Talented African students can study for a master’s degree in the UK with complete funding thanks to the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027. Academically outstanding individuals with leadership potential who are dedicated to assisting in the development of sustainable and climate-resilient futures throughout Africa are supported by the program.
September 2026 saw the opening of applications for the academic year 2027–2028. A wider network of African scholars, leadership development opportunities, and full financial support for their Cambridge studies are all provided to selected scholars.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge University was created to increase access to top-notch postgraduate education and to give gifted young Africans the leadership experience, knowledge, and abilities they need to improve their communities and nations.
The program emphasizes climate resiliency and sustainability. Candidates must show how their training, professional goals, and upcoming projects will help create more climate-resilient and sustainable futures in Africa.
The scholarship is offered to qualified full-time master’s degree programs at the University of Cambridge for the 2027–2028 academic year. Undergraduate and PhD students are not eligible for this opportunity, which is only available to master’s candidates.
Cambridge University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 – Overview
Host Country: UK
University: University of Cambridge
Organized by: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Opportunity Type: Masters
Eligibility Country: African Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: December 8, 2026
Degree Level
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is available for master’s degree programs. Eligible options include:
- Full-time postgraduate master’s courses
- Eligible one-year master’s programs
Available Subjects
The scholarship allows eligible applicants to apply for a wide range of full-time master’s courses at the University of Cambridge. However, the following programs are specifically excluded:
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge 2027 provides comprehensive financial support to selected scholars, helping cover the major expenses associated with studying and living in Cambridge.
Successful scholars may receive:
- Complete reimbursement for college tuition
- Allowance for monthly upkeep
- Costs associated with student visas
- Health Surcharge for Immigration (IHS)
- Travel expenses
- Allowance for a laptop
- Opportunities for leadership development
- Access to the community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars
- Programs, events, and chances for participation after the course
The fellowship is intended to lessen the cost of postgraduate education while simultaneously giving recipients chances for networking, community building, and leadership development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Cambridge University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027, UK, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African nation.
- Be residing in an African nation at the moment, unless you are temporarily overseas for work or studies.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Fulfill the prerequisites for the chosen Cambridge master’s program.
- Apply to a full-time master’s program that qualifies.
- Show that you have the capacity to lead and that you are dedicated to having a positive influence.
- Demonstrate a genuine desire to give back to Africa, their home country, or their community.
- Show an interest in climate resilience and sustainability, as well as how their future work might contribute to these fields.
The particular master’s program will determine the academic requirements. While some Cambridge courses may take an upper second-class (2:1) equivalent, others may need the equivalent of a UK first-class degree. Before applying, candidates should carefully read the prerequisites for the course they have selected.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their selected Cambridge master’s course and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application. These may include:
- Completed Cambridge postgraduate application
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Evidence of leadership and community involvement
- Information demonstrating commitment to sustainability and climate resilience
- References or recommendation letters, where required
- English language proficiency evidence, if required by the selected course
- Any additional documents required by the chosen Cambridge master’s program
Applicants should carefully check the official requirements for their selected course because document requirements can vary between Cambridge programs.
Application Process
To apply for the Cambridge University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027, applicants should generally follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Review the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility requirements and confirm that you are an eligible African applicant.
- Choose a Master’s Course: Select an eligible full-time master’s degree at the University of Cambridge and check its specific admission requirements.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your academic records, CV, personal statement, references, and other required supporting documents.
- Complete the Application: Submit your application through the appropriate Cambridge postgraduate application process and follow the instructions for Mastercard Foundation Scholars consideration.
- Demonstrate Your Impact: Clearly explain your leadership experience, commitment to your community, and how your future goals relate to sustainability and climate resilience in Africa.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Make sure your application and all required materials are submitted by December 8, 2026.
- Wait for the Selection Process: Eligible applications will be assessed according to the relevant academic and scholarship requirements. Successful candidates will receive further information about the scholarship.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Cambridge University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027, UK, is
December 8, 2026
Applicants are advised to complete their applications and supporting documents before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Cambridge University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027?
It is a fully funded scholarship opportunity for eligible talented African students to pursue a qualifying full-time master’s degree at the University of Cambridge in the UK.
Who can apply for the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?
The program is generally intended for citizens of African countries who meet the academic and eligibility requirements and demonstrate leadership potential, community commitment, and an interest in sustainability and climate resilience.
Is the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The program provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition, maintenance allowance, visa-related costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, travel expenses, and a laptop allowance, along with leadership and community opportunities.
What degree level is covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship is available for eligible full-time master’s degree programs at the University of Cambridge.
Can undergraduate students apply?
No. The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for 2027–2028 is intended for master’s applicants and is not available to undergraduate students.
Can PhD students apply?
No. The opportunity described here is for eligible full-time master’s programs and is not available to PhD applicants.
Which Cambridge courses are excluded?
The following programs are specifically excluded:
- Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
What academic qualification is required?
Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and must meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen Cambridge master’s course. Requirements vary by program.
When is the application deadline?
The stated deadline for the Cambridge University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is December 8, 2026.
