UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH MASTERCARD FOUNDATION
Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship
full
- Fully fundedFunding
- Online Master's (3 years part-time)Study Level & Duration
- Online Postgraduate Diploma (2 years part-time)Study Level & Duration
- Citizens/residents of Sub-Saharan AfricaEligible Applicants
- Age 35 or under (as of Sep 1, 2027)Age Limit
- Deadline: 2026-11-19Next Application Deadline
At a glance
full
Funding
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Max amount
Nov 19, 2026
Deadline
All Sub-Saharan African countries
Country
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation
Provider
The Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship, offered by the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation, provides fully funded online postgraduate study opportunities for eligible young people living in Sub-Saharan Africa. This program supports academically strong individuals who have overcome significant educational barriers and demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to positive change, particularly regarding climate-related issues. The scholarship covers online Master's programs (3 years part-time) and Postgraduate Diplomas (2 years part-time), allowing scholars to pursue advanced qualifications while remaining in their home communities. Since its inception, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has supported thousands of students globally. The University of Edinburgh's participation reflects its dedication to fostering leadership and impact, with an emphasis on addressing critical global challenges. Scholars become part of a wider community, engaging in activities focused on professional development, climate action, and community impact through online workshops and in-person gatherings. This scholarship is designed for applicants who wish to continue working or stay close to their families during their studies. The application deadline for the main scholarship is November 19, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Full Tuition Fees — Covers all approved tuition fees for the online Master's or Postgraduate Diploma program.
- Academic Stipend — A stipend to support access to a laptop and high-quality internet, estimated at ~GBP 1,500 per year (est.).
- In-Person Gathering Opportunities — Opportunities to participate in an in-person gathering at a key point during the program.
- Online Workshops and Coaching — Access to online workshops, coaching, and leadership development activities to enhance skills.
- Climate Leadership Program — Participation in the Scholars Program's dedicated climate leadership program.
- Dedicated Online Coordinator — Support from a dedicated online coordinator throughout the study period.
- Disability Support — Additional support for scholars with disabilities based on individually assessed needs.
How to apply
The application process for the Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship involves several distinct stages, starting with an information session and culminating in a comprehensive application. Following these steps carefully is crucial for a successful submission.
- Review Eligibility and Programs — Thoroughly review all eligibility requirements and identify eligible online postgraduate programs offered by the University of Edinburgh that align with your qualifications and interests.
- Attend Mandatory Information Session — Attend one of the mandatory information sessions scheduled between September 15 and September 24, 2026. This is a prerequisite for receiving an application invitation.
- Receive Invitation to Apply — Eligible attendees will be informed by October 13, 2026, if they have been invited to apply. Invited applicants will gain access to the scholarship application via SurveyMonkey Apply.
- Complete Applicant Declaration Form — Complete and submit the Applicant Declaration Form by October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time. This is a critical initial step in the application process.
- Submit Main Scholarship Application — Applicants who successfully complete the declaration stage will be invited to submit the main scholarship application. This must be completed and submitted by November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time. Ensure all academic documents are ready.
Eligibility
Nationality & ResidencyCitizen and resident of, or hold refugee status in, a Sub-Saharan African country.
Academic StandingMeet the University of Edinburgh's academic admission requirements for the chosen program, normally holding the equivalent of at least a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor's degree. Undergraduate degree must be completed by September 2027.
Age35 years old or younger on September 1, 2027.
Barriers to EducationHave experienced significant barriers to education or early-career development (social, financial, personal, practical, etc.).
Leadership & Community InvolvementDemonstrate a record of leadership and service within their community, with strong motivation to contribute to addressing the climate crisis.
Previous Study (Master's)Should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree (for the online Master's scholarship).
Current EnrollmentShould not be enrolled at, or applying to enroll at, another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
The program particularly encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities. For the online Postgraduate Diploma, applicants may be eligible with either an undergraduate or Master's degree from a Sub-Saharan African university, subject to program requirements.
Eligible countries
All Sub-Saharan African countries
Deadlines
Main Scholarship Application (2027/2028 intake)2026-11-19
Applicant Declaration Form (2027/2028 intake)2026-10-19
Selection
Selection for the Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship is based on a comprehensive assessment of academic merit, demonstrated leadership potential, and a commitment to community impact, particularly in addressing climate-related challenges. Candidates must also have experienced significant barriers to education. The process includes an initial review of eligibility, an invitation to apply, and evaluation of the main scholarship application, with a strong encouragement for applications from women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities.
Verified sources
- Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship in UK for Africans 2027 | Fully Fundededugist.orgeligibility
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburghed.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The University of Edinburgh, established in 1583, is a world-renowned institution based in Scotland, UK. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, it offers programs like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to empower young leaders, particularly from Africa, through access to quality education and leadership development.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship?
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The Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities for online postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh for eligible young people from Sub-Saharan Africa. It supports academically strong individuals committed to positive change.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship is fully funded, covering full approved tuition fees, an academic stipend for a laptop and internet access, opportunities for in-person gatherings, online workshops, coaching, leadership development, and specific support for scholars with disabilities.
What is the value of the award?
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The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides an academic stipend to support a laptop and high-quality internet access, estimated at ~GBP 1,500 per year (est.). The exact total value varies based on program and individual needs.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
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Applicants must be citizens and residents of, or hold refugee status in, a Sub-Saharan African country, be 35 years old or younger by September 1, 2027, meet the University of Edinburgh's academic requirements, and have experienced significant barriers to education.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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This scholarship is specifically open to citizens and residents of any Sub-Saharan African country, or those holding refugee status in such countries.
Which study levels does this scholarship support?
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The scholarship supports online Master's programs (3 years part-time) and online Postgraduate Diploma programs (2 years part-time) at the University of Edinburgh.
What is the application deadline for the upcoming cycle?
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The main scholarship application deadline for the 2027/2028 intake is November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time. There is an earlier deadline for the Applicant Declaration Form on October 19, 2026.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
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The application process begins by reviewing eligibility and attending a mandatory information session between September 15-24, 2026. Invited applicants then complete an Applicant Declaration Form, followed by the main scholarship application via SurveyMonkey Apply.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include an undergraduate degree certificate and final transcript, proof of eligibility for University of Edinburgh admission, evidence of Sub-Saharan African citizenship/residency or refugee status, a personal statement, and documents supporting claims of educational barriers.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Recipients are selected based on academic strength, demonstrated leadership and community involvement, experience with educational barriers, and a commitment to addressing climate challenges. The program particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
What is the duration of the scholarship and can it be renewed?
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The scholarship supports online Master's programs for 3 years of part-time study and online Postgraduate Diplomas for 2 years of part-time study. It is not typically renewed beyond these specified durations.
Where can I confirm the most current details about the scholarship?
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All current cycle details, figures, and dates should be confirmed on the official University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website, as the provided page is an aggregator.