Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships at University of Edinburgh 2026

October 23, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Mastercard Foundation On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships at the University of Edinburgh. This fully funded, time-sensitive opportunity is designed for exceptional young African leaders who have overcome barriers to education and are passionate about creating change in their communities and addressing the climate crisis.
This scholarship supports academically talented individuals from Africa who are committed to climate justice, leadership, and community service. Recipients will study at one of the world’s top universities in the UK with all expenses covered, while receiving mentorship, leadership training, and tailored support.

Applicants will have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).
Applicants must have graduated from an undergraduate study and must have a degree certificate and official final transcript to upload alongside their application by 21 November 2025.
Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
Applicants must have faced barriers to education and in their early career.
Applicants must demonstrate a track record of leadership and service within their community.
Applicants must demonstrate experience, or at least ambition, in making a meaningful impact in addressing the climate crisis
Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or apply to enrol) at a separate university whilst on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship.
If applying for the online Masters programme: Applicants should not have previously completed a postgraduate degree and should not be enrolled (or applying to enrol) at a separate university.
The program encourage applications from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Benefits of the Program

The on-campus scholarship provides:

Full approved tuition, accommodation, travel, living cost stipend and study materials
A climate leadership programme to inspire and support scholars in making change in their communities and countries
Participation in the Climate Enterprise School, an intensive week-long programme of training in sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation
Additional support to scholars with disabilities based on an assessment of needs
Transitions support.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:
Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admissions to the University of Edinburgh
Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community.
Quality of application in line with the Program’s theme of climate justice.
Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health-related).

Name of Organizer

University of Edinburgh in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation

Requirements/ Eligibility

To be eligible for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
1. Citizenship: Must be a resident and citizen or hold refugee status in an African country, including North Africa.
2. Education Background: Must hold an undergraduate degree and be able to upload a degree certificate and official transcript by 21 November 2025.
3. Age Limit: Must be 35 years old or younger at the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Only those born on or after 1 January 1991 are eligible.
4. Postgraduate Status: Must not have completed a postgraduate degree previously and should not be enrolled (or plan to enrol) at another university while on this scholarship.
5. Barriers to Education: Must have faced significant challenges in accessing education — these may be social, financial, personal, health-related, or practical.