Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Cambridge 2027/2028

About the scholarship The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge enables talented young Africans to complete a full-time, one-year master’s degree while developing their leadership potential. The 2027/2028 intake focuses on climate resilience and sustainability and welcomes applicants across the range of expertise needed to create sustainable futures in Africa. What the scholarship provides The programme covers full course fees, a monthly living allowance, a return flight, the student visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Scholars also receive an orientation to Cambridge, mentoring, a leadership development programme delivered with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, a social ventures course, career planning support and support for a three-to-six-month placement with a leading Africa-based organisation. Eligible courses and deadlines Applicants may choose any eligible full-time, one-year master’s course at Cambridge except the Master of Accountancy, MBA, Master of Corporate Law and Master of Finance. Applications opened in September 2026 for courses beginning in October 2027. The two main University funding deadlines for 2027/2028 entry are 23:59 GMT on Tuesday 8 December 2026 and Wednesday 6 January 2027. The date depends on the chosen course, so applicants must check the funding deadline on the relevant course page. The earlier date is the safer deadline unless the course page clearly states that 6 January applies. Applicants who need a manual application-fee waiver must submit the waiver request by 18 November 2026. The waiver is automatic for applicants from the countries listed on the official how-to-apply page, including Zambia. Course departments make offers from December to February, and scholarship decisions are expected in March or April. How to apply Choose an eligible course in the Cambridge Postgraduate Study Course Directory and check its academic requirements, supporting documents and funding deadline. Start the course application, opt in for funding and select the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program when it appears. The scholarship statement should explain the applicant’s education and career history, leadership potential, how the scholarship supports their goals, and how they plan to contribute to sustainable futures in Africa. Applicants may apply without IELTS results. Successful applicants who still have outstanding documents will normally need to provide them by 31 July 2027. Read the official programme guidance and the requirements for the chosen course before submitting.

Applicants must: • hold a bachelor’s degree; • meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen Cambridge course; • be a citizen of an African country and normally live in Africa, with temporary absence for study or work allowed; • apply for an eligible full-time, one-year master’s course; and • show commitment to their community, home country or Africa, as well as to sustainability and climate resilience. Women, refugees, internally displaced people and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. The Master of Accountancy, MBA, Master of Corporate Law and Master of Finance are not eligible.