About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is accepting applications for the 2027/2028 academic year, providing talented young Africans with an opportunity to pursue a fully supported master’s degree at one of the world's leading universities.
The programme is designed for ambitious African students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to creating positive change.
Successful scholars receive comprehensive financial support intended to help them succeed throughout their studies at Cambridge. The programme also focuses on developing scholars' leadership abilities and supporting their contribution to sustainable development across Africa.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Overview
The programme supports eligible young Africans pursuing a full-time, one-year postgraduate master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to cover major costs associated with studying at Cambridge, including:
Full tuition fees
Monthly maintenance allowance
In addition to financial support, scholars have opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities and connect their academic experiences with efforts to build sustainable futures across Africa.
A central focus of the programme is climate resilience and sustainability, reflecting the importance of developing diverse expertise to address the environmental, economic, and social challenges facing the continent.
Eligible Master’s Courses at Cambridge
Prospective scholars can apply for any eligible full-time, one-year postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge, provided they meet the academic and other admission requirements of their selected programme.
However, the following courses are specifically excluded from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
Master of Finance (MFIN)
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Applicants should carefully review the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory before selecting a programme and confirm that their chosen course is eligible for scholarship consideration.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the programme's nationality and academic requirements.
Applicants must:
Be citizens of an African country.
Generally be resident in an African country.
Meet the academic requirements of their selected Cambridge postgraduate course.
An applicant who is temporarily outside Africa for study or employment may still be considered if they can demonstrate that their absence from Africa is temporary.
Refugees and Internally Displaced Applicants
The programme also recognises applicants who have experienced displacement.
An exception applies to applicants who identify as internally displaced persons or have refugee status.
Applicants must still meet the admission requirements of the Cambridge master’s programme for which they are applying. Meeting the general scholarship eligibility requirements does not replace the academic and other requirements established by the selected course.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program actively encourages applications from diverse groups across Africa.
In particular, applications are encouraged from:
Women
Refugees
Internally displaced people
People with disabilities
This approach supports a diverse and inclusive community of scholars at Cambridge.
What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to provide comprehensive financial support to successful scholars.
The programme aims to cover:
Full tuition costs
and provide:
A monthly maintenance allowance
This support is intended to help scholars meet the costs associated with studying and living in Cambridge.
The programme goes beyond financial assistance by focusing on leadership development and helping scholars prepare to contribute to positive and sustainable change across Africa.
How to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The application process begins with identifying a suitable master’s programme through the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Study Course Directory.
Applicants should first review:
Available postgraduate courses
Entry requirements
Academic criteria
Course-specific application deadlines
Scholarship eligibility
After identifying an eligible programme, applicants can begin the Cambridge postgraduate application.
Scholarship Application Is Integrated with the Cambridge Course Application
Applicants do not submit a completely separate scholarship application.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application is integrated into the University of Cambridge course application.
As part of the course application, prospective scholars will be required to submit a scholarship statement.
The scholarship statement should address areas including the applicant's:
Career history
Education history
Leadership potential
Goals and aspirations
How the scholarship will support their goals
Plans to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa
Applicants should therefore demonstrate more than academic ability. A strong application should communicate leadership potential, a clear sense of purpose, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact in Africa.
Mastercard Foundation Application Support and Webinars
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is conducting information webinars during the application period to help prospective applicants understand the programme and application process.
Upcoming webinar sessions include:
22 September 2026 at 11:00 UK time
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UK time
Additional sessions are expected to be announced.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in these information sessions and consult the official application guidance to better understand the scholarship requirements and prepare their applications.
Application Deadline
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2027/2028 academic year is now open.
Applicants should be aware that the scholarship application is incorporated into the relevant Cambridge master’s course application.
How to apply