The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is recruiting exceptional young people with strong academic and leadership backgrounds who have overcome barriers to their education. The program nurtures a community of talented, entrepreneurial, and compassionate leaders from across Africa, offering sustainability-focused postgraduate opportunities through two tracks: on-campus and online scholarships.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Academic Qualification: Qualify academically for admission to the University of Edinburgh, generally equivalent to a UK Second Class (Upper) Bachelor's (Hons) degree or higher.
- Barriers Faced: Have faced significant barriers to education and in their early career, whether social, financial, personal, practical, or health-related.
- Graduation: Have graduated from undergraduate study with a degree certificate and official final transcript ready to upload by November 19, 2026.
- Residency & Citizenship: Be a resident and citizen, or hold refugee status, in an African country.
- Leadership: Show a track record of leadership and service within their community.
- Climate Commitment: Show experience or ambition in addressing the climate crisis.
- Age: Be 35 or under in the year the programme starts, meaning born on or after January 1, 1992, for the 2027/28 intake.
- Masters Applicants: Must not have previously completed a postgraduate degree, and must not be enrolled or applying elsewhere while on this scholarship.
- Online Postgraduate Diploma Applicants: May hold an undergraduate or Masters degree from an African university, provided they graduate by November 19, 2026.
Applications are especially encouraged from women, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
Scholarship Benefits
On-Campus Scholarship:
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- Full tuition, accommodation, travel, and a living cost stipend, plus study materials.
- A climate leadership programme and the Climate Enterprise School.
- Additional support for scholars with disabilities and transition support.
Online Scholarship:
- Full tuition fees covered.
- An academic stipend for a laptop and internet access.
- An in-person gathering, online workshops, coaching, and a dedicated Online Coordinator.
- Additional support for scholars with disabilities and transition support.
Application Timeline
- September 15-24, 2026: Mandatory virtual information sessions (required to access the application form).
- October 13, 2026: Applications open.
- October 19, 2026: Applicant Declaration Form closes.
- November 19, 2026: Scholarship Main Application closes.
- Early February 2027: Admission decisions announced.
- September 2027: Academic programme starts.
How to Apply
Applicants must first attend a mandatory information session between September 15 and 24, 2026, then complete a two-stage application: the Applicant Declaration Form (deadline October 19, 2026), followed by the Scholarship Main Application (deadline November 19, 2026). Visit the University of Edinburgh scholarship webpage to check eligibility and register for a session.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
