 October 2025 | Applications open |
| 14 November 2025, 5 PM (UK Time) | Deadline to complete the Declaration and Eligibility Assessment (no new submissions allowed after this time) |
| 21 November 2025 | Final closing date for all applications |
| End of November 2025 – January 2026 | University selection committees review applications |
| Early February 2026 | Applicants receive notification of results |
How to Apply for the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026
Follow the steps below to submit a strong and complete application:
- Step 1: Begin by applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through the official application portal.
- Step 2: Once shortlisted, applicants will receive support from the program team to secure admission to their chosen Master’s degree program at the University of Edinburgh.
- Step 3: Visit the University of Edinburgh’s degree finder portal for detailed instructions on each eligible program and how to complete the online application process.
For full details and access to the application form, visit the Official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Page.
The Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for young Africans to study in the UK on a fully funded scholarship. It offers full tuition coverage, living expenses, mentorship, and practical experience through placements — empowering the next generation of African leaders to create sustainable impact across their communities.
