Mastercard On-campus Scholarships at Edinburgh 2025/2026.
The University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is thrilled to announce the On-campus Postgraduate Scholarships for the academic year 2025/2026. Aimed at fostering a new generation of global leaders, this programme is an exceptional opportunity for young talents across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Find out more about the process of applying for MasterCard on-campus postgraduate scholarships with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh.
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Aims of the Mastercard On-campus Scholarships at Edinburgh
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is committed to addressing the prevailing climate crisis on a global scale. Beyond the realm of traditional scholarship programmes, this initiative:
- Aims to make a significant impact on the climate crisis.
- Endeavours to cultivate a talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate community of leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Empower young scholars with the requisite knowledge, skills, and networking capabilities to spearhead sustainable transitions.
Available On-campus Postgraduate Programmes
Successful candidates will be granted a one-year on-campus scholarship in the following specialisations:
- Africa and International Development
- Food Security
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Data, Inequality and Society
- Operational Research
- Environmental Sustainability
- Climate Change Finance and Investment
- Planetary Health
- Environment & Development
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Mastercard On-campus Scholarships Benefits
The scholars stand to gain a comprehensive package that includes:
- Full coverage of approved tuition, accommodation, travel, living costs, and study materials.
- Participation in a climate leadership programme, geared towards fostering change within their native communities and countries.
- Tailored support for scholars with disabilities, based on a thorough needs assessment.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard On-campus Scholarships.
To qualify for this esteemed scholarship, applicants must:
- Secure an academic position at the University of Edinburgh for one of the aforementioned degree programmes. Typically, a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s (Hons) degree or its equivalent is a prerequisite.
- Have encountered considerable obstacles in their educational journey, whether social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related.
- Complete their undergraduate studies by September 2025 and provide their degree certificate and final transcript by 7 December 2025.
- Be a resident, citizen, or refugee in a Sub-Saharan African nation.
- Exhibit a history of leadership and community service.
- Demonstrate tangible experience or ambition to address the climate crisis.
- Be aged 35 or below as of 1 September 2025.
- Refrain from pursuing a postgraduate degree elsewhere while benefiting from the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
Notably, the programme welcomes applications from female scholars, individuals with refugee or displaced backgrounds, and those with disabilities.
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Selection Process
The university adopts a comprehensive selection methodology, taking into account:
- The academic prowess of the candidate.
- Proven track record in leadership roles and community service.
- Alignment of the application with the theme of climate justice.
- The prospective impact on the development of the applicant’s homeland.
- History of overcoming educational barriers.
How to Apply Mastercard On-campus Scholarships at Edinburgh 2025/2026.
For those solely targeting the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, it’s advised to commence the application process through the scholarship programme. Following the receipt of a scholarship offer, candidates can then apply for their chosen programme at the University of Edinburgh.
Click here to start your application.
For a more in-depth overview, consider visiting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program official webpage.
Application timeline 2025/24.
| 1 December 2025 (5 pm UK time) | Applications open |
| 7 December 2025 (5 pm UK time) | Applicants need to have completed a registration to the scholarship application site and completed the eligibility assessment and declaration. |
| Early February 2025 | Applications close. |
| By mid-March | On-campus (ODL) Interview shortlisting begins; both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified. |
| Mid to Late February 2025 | On-campus interviews take place. |
| March-August 2025 | On-campus Interview outcomes will be announced. |
| The academic program starts. | Support provided through admission and immigration processes. |
| September 2025 | Academic program starts. |
This scholarship presents an unrivalled opportunity to drive change, innovate, and lead. It is not merely financial aid; it’s a movement for the betterment of our planet.
