2026/2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at University of Edinburgh – Apply Now | MCFSU

📌 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh – 2026/27

 Last updated : February, 2026

Apply for the fully funded 2026/2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Check eligibility, key deadlines, application process, benefits, and timeline for on-campus and online postgraduate opportunities.

2026/2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at University of Edinburgh 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh (UK) offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships to outstanding students from Africa who have faced significant barriers to education and demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to impact their home communities.

This scholarship supports both:

On-campus Master’s degrees in Edinburgh, UK

Online Master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas

Each route includes financial support, mentoring, and leadership development activities designed to enhance scholars’ academic success and future impact.

🎯 Key Eligibility Criteria (2026/2027)

Applicants should:

Be citizens of African countries

Have excellent academic records qualifying for admission to a postgraduate program at the University of Edinburgh

Show strong leadership potential and community commitment

Demonstrate commitment to contributing to development in Africa

Align their goals with themes such as climate justice, sustainability, and social change

Applicants with refugee or displaced status, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

📅 Important Dates & Timeline — 2026/27 Cycle

Event	Date (UK Time)
Applications Open	14 October 2025, 10:00 BST
Stage 1 Deadline (Declaration & Eligibility)	14 November 2025, 17:00
Final Application Deadline	21 November 2025, 17:00
Application Review Period	End of Nov 2025 – Jan 2026
Outcome Notifications	Early Feb 2026
On-Campus Interview Invitations	Early Feb 2026
Online Interview Invitations	Mid-Feb 2026
On-Campus Interview Decisions	Mid-Mar 2026
Online Interview Decisions	End of Mar 2026
Admissions & Immigration Support	Apr – Aug 2026
Academic Program Start	September 2026

Applications for the 2026/27 cycle have now closed, but this guide helps you prepare for future intakes and understand the process.

📍 Scholarship Benefits

Scholars typically receive:

✔ Full tuition coverage

✔ Living stipend (varies by on-campus or online route)

✔ Accommodation support for on-campus scholars

✔ Study materials and related academic costs

✔ Participation in Climate Leadership Programme and mentorship activities

✔ Access to workshops, professional development, and transition support

These benefits are designed to support scholars holistically through their academic journey.

📝 Application Process Overview

1. Prepare Before Applying

Before applying:

Review the list of eligible postgraduate programs on the University of Edinburgh website

Ensure you meet academic entry requirements for your chosen degree

Gather all required documents (transcripts, certificates, references)

2. Apply Through the Official Portal

Applications open annually (e.g., 14 October 2025 for 2026/27)

Submit your scholarship application via the official MCFSP Edinburgh application portal

Complete Stage 1 (Declaration & Eligibility Assessment) first

Only complete the full application if Stage 1 is successful

3. Selection & Interview

Eligible candidates are reviewed by scholarship and admissions committees

Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews (on-campus or online)

Successful applicants receive scholarship offers (around March 2026)

4. Post-Offer Steps

Upon offer, scholars are invited to apply for the University of Edinburgh degree program

Visa and admissions support are provided for on-campus scholars

Scholarship support continues throughout the academic program

💡 Note: You should not apply for your degree first unless required by other funding programs—apply for the scholarship first for the best chance of conditional admission invitations.

❓ Tips for a Strong Application

Start early: Begin preparing your essays and documents well before the application opens.

Focus on impact: Explain your leadership journey and community contributions with specific examples.

Link to themes: Align your goals with climate justice, sustainability, and social impact — core priorities for the program.

Check requirements: Confirm program requirements and prepare language test results if needed for University admission later.

🌐 About the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with leading universities worldwide to support scholars from Africa with barriers to educational access. The University of Edinburgh is part of this network, offering opportunities tailored to climate justice and sustainability leadership development.

📈 What Happens After You Apply

After submitting your application:

Scholarship committees review applications (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026)

Interview invitations are issued (Feb 2026)

Outcomes are communicated (Mar 2026)

Once awarded, scholars proceed with degree program applications and preparations

Academic programs begin in September 2026 for the 2026/27 cohort

👉 You Might Also Like : 📕 Checklist of Items You Need to Start Gathering for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

👉 You Might Also Like : 📕  Scholarship Application Resources(free Downloads)