The University of British Columbia (UBC) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 offers fully funded Master’s scholarships in Canada to academically talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa who face significant financial barriers. The program provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, meals, living expenses, travel costs, textbooks, and a laptop.
Beyond financial assistance, scholars receive academic, social, leadership, and post-graduation support designed to help them develop the skills and experience needed to create positive change in their communities. Eligible candidates can apply for selected Master’s programs at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a completed Bachelor’s degree.
- Not already hold a graduate or PhD degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger when applying.
- Be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Have lived a significant portion of their life in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Demonstrate financial need or economically disadvantaged circumstances.
- Have achieved academic excellence despite challenging circumstances.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities or potential.
- Show a commitment to giving back to their home community.
- Require a Canadian study permit to study in Canada.
- Not have claimed or intend to claim asylum or protected-person status after arriving in Canada.
- Commit to returning to Africa after graduation and using their skills to benefit others.
- Apply for an eligible Master’s program at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: Canada
- University: University of British Columbia
- Study Level: Master’s
- Category: Postgraduate & Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Full Tuition | Accommodation | Meals | Living Expenses | Travel | Textbooks | Laptop
- Application Opens: August 31, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 6, 2026
Scholarship Benefits
The UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive financial and developmental support, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Accommodation and meals.
- Support for living expenses.
- International and study-related travel costs.
- Textbooks and educational materials.
- A laptop to support academic work.
- Academic advising and support.
- Financial guidance throughout the program.
- Social and community engagement opportunities.
- Leadership and professional development.
- Post-graduation support to help scholars prepare for future opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
It is a fully funded scholarship program at the University of British Columbia that supports talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa pursuing eligible Master’s degrees.
Who can apply for the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program?
Eligible citizens or refugees from Sub-Saharan African countries who meet the academic, financial, leadership, and program requirements can apply.
Does the scholarship cover tuition?
Yes. The program provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fees for selected scholars.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes. Scholars receive support for accommodation, meals, and living expenses, along with other educational costs.
Is a laptop included?
Yes. A laptop is included as part of the scholarship support.
Do scholars have to return to Africa after graduation?
Yes. Applicants are expected to commit to returning to Africa after completing their studies and using their training and skills to contribute to their communities.
When does the application open?
The application is scheduled to open on August 31, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The stated deadline is September 6, 2026.
