The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is thrilled to announce that applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are now open! This transformative program empowers talented young Africans to pursue a master’s degree at one of the world’s leading universities while developing their leadership potential to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Designed to remove financial barriers, the program provides comprehensive support, covering full tuition costs and a monthly maintenance allowance to ensure scholars can thrive during their time in Cambridge. If you’re passionate about addressing global challenges like climate resilience and sustainability, this is your opportunity to take the next step in your academic and leadership journey.

Program Themes and Eligibility

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program focuses on climate resilience and sustainability, recognizing the diverse expertise needed to tackle these critical global issues. Eligible candidates can apply for any full-time one-year postgraduate master’s course at the University of Cambridge, with the following exceptions:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
• Master of Finance (MFIN)
• Master of Accountancy (MACC)

Eligibility Criteria To apply, you must:

• Be a citizen of an African country.
• Be a resident of an African country (unless temporarily absent for study or work, or if you identify as an internally displaced person or have refugee status).
• Be applying for an eligible one-year master’s course.
• Meet the academic requirements of your chosen course. Most programs require a first-class undergraduate degree, though some accept a good second-class degree. Check the specific entry requirements for your course in the University of Cambridge Course Directory and review equivalent qualifications for your country on the International Qualifications page.

The program is committed to fostering diversity and strongly encourages applications from women, refugees, internally displaced people, and individuals with disabilities.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step? Visit the How to Apply page for detailed guidance on applying to both the University of Cambridge and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Ensure you review the application process carefully to submit a strong application.

For additional information, check out the official announcement on the program’s website: Applications for the 2026/2027 Academic Year Are Now Open.

Join Our Webinars to Learn More

We’re hosting a series of webinars during the application period to help prospective applicants understand the program and application process. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team, ask questions, and gain insights into life as a scholar at Cambridge.

Webinar Schedule (UK Time):

Why Apply?

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship—it’s a platform to grow as a leader, connect with a global network of change-makers, and contribute to sustainable solutions for Africa and the world. By joining this vibrant community, you’ll gain access to world-class education, mentorship, and resources to amplify your impact.

We invite all eligible candidates to seize this opportunity to pursue academic excellence and leadership development at the University of Cambridge. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful program!

For more details, explore the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website and follow the application guide. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of scholars in 2026!