UBC Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship 2026

September 8, 2025

The University of British Columbia (UBC), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, invites talented and driven young Africans to apply for the 2026/2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Canada.
This prestigious scholarship is designed to support economically disadvantaged yet academically outstanding students from Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities and the African continent at large.
Having empowered over 171 scholars in its first phase, the UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is expanding its impact with a goal to support an additional 351 promising African leaders in the new phase. Scholars will not only gain access to world-class graduate education at UBC, one of Canada’s leading research universities, but will also receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Benefits – What You’ll Receive

This is a life-changing opportunity that goes far beyond tuition. The scholarship covers everything you need to succeed:

Full tuition and fees for the entire duration of your Master’s program
Return airfare and immigration support to and from Canada
Room and board, including on-campus housing
Monthly stipends to cover living expenses and day-to-day needs
Health insurance coverage during your time in Canada
Books and academic materials
Career development resources and job placement support
Membership in a global network of Mastercard Foundation alumni
Social Entrepreneurship Fund – available to scholars interested in launching social ventures that benefit their communities upon return to Africa.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime, fully funded graduate experience that prepares you to lead and create impact back home.

Why You Should Apply

This is not just a scholarship. It’s a platform to:

Access world-class graduate education at a top Canadian university
Join a powerful network of young African leaders, scholars, and change-makers
Receive training in social entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation
Develop the skills needed to make real, sustainable impact in Africa
Launch your career with global exposure and support
The Mastercard Foundation and UBC are looking for YOU a change-maker, a dreamer, a leader ready to transform your community.

Name of Organizer

The University of British Columbia (UBC)/ MasterCard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation - sponsor of the scholarship

Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Masters’ Degree Program at UBC, the applicant must:

Have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
Not already possess a graduate or PhD degree.
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Be a citizen or refugee of a Sub-Saharan African country.
Have lived a significant part of their life in a Sub-Saharan African country.
Present economically disadvantaged financial circumstances.
Have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances.
Show leadership qualities or potential.
Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to giving back to their home community.
Be a person who requires a Canadian study permit to study in Canada.
Not be a person who claimed or will claim asylum or protected person status after arriving in Canada.
Commit to returning to Africa to apply their training and skills for the betterment of others.