2027 University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship in UK

We are pleased to announce that applications for the 2027/2028 Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship are now open.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge enables talented young Africans to pursue a master’s degree and grow their leadership potential.

The scholarship will cover everything students need to thrive in Cambridge, including full tuition costs and a monthly maintenance allowance.

If you are a passionate, ambitious young African committed to creating impact and driving positive change, we encourage you to apply and take the next bold step in your academic and leadership journey.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a citizen of an African country. 

• Be resident in an African country, unless you can show temporary absence for study or work (exception – if you identify as an internally displaced person or have refugee status). 

• Meet the academic requirement of the course you’re applying for. 

• Demonstrate a commitment to giving back to your community, home country or Africa more generally, and to the themes of sustainability and climate resilience.

• Apply for any full-time one-year postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge, excluding: 

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Corporate Law (MCL)

• Master of Finance (MFIN)

• Master of Accountancy (MACC)

The Mastercard Foundation offers a full scholarship that covers;

• Tuition

• Accommodation 

• Monthly Stipends

• Airfare Tickets 

• Laptop and Study Materials

• Postgraduate Internship

• Mentorship and Alumni Networking

You will be required to submit the following documents;

• Academic Transcript

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Personal Statement. Write your 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

To apply for the University of Cambridge Mastercard Scholarship in UK, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the button below to go to the scholarship webpage.

• 2

  Open your chosen course's profile in the postgraduate course directory and click 'Apply Now'. Create an account to save and return to your application later.

• 3

  Navigate to the 'Requirements' tab and click on the link to check if the degree you currently hold meets Cambridge’s postgraduate academic entry requirements using the international qualifications checker.

• 4

  Once you’ve opened your application, you can apply for an application fee waiver.  

  All Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program applicants are eligible for the application fee waiver if you meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen course.

• 5

  Apply for funding: If you meet your chosen course's entry requirements, you'll be able to select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

• 6

  Submit your application by the course’s funding deadline – usually early December or January, earlier than the standard deadline.

  You’ll also be asked to choose a College. This is where you’ll live, eat and have small group teaching sessions.