The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers outstanding African students the opportunity to pursue a full-time master’s degree at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Established in 2022, the programme aims to support 500 outstanding African students by 2030, with a particular focus on climate resilience and sustainability.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return international airfare, and a laptop. Applications are particularly encouraged from women, refugees, internally displaced people, and people with disabilities.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
| University | University of Cambridge |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Main Themes | Climate Resilience and Sustainability |
| Eligible Applicants | Outstanding students from Africa |
| Target | 500 scholars by 2030 |
| Application Fee | Waiver available for eligible applicants |
| Scholarship Deadline | Depends on the chosen course |
| Fee Waiver Deadline | 18 November 2026 |
About the Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is designed to support talented young Africans who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to sustainable futures in Africa.
Although the programme has a particular focus on climate resilience and sustainability, students can apply for most full-time master's courses available at Cambridge, provided they meet the academic and course-specific requirements.
The programme is designed to provide more than financial assistance. Scholars become part of a community of young African leaders and receive opportunities to build relationships with fellow scholars and alumni throughout their time at Cambridge.
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support, including:
- Full course tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Return international flight
- Laptop
- Pre-course orientation
- Scholar community and networking opportunities
- Monthly social events
- Weekend retreat
- Summer activities
- Connection with Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni
The scholarship is designed to provide scholars with the resources and support needed to succeed academically and participate fully in university life.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is intended for outstanding African students who:
- Want to pursue a full-time master's degree at Cambridge
- Demonstrate strong academic potential
- Have leadership potential
- Are committed to contributing to sustainable futures in Africa
- Are interested in addressing challenges related to climate resilience and sustainability
- Meet the entry requirements of their chosen Cambridge master's course
Applications from women, refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged.
Eligible Countries
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is intended for students from African countries.
Importantly, Somalia is specifically included in the list of countries eligible for the application fee waiver.
The countries listed by the University of Cambridge for automatic application fee waivers include:
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must first meet the academic and admission requirements of their chosen Cambridge master's course.
Applicants should:
Be from an eligible African countryMeet the academic entry requirements of their chosen course
Apply for an eligible full-time master's programme
Demonstrate leadership potential
Show how their education and career goals align with contributing to sustainable futures in Africa
- Complete the scholarship statement as part of their application
Applicants should carefully check the individual entry requirements of their chosen course because academic requirements vary between programmes.
How to Apply
The scholarship application is integrated into the University of Cambridge postgraduate application process.
Step 1: Choose Your Master's Course
Use the University of Cambridge postgraduate course directory to identify the master's programme you want to study.
Check:
- Course entry requirements
- Funding deadline
- Required supporting documents
- International qualification requirements
Step 2: Start Your Cambridge Application
Open your chosen course profile and select Apply Now.
Create an account so that you can save your application and return to it later.
Step 3: Apply for an Application Fee Waiver
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver if they meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen course.
Applicants from countries listed by Cambridge, including Somalia, will have the application fee waived automatically when they submit their application.
Applicants from other eligible countries must submit the application fee waiver request form with the required supporting documents.
The fee waiver request should be completed by 18 November 2026.
Step 4: Apply for Funding
During the Cambridge application process, opt in for funding to see the funding options available to you.
If eligible, select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
You will also need to prepare a scholarship statement addressing:
- Your education and career history
- Your leadership potential
- How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
- Your aspirations
- How you hope to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa
Step 5: Submit Your Course Application
Submit your complete application by the funding deadline for your chosen course.
Funding deadlines are generally earlier than the standard postgraduate application deadline and may fall in early December or January.
Applicants must also select a Cambridge College as part of the application.
Selection Process
The selection process takes place in several stages.
First, Cambridge academic departments review course applications and select successful applicants. Departments make offers on a rolling basis, generally between December and February.
Some departments may interview shortlisted candidates before making an admission decision.
Applicants who receive an offer for their chosen course are then considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team evaluates candidates using both the course application and scholarship statement.
Successful scholars are expected to receive scholarship offer letters in late March or early April.
English Language Requirements
You can apply without having an IELTS result at the time of application.
If successful, you may receive a conditional offer requiring you to meet the English language requirements before the stated deadline.
The University states that the required IELTS score for most courses is either 7.0 or 7.5 overall, but applicants must check the specific English language requirements for their chosen course.
Any outstanding documents, usually including English language test results where required, must be submitted by 31 July if requested.
Important Note About the Deadline
There is not one single application deadline for every Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applicant.
The deadline depends on the master's course you choose.
Applicants should therefore check the funding deadline shown on their specific Cambridge postgraduate course page.
The separate deadline for requesting an application fee waiver is 18 November 2026 for applicants whose country is not automatically covered.
How to Increase Your Chances
A strong application should clearly connect your:
- Academic background
- Career experience
- Leadership potential
- Future goals
- Commitment to Africa
- Interest in climate resilience and sustainability
Proposed contribution to sustainable development
Your scholarship statement should be specific and demonstrate how studying at Cambridge will help you create meaningful impact after graduation.
Ready to Apply?
If you are an outstanding African student seeking a fully funded master's degree at one of the world's leading universities, the University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offers a comprehensive opportunity to study, develop your leadership skills, and join a global community of African scholars.
APPLY NOW
Official University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:
https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/
Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses
