Educations

Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship in UK for Africans 2027 | Fully Funded

Nairavoice · Aug 31, 2026 · Updated Sep 7, 2026 · 3 min read

The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers fully funded online postgraduate study opportunities to eligible young people living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The scholarship is designed for academically strong individuals who have experienced significant barriers to education, demonstrated leadership and community involvement, and are committed to creating positive change, including action on climate-related challenges.

Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship Summary

Host Country: United Kingdom
Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
Program: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Study Mode: Online, part-time
Study Level: Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma
Eligible Applicants: Citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries
Master’s Duration: 3 years, part-time
Postgraduate Diploma Duration: 2 years, part-time
Funding: Fully funded
Benefits: Tuition fees, academic stipend, laptop and internet support, and additional program support
Age Limit: 35 or under as of September 1, 2027
Application Deadline: November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time

About the Edinburgh Online Mastercard Scholarship

The scholarship provides an opportunity for talented African students to pursue postgraduate qualifications online while remaining in their local communities.

The online format is particularly suitable for applicants who want to continue working or remain close to their families while undertaking advanced studies.

Selected scholars become part of the wider Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh and participate in activities focused on leadership, professional development, climate action, and community impact.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

Be a citizen and resident of, or hold refugee status in, a Sub-Saharan African country.
Meet the University of Edinburgh’s academic admission requirements for the selected program.
Normally hold the equivalent of at least a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor’s degree.
Have completed their undergraduate degree by September 2027 and be able to provide the required degree certificate and final transcript.
Have experienced significant barriers to education or early-career development, including social, financial, personal, practical, or other challenges.
Demonstrate a record of leadership and service within their community.
Show experience or strong motivation to contribute to efforts addressing the climate crisis.
Be 35 years old or younger on September 1, 2027.
For the online Master’s scholarship, applicants should not previously have completed a postgraduate degree.
Applicants should not be enrolled at, or applying to enroll at, another university while receiving the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
For the online Postgraduate Diploma, applicants may be eligible with either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university, subject to the program’s requirements.

The program particularly encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful scholars can receive:

Full approved tuition fees
An academic stipend to support access to a laptop and high-quality internet
Opportunities to participate in an in-person gathering
Online workshops, coaching, and leadership development activities
Participation in the Scholars Program’s climate leadership program
Support from a dedicated online coordinator
Additional support for scholars with disabilities based on assessed needs

Study Duration

The scholarship supports:

Online Master’s programs: 3 years of part-time study
Online Postgraduate Diploma: 2 years of part-time study

The specific program available to each applicant depends on the University of Edinburgh’s list of eligible courses.

How to Apply

The application process involves several stages:

Review the eligibility requirements and available online postgraduate programs.
Attend a mandatory information session scheduled between September 15 and September 24, 2026.
Eligible attendees will be informed on October 13, 2026 if they have been invited to apply.
Invited applicants will receive access to the scholarship application through SurveyMonkey Apply.
Complete the Applicant Declaration Form by October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time.
Applicants who successfully complete the declaration stage will be invited to submit the main scholarship application.
Complete and submit the main application by November 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. UK time.

Applicants should ensure that they have their academic documents available and meet both the scholarship and University of Edinburgh admission requirements.