Students from the African region seeking an opportunity to study in the United Kingdom are invited to explore the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh for the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarship is offered for both on-campus & online Master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas.

The University of Edinburgh is one of the most prestigious public research organizations, founded in 1583 in Scotland. It has been home to various notable alumni and affiliates, and is globally regarded for its world-class academic and research facilities. 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship program aims to facilitate young African students with leadership qualities. The duration of the offered Master’s degrees depends on the mode of study you choose while applying. The deadline to apply for the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is 14 November & 21 November 2025.

Details of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 

Read the details about the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 announced by the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom here.

Offered Degree Program

Applicants can apply for the following on-campus or online postgraduate degrees under the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 in the UK.

On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships (1-year Degree)

The following programs are offered under this scholarship:

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

Online Postgraduate Scholarships

Students can apply for the following studies under this scholarship:

• Online part-time MSc in International Development (up to 3 years)
• Online part-time Postgraduate Diploma (up to 2 years)

Benefits of Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh in the UK for the 2026-27 academic year offers the following benefits.

For On-Campus Students

• Scholars will get a 100% tuition fee waiver.
• Scholars will receive free accommodation during their stay in the UK.
• Scholars will receive a monthly allowance for a year.
• Scholars will receive an allowance to cover travel and study materials expenses.

For Online Students

• Scholars will get full tuition fee coverage.
• Scholars will receive a stipend to manage the expenses of a laptop and reliable internet.
• Scholars will get access to an in-person community.
• Scholars will get the opportunity to participate in the Climate Leadership Program and the Climate Enterprise School.
• Scholars can seek guidance from a dedicated online coordinator for all queries.

Eligibility Criteria

Students applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh in the UK must meet the requirements below.

• Only students from the Sub-Saharan Africa region are eligible to apply.
• You must hold a Bachelor’s degree with experience in leadership and community service.
• You must not have been a postgraduate scholarship holder before.
• You must demonstrate your financial circumstances to pursue education in a foreign country.
• You must be proficient in the English language.

Documents Required for Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 

• Passport
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• Research proposal
• Language proficiency certificate (English)

How to Apply

You can submit your applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh in the UK via the instructions below.

• You must access the online application via the official portal (click here).
• You must complete registration by 14 November 2025, as the system will no longer accept new applications after this date.
• Then, access the main application and provide the required information and supporting documents before the due date.

Last Date to Apply

The last date to submit your application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh is 14 November & 21 November 2025.

FAQs

What GPA is required to apply for this scholarship?

Students holding a UK Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for this scholarship; however, the university has not specified the required GPA.

Can you guide me through the application procedure for the above scholarship?

The application procedure for the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is mentioned below.

• The online application is available on the official portal (click here).
• You must complete registration by 14 November 2025, as new applications are no longer accepted after this date.
• Then, you must complete the main application with the required information and supporting documents before the due date.

Which university offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The University of Edinburgh offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for on-campus and online postgraduate degrees.

What benefits do online students get from the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

The benefits of the Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholarship are listed below:

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• A stipend to manage the expenses of a laptop and reliable internet.
• Access to an in-person community and a dedicated online coordinator.
• Participation in the Climate Leadership Program and the Climate Enterprise School.