Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027 at the University of Cambridge offer eligible African students a fully funded pathway to postgraduate study, including tuition, living support, travel, visa-related costs and a laptop. Applications for October 2027 entry are expected to open in September 2026.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge supports outstanding African students pursuing master’s degrees while helping them develop leadership skills and prepare for meaningful careers. The program aims to enroll more than 500 students from across Africa by 2030.

For students targeting October 2027 entry, Cambridge has confirmed that the application process opens in September 2026. The scholarship is for master’s study only; it does not fund undergraduate or PhD programs.

Background & Scholarship Overview

The Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was established in 2022 and focuses on developing a community of young African leaders committed to sustainable change.

Its current program themes are climate resilience and sustainability, and students can apply for most eligible full-time master’s courses at Cambridge.

The program is designed as more than financial assistance. Scholars receive academic, leadership, mentoring and career-development support while becoming part of a community of African students and alumni.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship aims to cover the major costs associated with studying at Cambridge.

According to the program’s current information, support includes:

• Full course fees
• Monthly maintenance/living allowance
• Return flight
• Student visa costs
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Laptop
• Airport-to-Cambridge transport arrangements
• Leadership development
• Mentoring and orientation
• Support with career planning after the master’s degree
• Support for a potential 3–6-month placement with an Africa-based organization

Scholars also participate in activities designed to build their professional networks and leadership capabilities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet the program’s core eligibility conditions.

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen Cambridge master’s course.
• Be from and live in an African country, although temporary residence outside Africa for study or work can be permitted.
• Apply for an eligible full-time master’s course.
• Demonstrate commitment to giving back to their community, home country or Africa more broadly.
• Demonstrate commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

Academic requirements vary by course. Cambridge notes that some programs require the equivalent of a UK first-class degree, while others accept an upper-second-class equivalent. Applicants should therefore check the requirements for their specific course.

There is no upper age limit for the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Women, refugees, internally displaced people and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligible Master’s Courses

The scholarship is available for most full-time master’s courses at Cambridge.

The current exceptions are:

• Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Corporate Law (MCL)
• Master of Finance (MFin)

Eligible master’s programs can range from approximately 9 to 12 months, provided they are full-time.

Applicants should use Cambridge’s postgraduate course directory to confirm whether their preferred course is eligible and to check its academic and funding deadlines.

How to Apply

The scholarship application is integrated into the Cambridge postgraduate application rather than being a completely separate application.

1. Choose Your Course

Use Cambridge’s postgraduate course directory to find a suitable master’s program. Check the academic requirements, funding deadline and required supporting documents.

2. Begin the Cambridge Application

Open the selected course profile and use the application system to begin your postgraduate application.

3. Apply for Funding

During the application, select the funding options for which you wish to be considered. Eligible applicants can select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Applicants must also prepare a scholarship statement addressing their background, leadership potential, ambitions and plans to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa.

4. Submit Before the Funding Deadline

This is particularly important. The scholarship deadline is based on the course’s funding deadline, which is generally earlier than the standard postgraduate application deadline.

Cambridge says funding deadlines are usually in early December or January, depending on the course.

5. Departmental Selection

Cambridge departments review applications and select candidates for admission. Some departments may interview shortlisted applicants.

6. Mastercard Foundation Selection

Applicants who receive an offer for an eligible course are then considered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team. Scholarship decisions take account of both the course application and scholarship statement.

RELATED ARTICLE

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded University Opportunities

Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Online Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Partner Universities Offering Scholarships

Mastercard Foundation Opportunities for African Women

Mastercard Foundation Opportunities for Refugees and Displaced Young People

Mastercard Foundation Entrepreneurship Programs 2026–2027

Mastercard Foundation Jobs and Professional Opportunities 2026

How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027

What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?

Mastercard Foundation Opportunities Young Africans Should Watch in 2027

What Should Applicants Emphasize?

A successful application should demonstrate a clear connection between academic ambitions and future impact.

Applicants should explain:

Academic preparation: Why are you academically prepared for your chosen master’s course?

Leadership potential: What examples demonstrate your ability to lead, collaborate or create positive change?

Career goals: How will a Cambridge master’s degree help you achieve your long-term objectives?

Community contribution: What do you hope to give back to your community, country or Africa?

Climate and sustainability: How does your proposed direction connect with sustainable futures and climate resilience?

The scholarship statement should complement—not simply repeat—the main Cambridge course application.

October 2027 Intake

Cambridge has already published information specifically for prospective applicants targeting October 2027 entry. The university’s announcement states that applications will open in September 2026 and that the program will provide information about eligibility, eligible courses, application timing and support.

This makes the period before applications open an important time for prospective applicants to research courses, review academic requirements and prepare supporting documents.

Important Deadline Information

There is not one universal deadline for every master’s course.

Cambridge states that applicants should work toward the funding deadline for their particular course. These deadlines are generally in the first week of December or the first week of January, and they can be earlier than the standard course application deadline.

Therefore, applicants should check their chosen course’s deadline rather than relying on a generic scholarship deadline.

Additional Information

The program is highly competitive. Cambridge reported that its 2026/27 cohort consisted of 92 Scholars from 23 African countries, studying across 37 different courses, and noted that selection becomes more competitive as application numbers increase.

Applicants should also be alert to scholarship scams. Cambridge specifically warns about people offering paid application assistance while claiming an association with the university. The university advises applicants not to pay anyone for application support.

Final Thoughts

The Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027 at the University of Cambridge provide eligible African students with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education while receiving extensive financial, academic, leadership and career support.

The scholarship is particularly suited to applicants who combine strong academic preparation with a clear commitment to leadership, sustainability and positive change in Africa.

For October 2027 entry, prospective applicants should use the months before September 2026 to identify an eligible course, confirm the academic requirements, prepare their documents and develop a strong scholarship statement. Once applications open, applicants should submit through Cambridge’s official postgraduate application system and meet the funding deadline for their chosen course.

RELATED ARTICLE

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded University Opportunities

Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Online Scholarships 2027

Mastercard Foundation Partner Universities Offering Scholarships

Mastercard Foundation Opportunities for African Women

Mastercard Foundation Opportunities for Refugees and Displaced Young People

Mastercard Foundation Entrepreneurship Programs 2026–2027

Mastercard Foundation Jobs and Professional Opportunities 2026

How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Scholarships 2027

What Does the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Cover?

Mastercard Foundation Opportunities Young Africans Should Watch in 2027

Official application resources: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Cambridge · Eligibility requirements · How to apply

SEO Keywords

Mastercard Foundation Master’s Scholarships 2027, Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027, Cambridge scholarships for African students, University of Cambridge scholarships 2027, fully funded master’s scholarships UK, Mastercard Foundation Cambridge scholarship, postgraduate scholarships for African students, Cambridge master’s funding, scholarships for African students 2027, fully funded scholarships 2027, study in UK scholarships, Cambridge postgraduate scholarships, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Cambridge, African students scholarships, climate resilience scholarships.