The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh aims to bridge the gap in access to quality education, particularly for students from Africa. This program offers postgraduate online scholarships, covering not only full tuition fees but also providing a modest study stipend to ensure students have access to high-quality internet connectivity. It’s a comprehensive package designed to support scholars throughout their educational journey.
One distinctive feature of this scholarship is that it’s tailored for part-time online study, making it even more accessible for students who need to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments. This three-year commitment to supporting online education demonstrates the program’s dedication to fostering the next generation of African leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- Academic qualification for admission to a relevant degree program at the University of Edinburgh.
- Having faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related).
- Graduation from an undergraduate program by September 2023, with a degree certificate and official final transcript.
- Residency in a Sub-Saharan African country.
- A track record of leadership and community service.
- A demonstrated commitment to making a meaningful impact on addressing the climate crisis.
- Age of 35 or under as of September 1, 2024.
- Not having previously completed a postgraduate degree or being enrolled in another university while on the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh offers a wide array of postgraduate opportunities, both in the form of online Master’s programs and online Postgraduate Diplomas. Let’s take a closer look at some of the programs available:
Online Master’s Programs
- International Development (Masters route only): This program delves into pressing global issues, including climate change and sustainability. It explores the history of international development and the strategies employed to address climate change and related challenges.
- Global Food Security and Nutrition (Masters or Diploma): This program focuses on food security, nutrition, and their connections to global population growth, climate change, and sustainable development.
- Global Challenges (Masters or Diploma): A multidisciplinary approach that addresses sustainability, climate change, inequality, social justice, health, and the impacts of natural disasters.
- Carbon Management (Masters route only): Designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to tackle climate change from various perspectives, including economic, ecological, and business.
- One Health (Masters or Diploma): Explores the intersection of human, animal, and ecosystem health, preparing professionals to address complex health challenges.
- Circular Economy (Masters or Diploma): Focuses on resource efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable consumption, and other aspects crucial to sustainability.
- Sustainable Lands and Cities (Masters or Diploma): Addresses the interrelationships between land, human development, and sustainability, offering solutions for sustainable communities.
- Social Justice and Community Action (Masters or Diploma): Positions climate change as a social injustice and explores the convergence of climate justice, sustainable development, and social justice.
Online Postgraduate Diplomas
Postgraduate diplomas are aimed at those who are considering a potential change in their careers and tend to be more vocational.
Candidates with either an undergraduate or Master’s degree from a Sub-Saharan African university are equally able to apply (provided they will graduate from either degree by September 2023 and provide their degree certificates and transcripts by 7 December.
The scholarship is designed to cover two years of part-time online study for the following programmes ONLY:
Application Timeline 2023/24
| 23 October 2023 (10am UK time) | Applications open |
| 1 December 2023 (5pm UK time) | Applicants need to have completed registration to scholarship application site, and completed the eligibility assessment and declaration. |
| 7 December 2023 (5pm UK time) | Applications close |
| Early February 2024 | Online Distance Learners (ODL) Interview shortlisting begins; both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified. |
| Mid to Late February 2024 | ODL interviews take place |
| By mid March | ODL Interview outcomes will be announced |
| March – July 2024 | Support provided through admissions processes |
| September 2024 | Academic program starts |
Selection Process
The selection process for applications is based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit of the candidate that qualifies for admissions to the University of Edinburgh
- Track record as a transformative leader and service within their community
- Quality of application in line with the Scholars Program theme of climate justice.
- Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country.
- Applicants who have faced significant barriers to education (social, financial, personal, practical or health related).
Method of Application
You must qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh. We require that applicants apply for this scholarship before applying to the University.
The Scholars Program will not accept applications submitted outside the online application system.
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: 7 December 2023 (5pm UK time)
