Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, which fully funds master's degrees for young Africans starting in October 2027.
There is no separate scholarship form: you opt in while applying for your course. Apply by your course's funding deadline, which for 2027/28 is either December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027, depending on the course.
What the scholarship covers
Course fees
A maintenance (living) allowance
The UK visa and health surcharge
Travel, including flights and a taxi to Cambridge
A laptop
Who can apply
You need a bachelor's degree that meets the entry requirements of your chosen course. Some courses ask for the equivalent of a UK first-class degree, others an upper second.
You must be from, and live in, an African country; you can apply while temporarily abroad for study or work, and your first degree can be from outside Africa. There is no upper age limit.
Any full-time master's is eligible except the Master of Accountancy, the MBA, the Master of Corporate Law and the Master of Finance. The program looks for a commitment to giving back to Africa and to sustainability and climate resilience, and particularly encourages women, refugees, displaced people and people with disabilities.
How to apply
Find your course in the postgraduate course directory, check its requirements and funding deadline, and start your application. Opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Write the scholarship statement about your education and career, your leadership potential, your goals and how you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa. You will also choose one of Cambridge's 31 colleges.
The application fee is waived for eligible applicants, automatically for applicants from 32 listed African countries. Applicants from other countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, must send the fee waiver form by November 18, 2026.
You can apply without IELTS results and submit them later if you receive an offer; most courses ask for 7.0 or 7.5 overall.
What happens next
Departments select students between December and February. The program then chooses its scholars from those offered a place, and scholarship offers go out in March or April.
