The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers a transformative opportunity for students from underrepresented communities in Africa. This fully-funded program is designed not only to empower scholars in completing their master’s degrees but also to cultivate their leadership potential. By participating in this initiative, they will play a vital role in advancing climate resilience and sustainability efforts throughout the African continent.
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.
Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation has provided scholarship opportunities for African students to pursue their Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
Why You Should Apply for Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
Every scholar will benefit from the highest calibre of academic training in their specific discipline, including mentorship support. This will enable them to make the connection between their course of study and the broad action and research agenda, contributing to the overall goal of climate resilience and sustainability in Africa and the world at large.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program covers:
- Course fee
- A monthly living / maintenance allowance
- Visa application fee, IHS surcharge and an economy return ticket from the student’s home country to the United Kingdom
In addition, Scholars will benefit from:
- A cohort-wide induction programme before the start of the academic year
- Termly leadership training module, which support scholars in thinking about sustainable leadership, and developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector solutions for sustainable development
- Support to take up a 3-6-month placement in a leading Africa-based organisation
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be able to join both the Cambridge University Alumni group and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni group, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African scholars
Courses Available for Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements for Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, you must:
1. Have a bachelor’s degree.
2. Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen course. Some courses require the equivalent of a UK first-class honours degree and others an upper second-class degree. Please use the postgraduate study course directory to check your course’s entry requirements.
3. Be from, and live in, an African country. You can apply if you’re temporarily living outside of Africa for study or work.
4. Apply for an eligible course. This can be any full-time master’s excluding:
- Master of Accountancy (MACC)
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
- Master of Finance (MFIN)
5. Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, home country or Africa more generally, and to the themes of sustainability and climate resilience.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
- Outstanding intellectual ability
- A desire and commitment to contribute to climate resilient and sustainable futures for Africa and the world at large
- Leadership potential
Application Deadline For Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
The deadline for applying for Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship is Not Specified
How To Apply For Mastercard Foundation University of Cambridge Scholarship
- Use the postgraduate course directory to check your course’s entry requirements, funding deadline and the supporting documents you’ll need: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses
- Check if your degree meets Cambridge’s academic entry requirements using the international qualifications checker: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-qualifications
- Check if you’re eligible for an automatic application fee waiver from the university: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/application-fee-waiver
If you are not eligible for a university fee waiver, you can request a fee waiver from the programme after starting your course application. A fee waiver will only be approved if you meet the academic entry requirement of your chosen course.
Start your course application via the postgraduate course directory.
Open your chosen course’s profile in the postgraduate course directory and click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll be asked to create an account, allowing you to save and return to your application later.
If required to do so, submit your application fee waiver request
You can request a fee waiver if you’re an African student and you’re not from one of the countries listed on the Application fee waiver page. You must meet your chosen course’s eligibility requirements.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Application Fee Waiver Request Form
During your application, you’ll be asked if you’d like to opt in for funding. Once you do so, you’ll see all the funds you may be eligible for, and if you meet your chosen course’s entry requirements, you’ll be able to select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program from the list.
You’ll then be asked to submit a scholarship statement focusing on:
- Your career / education history
- Leadership potential
- How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals and aspirations
- How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa
Complete and submit your application
Your application must be submitted by your course’s funding deadline. This is usually at the beginning of December or January and is much earlier than the standard application deadline.
You’ll also be asked to choose a College – this is where you’ll live, eat and have small group teaching sessions.
Find out about the University’s 31 Colleges and how to choose one.
For more details, visit University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship webpage
