University of Edinburgh 2021-2022 MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for Postgraduate Students (UK)

The University of Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme will provide 80 undergraduate and 120 postgraduate African students with full scholarships over the next seven years. 

The Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme supports the brightest and best African scholars with great potential but few educational opportunities. Through the generous support of the Foundation, Scholars will be provided with the opportunity to become leaders within their communities and to improve the lives of countless more when they return home to Africa.

The Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program provides young people who have demonstrated academic talent with access to quality education. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a growing initiative and to date, the Program has committed over $700 million to supporting the education and leadership development of over 30,000 young people. Throughout a network of partners, the Scholars Program ensures that students whose academic talent and promise exceed their financial resources, are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to become the next generation of ethical leaders.

Scholars will be provided with the opportunity to become leaders within their communities and to improve the lives of countless more when they return home to Africa.

• Table of Content
• About MasterCard Foundation
• MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
• Aim and Benefits of MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
• Requirements for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About MasterCard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. All people, no matter where their starting point in life, should have an equal chance to succeed. We believe that with access to education, financial services, and skills training, people can have that chance. Our focus is helping economically disadvantaged young people in Africa to find opportunities to move themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty to a better life.... read more... continue reading

MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Application Deadline	30 Oct 2020
Country to study	United Kingdom
School to study	University of Edinburgh
Type	Postgraduate
Sponsor	MasterCard Foundation
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

The scholarship will provide full scholarships, including accommodation costs, living costs, travel and tuition fees to students taking courses on campus at Edinburgh. 60 Scholars from other MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program institutions will also benefit from participating in a number of online distance learning Masters programmes offered by the University of Edinburgh.

Postgraduate masters Scholars will:

1. Complete six courses followed by the production of a dissertation;
2. Participate in a retreat designed to nurture leadership skills;
3. Attend a short Summer School; and
4. Undertake an internship which will include reflective learning.

Online distance Masters Scholars will:

1. Undertake a range of online distance Masters degrees which will be available to 60 Scholars from Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program institutions

Requirements for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Qualification

1. Applicants must have graduated no later than September 2020
2. Applicants must be a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country. Applicants currently residing outside of this region for education reasons only can still apply 
3. Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community
4. Applicants are able to present economic circumstances which show they lack financial means to pursue higher education in their home country or elsewhere 
5. Applicants must want to study one of the eligible degree programmes at the University of Edinburgh 
6. Applicants must qualify academically for admission to the degree programme of their choice 
7. Applicants should not have completed a postgraduate degree previously and should not be enrolled at a separate university while on scholarship 

The scholarship is not available to students already on programme.

The scholarship may be terminated at any time when an unsatisfactory progress report is received from the School or if the scholarship holder ceases to be registered as a full-time student at the University of Edinburgh.

Selection Criteria: 

1. The scholarships are competitive and awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit. Applicants financial, personal, and family circumstances will also be taken into account.
2. Applicants must also be committed to returning to Africa following their graduation to give back to their home community and country.

Interview date, Process and Venue for MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Application timeline with key dates for 2021/22 entry:

1. October 1, 2020 Applications open at 12.00pm UK time
2. October 30, 2020 Applications Close at 2.00pm UK time
3. November 2020 – February 2021 Review of applications
4. March 2021 Scholars Program interview period
5. February 28 Deadline for references to be submitted - Please note references will be requested only for applicants invited for an interview
6. April 15 Scholars Program interview results announced
7. May - August Support provided through admission and immigration processes
8. September Scholars arrive in Edinburgh

Application Deadline

October 30, 2020

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to MasterCard Foundation on mcfspedinburgh.smapply.io to apply

All applicants must apply for the scholarship first through our online application form and, if successful, will be assisted in the process of applying for admission to the University.

For more details, visit Uni. of  Edinburgh website