Guide to Applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh (2026/27)

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is a fully funded initiative designed to empower talented young Africans facing barriers to education. It focuses on building climate justice leaders through high-quality, sustainability-focused postgraduate studies. The program offers 850 scholarships over its Phase Two (2023–2030), prioritizing on-campus Master’s and online Master’s/Diploma options. Applications for the 2026/27 academic year (starting September 2026) are now open, with a strong emphasis on young women with disabilities, refugees/displaced persons, and those committed to community impact.

This guide simplifies the process by breaking it down into key sections. Follow it step-by-step to prepare a strong application.

Important: Apply for the scholarship first via the dedicated portal. Only after receiving a scholarship offer (expected March 2026) will you apply to your chosen degree program through the University’s admissions system.

If you’ve already secured a spot in an eligible program, note it in your scholarship application.

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1. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must meet all of these criteria. The program is exclusively for Sub-Saharan Africans (including North Africa) who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to sustainability/climate justice.

• Nationality/Residency: Citizen, resident, or refugee/displaced status in an African country.
• Age: 35 or under at program start (born on or after January 1, 1991, for 2026/27).
• Academic Background: Equivalent of a UK Upper Second Class (2:1) Bachelor’s degree or higher. You must have graduated with your undergraduate degree and be able to provide your certificate and transcript by November 7, 2025.
• Prior Education: No previous postgraduate degree. For on-campus applicants only: Not currently enrolled (or planning to enroll) in another university during the scholarship period.
• Program Fit: Must qualify for admission to one of the eligible programs (listed below). Demonstrate potential for climate leadership and community transformation.
• Barriers Overcome: Preference for those facing social, financial, personal, health, or practical barriers to education (e.g., disabilities, displacement).
• Commitment: Intent to return home post-study and contribute to sustainable development in Africa.

Tip to Stand a Chance: Highlight how you’ve overcome barriers in your personal statement—e.g., “Despite limited access to resources in rural [country], I led a community solar project serving 200 households.” This shows resilience and alignment with the program’s values.

2. Eligible Programs

Scholarships cover specific sustainability-themed postgraduate programs. Choose one that matches your interests and qualifications during your application.

On-Campus Master’s Programs (1 year, full-time in Edinburgh):

• Africa & International Development
• Climate Change Finance & Investment
• Entrepreneurship, Inequality & Society
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Environmental Sustainability
• Food Security
• Operational Research
• Planetary Health Systems

Online Distance Learning Programs (Part-time: Master’s = 3 years; Diploma = 2 years):

• Biodiversity, Wildlife & Ecosystem Health (Master’s or Diploma)
• Climate Change Management (Master’s route only)
• Data-Driven Breeding & Genetics (Master’s or Diploma)
• Data Science Technologies (Master’s route only)
• Global Challenges (Master’s or Diploma)
• Global Food Security & Nutrition (Master’s or Diploma)
• Global Health & Infectious Diseases (Master’s or Diploma)
• One Health (Master’s or Diploma route only)
• Social Justice & Community Action (Master’s or Diploma)

Tip: Review program details on the University website (ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate) to ensure your background fits. Online options are ideal if you can’t relocate.

3. Scholarship Benefits

This is a fully funded package—no out-of-pocket costs for approved items. Benefits vary slightly by on-campus vs. online.

Total Value: Equivalent to £30,000–£50,000+ per scholar (tuition alone is ~£25,000 for international students). Stipends are non-negotiable and tied to program duration.

Tip: In your application, explain how these benefits will enable your goals (e.g., “The stipend will free me to focus on research impacting food security in [region]”).

4. List of Required Documents

Prepare digital copies (PDFs preferred) of these by early November 2025. Upload them via the online portal.

• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificate: Official bachelor’s transcripts and proof of graduation (by November 7, 2025).
• Personal Statement/Essay: 1,000–1,500 words on your leadership experiences, climate justice commitment, barriers overcome, and post-study impact plans. Be authentic and specific.
• CV/Resume: 2–3 pages highlighting academics, leadership roles, volunteer work, and skills.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: From academic/professional mentors who can speak to your potential (not family/friends). Provide them with your program’s themes in advance.
• Proof of Nationality/Status: Passport, national ID, or refugee/displaced documentation.
• English Language Proficiency (if required): IELTS/TOEFL scores (minimum: IELTS 6.5 overall, no sub-score below 6.0). Waived if your bachelor’s was in English.
• Optional but Recommended: Disability documentation (for extra support) or evidence of community impact (e.g., project reports).

Tip: Use clear file names (e.g., “LastName_Transcript.pdf”). Proofread everything—typos can hurt your chances.

5. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Applications are submitted via the dedicated SM Apply portal (not the main University site). It’s a two-stage process to ensure eligibility first. Total time: 1–2 weeks to complete.

1. Check Eligibility & Prepare (Now–October 13, 2025): Review this guide and program pages. Gather documents. Attend the free Information Session on October 16, 2025 (3–4 PM BST) for Q&A—register via the portal or email mcfsp@ed.ac.uk.
2. Register & Start Stage 1 (October 14–November 14, 2025):
   • Go to: mcfspedinburgh.smapply.io (opens 10:00 AM BST, October 14).
   • Create an account and complete the Declaration & Eligibility Assessment (short form: basic info, age/nationality check).
   • Deadline: November 14, 2025, 5:00 PM UK time. (Portal locks new starts after this.)
3. Complete Stage 2: Full Application (By November 21, 2025):
   • Log back in to upload documents, write your personal statement, and answer essay prompts (e.g., “How will you drive climate transitions?”).
   • Select your preferred program(s).
   • Submit by November 21, 2025, 5:00 PM UK time. Late submissions are not accepted.
4. Post-Submission:
   • November 2025–January 2026: Review by academic/scholarship committees.
   • March 2026: Scholarship offers sent (if successful, apply to degree program next).
   • April–August 2026: Admissions/immigration support.
   • September 2026: Program start.

Application Fee: None. All via the free online portal.

Tip to Stand a Chance:

• Start Early: Use the extra week after Stage 1 to refine your statement—get feedback from a mentor.
• Tailor Everything: Link your story to climate justice (e.g., reference UN SDGs). Show, don’t tell: Use metrics like “Organized a tree-planting drive reaching 500 people.”
• Leadership Proof: Include 2–3 examples of impact (e.g., volunteer roles, initiatives).
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Generic statements, missing deadlines, or ignoring barriers theme. Aim for authenticity—admissions value diverse voices.
• Success Rate Boost: 70% of selections emphasize “potential impact” and “barriers overcome.” If displaced/with disabilities, explicitly note how the program addresses this.

6. Key Dates & Deadlines

7. Contact & Resources

• Email: mcfsp@ed.ac.uk (for queries; response within 5–7 days).
• Portal: mcfspedinburgh.smapply.io
• Website: ed.ac.uk/global/mastercard-foundation (FAQs, program lists, impact stories).
• Support: Disability accommodations? Email for needs assessment. Join X/Twitter @EdinburghUni for updates.

This program transforms lives—over 240 scholars from Phase One now lead in Africa. With preparation, your application can shine. Apply confidently, and good luck! If needed, reach out to the contact for clarifications.

• Follow us on WhatsApp for more updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCyYGIFHWpx22L38a2K

  Seekers Consult

  Contact Us for Your Study Abroad Journey

  We search for schools and check available scholarships for you

  Contact: 0550414552 / 0362297079

  

  Loan for government workers

  Turnitin checker (Plagiarism and AI checker)

  Transcript Application

  English Proficiency

  Recommendation letter

  Project work/thesis for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.

  Apply for Affidavit, Gazette instantly

  Passport and Visa Applications

  All other Internet Services

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