The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) 2027 offers a fully funded opportunity for eligible African students and refugees to pursue selected Master’s degree programs in Canada.
The program supports academically talented young leaders who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to positive change in their communities and across Africa.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Study Level: Master’s Degree
- Eligible Countries: African countries
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Tuition, living expenses, accommodation, meals, flights, health insurance, and academic support
- Application Deadline: September 6, 2026
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC Details
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC provides comprehensive support to eligible African citizens and refugees pursuing selected graduate programs at the University of British Columbia.
The program is designed to identify talented students with strong academic records, leadership ability, and a demonstrated commitment to improving their communities. Successful applicants receive support throughout their studies and access to programs that promote wellbeing, career development, and social entrepreneurship.
For the Winter 2027 intake, interested candidates must first submit an expression of interest. Eligible applicants may then be invited to complete the full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application before proceeding with their graduate faculty application to UBC.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027, applicants must:
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Be a citizen or recognized refugee from an African country.
- Apply for a Master’s degree in one of the eligible programs.
- Meet the minimum academic requirements for their selected UBC graduate program.
- Meet UBC’s English language proficiency requirements where applicable.
Applicants whose previous degree was not taught in English may be required to submit results from an approved English proficiency examination, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including:
- Full tuition and mandatory academic fees.
- A regular stipend to cover living expenses.
- Support for accommodation and meals.
- Funding for textbooks and required academic materials.
- Round-trip economy airfare between the scholar’s home country and Vancouver.
- Support for eligible immigration and study permit costs.
- Comprehensive health insurance throughout the program.
- UBC graduate application fee waivers or reimbursements for eligible applicants.
- Access to student wellbeing and career transition programs.
- Opportunities to access eligible funding initiatives, including social entrepreneurship support.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:
- Review the list of eligible Master’s degree programs and choose the program that matches your academic and professional goals.
- Submit an expression of interest through the appropriate application stream before September 6, 2026.
- Refugees and displaced persons should use the separate application stream provided for their category.
- Eligible candidates may receive an invitation to submit a full Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application between September 15 and September 30, 2026.
- Complete the scholarship application form and provide the required personal statements.
- Submit your CV or résumé, academic transcripts, and two reference letters.
- Follow all instructions provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program regarding the submission of supporting documents.
- Candidates who are invited to proceed must subsequently apply to the relevant UBC faculty according to the instructions and timeline provided.
Applicants can begin the application process through the official Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC website:
📋 Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts
- Two reference letters written on official letterhead
- Personal Statement
- English language proficiency test results where applicable
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- A completed Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application form
- Any additional documents requested by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program or the relevant UBC faculty