Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: January 2026
The University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 2026/2027 is now accepting applications from talented young Africans who aspire to pursue a fully funded postgraduate degree at one of the world’s leading universities.
This transformative initiative supports Africa’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers by providing access to world-class education, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities at the University of Cambridge, UK. The programme focuses on equipping scholars with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Africa.
Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers:
- Course fee
- A monthly living / maintenance allowance
- Visa application fee, IHS surcharge and an economy return ticket from the student’s home country to the United Kingdom
In addition, Scholars will benefit from:
- A cohort-wide induction programme before the start of the academic year
- Termly leadership training module, which support scholars in thinking about sustainable leadership, and developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector solutions for sustainable development
- Support to take up a 3-6-month placement in a leading Africa-based organisation
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be able to join both the Cambridge University Alumni group and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni group, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African scholars
Please note that due to the change in the UK Home Office rules from January 2024, spouses and children of students on one-year taught master’s programmes are not eligible to apply for dependant visas.
SEE ALSO: UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute – AlUla 24-Month Fellowships Programme for Young Professionals (Fully Funded to Saudi Arabia)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, you must:
1. Have a bachelor’s degree.
2. Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen course. Some courses require the equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree and others an upper second-class degree. Please use the postgraduate study course directory to check your course’s entry requirements.
3. Be from, and live in, an African country. You can apply if you’re temporarily living outside of Africa for study or work.
4. Apply for an eligible course. This can be any full-time master’s excluding:
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFIN)
5. Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, home country or Africa more generally, and to the themes of sustainability and climate resilience.
Application Process and Documents Required
Selection criteria include:
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- A desire and commitment to contribute to climate resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world at large
- Leadership potential
To apply for the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, applicants must:
- Apply for admission to the University of Cambridge via the official portal.
- Indicate interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme during the application.
- Submit the following documents:
- Completed online application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Personal statement/leadership essay demonstrating community impact.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Two recommendation letters (academic or professional).
- Proof of financial need (if requested).
