University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship in UK 2027 | Fully Funded

The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded postgraduate study opportunities to talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

The scholarship supports eligible students pursuing selected on-campus postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel, living expenses, and study materials, including a laptop.

The programme is designed for young leaders who have overcome significant barriers to education and are passionate about addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development. This article explains the scholarship requirements, benefits, eligible applicants, required documents, and how to apply for the 2027 University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship.

University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host University: University of Edinburgh
• Study Level: Postgraduate/Master’s
• Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African countries
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, travel, living stipend, and study materials
• IELTS: Not required
• Age Requirement: 35 years or younger as of September 1, 2027
• Application Deadline: November 19, 2026

University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship Details

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh aims to support talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate young people from Sub-Saharan Africa.

The programme focuses particularly on addressing the climate crisis and supporting sustainable transitions. Scholars are provided with academic training, leadership development, and opportunities to build the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to contribute to sustainable development in their communities and countries.

The 2027 on-campus postgraduate scholarship is intended for eligible applicants who demonstrate academic potential, leadership, community service, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on the climate crisis.

University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship Requirements

To be considered for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship 2027, applicants must:

• Be a citizen and resident of, or hold refugee status in, a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Be academically eligible for admission to the University of Edinburgh for an eligible postgraduate programme.
• Generally hold the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Have graduated from an undergraduate programme and be able to provide their degree certificate and official final transcript.
• Have experienced significant barriers to education, including social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related barriers.
• Demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.
• Demonstrate experience or strong ambition to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the climate crisis.
• Be 35 years old or younger as of September 1, 2027.
• Not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.
• Not be enrolled at, or applying to enrol at, another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
• Be willing to participate fully in the scholarship programme and its associated activities.

The University of Edinburgh particularly welcomes applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities.

University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship Benefits

Successful scholars will receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including:

• Full approved tuition fees.
• Accommodation.
• Travel expenses.
• A living-cost stipend.
• Study materials, including a laptop.
• Participation in a climate leadership programme designed to support scholars in creating change in their communities and countries.
• Additional support for scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of their individual needs.

The scholarship supports postgraduate study for the duration of the approved programme.

How to Apply for University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship 2027

The application process for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship involves several stages:

1. Attend the mandatory information session. Prospective applicants must attend an information session between September 15 and 24, 2026 to learn about the scholarship’s eligibility requirements and application process.
2. Receive an invitation to apply. Eligible attendees will be notified after the information sessions about whether they are invited to proceed with the application.
3. Complete the Applicant Declaration Form. Applicants who are invited to apply must complete the Applicant Declaration Form by October 19, 2026.
4. Complete the main application. Invited candidates will then complete the Postgraduate Assessment and Scholarship Main Application Form.
5. Submit the application by the deadline. The completed scholarship application must be submitted by November 19, 2026.
6. Await the decision. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their admission decision to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by early February 2027.