Job Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is now accepting applications for the 2027/2028 academic year. This is a fully funded Master's scholarship in the United Kingdom for talented young Africans who want to pursue a postgraduate degree while growing their leadership potential.

Cambridge is one of the world's most prestigious universities, and this program aims to cover everything students need to thrive—including full tuition costs and a monthly maintenance allowance. The program supports diversity in all its forms and actively encourages women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities to apply.

The program's themes are climate resilience and sustainability. Recognizing the wide range of expertise required to address these complex challenges, prospective Mastercard Foundation Scholars can apply for any full-time one-year postgraduate course at the University, with a few exceptions (MBA, Master of Corporate Law, Master of Finance, and Master of Accountancy are excluded).

Cambridge is a collegiate university, meaning students become members of one of 31 colleges. Colleges are responsible for admitting students, providing accommodation, and pastoral care. The college system offers numerous advantages, including induction programs, financial advice, and opportunities for research, teaching, and professional development.

This opportunity is best suited for academically excellent African graduates who are committed to sustainability, climate resilience, and giving back to their communities. If you are searching for fully funded scholarships for Africans, Master's scholarships in the UK, or a chance to study at one of the world's top universities, this program is an exceptional choice.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge is more than a scholarship. It is a transformative experience that equips young African leaders with the skills, networks, and credentials to drive change on the continent.

What makes this opportunity valuable:

• World-renowned university. Cambridge is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Studying there gives you access to exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a rich academic tradition that spans over 800 years.

• Fully funded experience. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly maintenance allowance, visa and health surcharge, travel including flights, and even a laptop. This removes financial barriers and allows you to focus entirely on your studies.

• Focus on climate and sustainability. The program's themes are climate resilience and sustainability—two of the most pressing challenges facing Africa and the world today. Your studies will directly contribute to solutions that matter.

• Supportive college system. As a Cambridge student, you become a member of one of 31 colleges. Colleges provide accommodation, pastoral care, induction programs, financial advice, and opportunities for research, teaching, and professional development.

• Leadership development. The program is designed to grow your leadership potential. You will join a network of African scholars who are committed to transforming their communities and the continent.

• Diversity and inclusion. The program actively encourages women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities to apply. It is committed to supporting diversity in all its forms.

• Network of African scholars. You will join a community of Mastercard Foundation Scholars from across Africa, building connections that can last a lifetime.

• Career growth. A Master's degree from Cambridge, combined with the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, enhances your CV and opens doors to international career opportunities.

• Give-back ethos. The program is built on the principle of giving back. You will be expected to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa and serve as a role model for others.

Application Tips

Competition for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge is intense. To give yourself the best chance, follow these practical tips.

• Check your eligibility first. You must be a citizen of an African country, resident in an African country, hold a Bachelor's degree, meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen course, demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, and show a commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

• Explore master's courses early. Use the Postgraduate Study Course Directory to find a full-time one-year Master's course that matches your academic background and career goals. Note that MBA, Master of Corporate Law, Master of Finance, and Master of Accountancy are excluded.

• Check entry requirements and funding deadlines. Each course has its own entry requirements and funding deadline. Deadlines vary by course, typically falling in early December 2026 or early January 2027. Check the specific deadline for your chosen course.

• Apply for an application fee waiver if required. If the application fee is a barrier, Cambridge offers fee waivers for eligible applicants. Apply for the waiver before submitting your course application.

• Opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. When you apply for your course, make sure you opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as your funding option.

• Write a compelling scholarship statement. This is a critical part of your application. Your statement should cover:

  • Your career and education history

  • Your leadership potential

  • How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals

  • How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa

• Demonstrate your commitment to giving back. The program is built on the give-back ethos. Share specific examples of how you have served your community, led initiatives, or created positive change.

• Show your commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. The program's themes are climate resilience and sustainability. Make sure your application clearly demonstrates your interest and commitment in these areas.

• Prepare your documents early. You will need academic transcripts, a CV, references, and possibly English proficiency test scores. Start gathering these documents now.

• Apply before the deadline. Course funding deadlines vary, but they typically fall in early December 2026 or early January 2027. Do not wait until the last minute.

• Note the selection timeline. Departmental selection takes place from December 2026 to February 2027. Scholars Program selection happens in late February or early March 2027. Scholarships are offered in March or April 2027.

• Be authentic and reflective. The selection committee is looking for genuine, motivated leaders. Be honest about your journey, your values, and what you hope to contribute to Africa's sustainable future.

Responsibilities

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Cambridge, you will be expected to:

Academic Commitment

• Complete a full-time one-year Master's degree at the University of Cambridge.

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout your studies.

• Engage fully with your coursework, research, and academic community.

Leadership Development

• Participate in leadership development activities organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

• Engage with the network of African scholars at Cambridge.

• Develop the skills and mindset to lead with distinction.

Give-Back and Community Service

• Contribute to sustainable futures in Africa through your work, research, or community engagement.

• Serve as a role model and mentor for other young Africans.

• Uphold the values of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Climate and Sustainability Focus

• Engage with the program's themes of climate resilience and sustainability.

• Apply your learning to address complex challenges facing Africa and the world.

• Contribute to solutions that promote sustainable development.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizen of an African country.

• Resident in an African country.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Meet academic entry requirements of chosen course.

• Commitment to giving back to community.

• Commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

Eligible Courses

• Any full-time one-year Master's course at the University of Cambridge.

• Excluding: MBA, Master of Corporate Law (MCL), Master of Finance (MFIN), Master of Accountancy (MACC).

• Courses vary in length from 9 to 12 months.

Application Requirements

• Submit an online application to the University of Cambridge.

• Apply for an application fee waiver (if required).

• Opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

• Write a scholarship statement covering career history, leadership potential, and commitment to sustainable futures in Africa.

• Submit application by the course funding deadline.

Scholarship Statement Should Cover

• Career and education history.

• Leadership potential.

• How the scholarship will help achieve goals.

• How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage.

• Monthly maintenance allowance.

• Visa and health surcharge.

• Travel and flights.

• Laptop.

• College membership.

• Leadership development.

• Supportive college system.

• Network of African scholars.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: Early September 2026.

• Application and Funding Deadline: Early December 2026 or Early January 2027 (varies by course).

• Departmental Selection: December 2026 – February 2027.

• Scholars Program Selection: Late February / Early March 2027.

• Scholarships Offered: March / April 2027.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge:

1. Explore master's courses. Use the Postgraduate Study Course Directory to find a full-time one-year Master's course that matches your academic background and career goals. Make sure it is not on the excluded list.

2. Check entry requirements and funding deadline. Each course has its own requirements and funding deadline. Check the specific details for your chosen course.

3. Start your course application. Begin your application through the University of Cambridge admissions portal.

4. Apply for an application fee waiver if required. If the application fee is a barrier, apply for a waiver before submitting your application.

5. Opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. When completing your course application, make sure you opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program as your funding option.

6. Write your scholarship statement. This is your opportunity to explain your career and education history, your leadership potential, how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, and how you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.

7. Submit your application before the deadline. Course funding deadlines vary, typically falling in early December 2026 or early January 2027. Do not wait until the last minute.

8. Wait for departmental selection. Departmental selection takes place from December 2026 to February 2027.

9. Wait for Scholars Program selection. Scholars Program selection happens in late February or early March 2027.

10. Receive your scholarship offer. Scholarships are offered in March or April 2027. If selected, you will receive comprehensive support from orientation through to graduation.