Study in the UK: University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded)

The University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship 2027 is a unique chance for brilliant young people from Sub-Saharan Africa to study a fully supported postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom.

This scholarship is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and is ideal for community-minded, academically gifted young leaders who have overcome great obstacles to education and are determined to make a difference.

University of Edinburgh Mastercard On-Campus Scholarship supports a one-year postgraduate master’s program and offers full financial support including authorised tuition costs, lodging, travel, a living-cost stipend and study items such as a laptop.

Eligible Programmes for University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship

Climate and environmental studies
Sustainability
Sustainable development
Environmental sciences
Renewable energy and related technologies
Natural resource management
Climate policy
Environmental management
Sustainable business and economics

Requirements for the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Scholarship

1. Be a citizen or resident of a country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

You must be a citizen and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country, or a recognised refugee in a Sub-Saharan African country.

2. Meet the Academic Requirements

Candidates should have the academic qualifications for entry to a suitable postgraduate course at the University of Edinburgh.

3. Completed an Undergraduate Degree

Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree before their application.
Candidates must have a degree certificate and official final transcript ready to upload as part of their application by 19 November 2026.

4. Have Experienced Significant Barriers to Education

The scholarship is for those who have struggled with significant barriers to education.

The barriers could be:

Social
Financial
Personal
Practical
Health-related

5. Demonstrate Leadership and Community Engagement

Applicants will have to provide evidence of a track record of leadership and service in their communities.
You can show leadership experience by taking part in community initiatives, volunteering, social entrepreneurship, advocacy, professional activities and other types of service.

6. Show an Interest in Climate Action

Candidates must show experience or at least a genuine desire to make a meaningful contribution to tackling the climate challenge.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the connection between their academic and career objectives and sustainability, climate action, environmental issues, or sustainable development.

7. Meet the Age Requirement

The applicant must be 35 years old or younger on 1 September 2027.

8. Not Previously Completed a Postgraduate Degree

To be eligible for the on-campus master’s scholarship, applicants need not have previously completed a postgraduate degree.

Benefits of Mastercard University of Edinburgh Scholarship

The scholarship will cover the full approved tuition fees for the eligible postgraduate programme.
Successful scholars will receive accommodation costs during their study.
The scholarship includes a living cost allowance to cover the day-to-day costs of students studying in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship package includes travel charges. This helps qualifying scholars meet the expense of travel to and from the UK.
Scholars get the necessary study resources, including a laptop.
Scholars will take part in a climate leadership programme that inspires and empowers them to develop solutions and lead positive change in their communities and countries.