Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

Introduction to Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh will offer a 3-year part-time Online Master`s scholarship and a 2-year part-time Postgraduate Diploma scholarship to students living or working in Africa with great potential.

The University of Edinburgh is recruiting outstanding young people committed to enhancing their education digitally to apply for scholarships online at the University of Edinburgh.
Studying online is a great way to earn a degree, while also continuing to work flexibly and live from home. An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is fully equivalent to a degree taught on campus.

You can apply either for:
Online Master (part-time for 3 years) OR
Online Graduate Diploma (part-time more than 2 years)

Eligibility Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

The University of Edinburgh requires applicants to be academically qualified for admission. You will need to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s degree or higher. You can find the postgraduate entry requirements for your country.
In order to apply, applicants must have graduated from undergraduate study before December 2022, have a degree certificate and official transcript, and submit their application.
Residents of a Sub-Saharan African country are required to apply.
Without the financial means to study independently, applicants must be.
Applications from female scholars, scholars from refugee and displaced background, and scholars with disabilities are welcome.
They need to show a track record of leadership and service.
If applying for the Masters programme, applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not enroll at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
If you have a Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university, our admissions team will review your first degree to meet the post graduate diploma entry requirement. The graduation date and location of your University will be confirmed by the MCF team when they review your Master’s degree transcripts. (provided they will graduate from either degree before December 2022).
They must be at most 35 years of age on September 1st.

List of available courses

You can only pick from any of the courses below to access the scholarship opportunity

International Development (Masters route only)
Global Food Security and Nutrition (Masters or Diploma)
Global Challenges (Masters or Diploma)
Carbon Management (Masters route only)
One Health (Masters or Diploma)

Online Masters

Masters programmes are usually for people who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to develop more specialized knowledge in the same career area.

Benefits

There are benefits to them.

Access to high-quality internet, a laptop and the opportunity to attend an in-person summer school in Africa will be covered by the MCF scholarship.
Three years of online study is covered by the scholarship. As part of the Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, scholars will participate in online workshops, online coaching and support.
If you have a postgraduate qualification, you can’t apply for the scholarship.

Online Diploma

Those who are considering a change in career can get a postgraduate diplomas. Candidates with an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university are able to apply. (provided they will graduate from either degree before December 2022).

Benefits

Access to high-quality internet, a laptop and the opportunity to attend an in-person summer school in Africa will be covered by the scholarship.
Two-year online study is covered by the scholarship.
As part of the Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, scholars will participate in online workshops, online coaching and support.

Methods of Application

The University of Edinburgh requires applicants to be academically qualified. Before applying to the University, applicants should apply for this scholarship.
If you believe you meet eligibility criteria, please apply.
Applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, for postgraduate degrees only, will open on December 15th at 10am UK time and close on January 27th at 5pm UK time.

15 December 2022 (10am UK time)	Applications open
13 and 20 January 2023 (4 – 5pm UK time)	Application Information Sessions – Register for the session
27 January 2023 (5pm UK time)	Applications close
10 – 13 April 2023	Online Distance Learners (ODL) Interview shortlisting begins; both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified (Please note references will be requested for applicants invited for an interview)
18 April – 12 May 2023	ODL interviews take place
Mid-end of May 2023	ODL Interview outcomes will be announced
June – July 2023	Support provided through admissions processes
September 2023	Academic program starts