Scholarships in Europe

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge 2026/2027

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers a transformative opportunity for talented young Africans to pursue master's degrees at one of the world's most prestigious universities. This comprehensive scholarship program goes beyond financial support to nurture leadership potential and create pathways for sustainable change across Africa.

About the Scholarship

This initiative is more than just a fully-funded scholarship—it's a life-changing experience designed to help promising African students fulfill their academic potential and build foundations for meaningful careers. By 2030, the program aims to enroll more than 500 students across various master's courses, all united by their commitment to driving sustainable change in Africa and beyond.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Important Note: The application window for 2025/26 has closed. The application process for the 2026/27 academic year will open in September.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a citizen of an African country and ordinarily resident in an African country (temporary absence for study or work is acceptable if you intend to return to your home country)
Apply for an eligible Master's course with the intention to pursue full-time study (all disciplines are eligible except Master of Accountancy, Business Administration, Master of Corporate Law, and Master of Finance)
Meet the academic requirements of your chosen course as listed on the university website

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Admission to the University of Cambridge

Submit your application for admission to the University of Cambridge via the course directory by the funding deadline. The university provides a helpful video guide about applying for postgraduate admission and funding.

Use the University of Cambridge's online directory to find details about each course, including requirements, application deadlines, funding deadlines, and required supporting documentation. After identifying your preferred course, prepare the necessary paperwork and submit your application for admission and funding through the University's Graduate Application Portal.

Step 2: Submit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Statement

During the application process in the graduate application portal, you'll need to select the funding bodies you're interested in. When you select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, you'll be required to submit a mandatory personal statement.

This statement is crucial as it's the only part of the application where you can specifically demonstrate your fit for the program. You should clearly articulate your commitment to creating climate-resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world, and explain how your chosen course at Cambridge contributes to that goal.

Step 3: Choose a College

The University of Cambridge comprises 31 colleges, each offering different opportunities. Take time to consider which college you wish to join based on factors such as proximity to your department or other specific requirements. Research the college system thoroughly to make an informed choice by visiting the official college websites and reviewing the university's guidance at:

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/colleges/choosing-a-college

Step 4: Application Fee Waiver

Master's applications typically require a £50 application fee. However, this fee is automatically waived for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme applicants. To benefit from this automatic waiver, you must submit the scholarship statement. If you don't receive an automatic waiver but believe you meet all the program conditions, you can contact the team by submitting a request through their official channel.

Please note that data related to your application and participation in the Program will be retained and anonymized for evaluating the Program's outcomes and effectiveness.